Open-source Photoshop clone lacks core features, faces DMCA risk

ssh4net · x · 2026-10-09

Discussion around a new open-source Photoshop clone:

• Even at the menu level, huge chunks of Photoshop's heavily used tools are missing, including basics like correct values in 32-bit images; deeper workflow testing would likely reveal more critical gaps.
• Concrete examples: stacking is missing; Photoshop's out-of-core design lets it open nearly unlimited-size images.
• Cited claim: every past Photoshop clone covers barely a quarter of Photoshop's capabilities (lower counting full UX), easily verified by comparing app code with Photoshop docs via an LLM.
• The app looks nice, but the author wonders how long such projects survive before DMCA takedowns or "love letters" from Adobe's lawyers.
• On large images: 32k textures should work, depending on available GPU/RAM.

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