# Compositor: Free Open Source Alternative to Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/compositor
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Compositor (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Affinity Photo, Pixelmator Pro. Mac-native Photoshop alternative built around compositing and post-processing workflows, with layers, masks, blend modes, filters, and background removal.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Compositor
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://robbietilton.com/compositor
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/robbietilton/Compositor
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 18.5k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/robbietilton/Compositor or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Compositor saves up to $40/mo ($480/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Affinity Photo](https://caniforkit.com/affinity-photo) | [photo editing](https://caniforkit.com/category/photo-editing) | $20/mo | [Compare Affinity Photo vs Compositor](https://caniforkit.com/vs/affinity-photo-vs-compositor) |
| [Pixelmator Pro](https://caniforkit.com/pixelmator-pro) | [photo editing](https://caniforkit.com/category/photo-editing) | $20/mo | [Compare Pixelmator Pro vs Compositor](https://caniforkit.com/vs/pixelmator-pro-vs-compositor) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Compositor free and open source?
Compositor is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Mac-native Photoshop alternative built around compositing and post-processing workflows, with layers, masks, blend modes, filters, and background removal.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Compositor?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)