What should the "free Photoshop alternative" actually be?

Your existing photo-editor is Lightroom-style (non-destructive global + mask adjustments). Photoshop is a different paradigm — pixel layers, selections, compositing, retouching. The big question is how much we lean on manual tools vs ZSky's AI muscle. Pick the direction that feels right (we'll trim the MVP scope after).

A

Classic layered editor

A real Photoshop clone: pixel layers + blend modes, selections (marquee / lasso / magic wand), transform, text & shape layers, brush / eraser, clone & heal, filters. All manual. Heaviest build, most "complete" feel. Closest to what people Google when they search "free Photoshop."

B

AI-first compositing studio

Layers + selections, but the headline tools are AI and on-brand: generative fill, generative expand (outpaint), AI object remove, AI background swap — reusing your BiRefNet masking + dispatcher. Lighter on manual retouch. Differentiates from real Photoshop instead of copying it.

C

Hybrid — manual core + AI superpowers (recommended)

A solid traditional layer / selection / retouch core plus the AI tools (generative remove/fill, AI select). The true "leapfrog": works like Photoshop for people who want that, but one click does what takes 10 minutes there. Biggest scope — we'd ship it in phases.