Over time, one learns—sometimes the hard way—that remaining tied to a single ecosystem can be a mistake. Having been a steadfast Mac user, I ventured into the PC realm for a few brief years, only to be reluctantly driven back to Mac. Persistent blue screens and similar frustrations when working on large audio or photo files made the decision inevitable.
However, the current generation of Macs comes at a prohibitive cost. Unable to settle for a Mac Mini or even a Mac Studio, I sought a more affordable Mac Pro that I could upgrade to its limits. Thus, I set my sights on a 2021 Mac Pro. I accepted from the outset that certain modern applications would refuse to run on its comparatively dated system. Yet, this machine proved to be only slightly less powerful than the PC I had been using and, above all, significantly more stable.
While installing Microsoft Word posed no issues, the same could not be said for Adobe Photoshop. Moreover, I adamantly refuse to rely on software that demands a constant internet connection. My experiences with cloud-dependent apps—such as Microsoft Office, whose servers have failed multiple times, leaving users stranded for entire days—have taught me better. Adobe, too, has faltered similarly. Even if the servers are functional, a local connectivity issue could bring your workday to a halt. This is unacceptable.
I thus needed a Photoshop alternative. Like many longtime users of Adobe’s iconic software, I was wary of switching tools. GIMP was clearly not the answer, and Affinity Photo fell short of my requirements. My search continued until I stumbled upon a conversation among graphic designers on an American forum. One of them, a professional photographer, lavished praise on Kita. Intrigued, I decided to take advantage of the pre-Thanksgiving sales to give it a try.
From the very first launch, it was evident that Kita’s developers knew exactly what they were doing. Its interface is strikingly reminiscent of Photoshop—perhaps even better in some respects. The terminology is different, however; for instance, the “Crop” function is labeled as “Scale Image to New Size.” Thankfully, even with my imperfect grasp of English (thank you, ACC Austin), I managed just fine. The online user guide is exemplary: clear, well-structured, and easy to navigate.
As with any new software, there is a learning curve. Adapting to Kita required time and patience. Days were spent exploring its features and pushing the application to its limits. Much like Photoshop, Kita is packed with functions, many of which most users will never touch. It is undeniably designed for professionals.
My initial struggles were not the fault of the developers, whose meticulous craftsmanship deserves high praise. After testing countless alternatives, I can confidently say that Kita stands out as a serious contender. There’s still more for me to learn about this software, but the most astonishing fact is that it’s free. Kita generates revenue by selling AI and server space for graphic designers who need it.
For many, this application could render Photoshop obsolete. If I had to offer one very minor critique, it would be that the interface could benefit from a touch of refinement in its design. Yet, this is a trivial concern compared to the overall quality of the application. Available on Mac, Linux, and Windows, Kita is a remarkable achievement—a true disruptor in the realm of professional graphics software.
Thierry De Clemensat
Editor in chief
Bayou Blue Radio