Photopea review

Photopea brings Photoshop-style layer editing to the browser, and its documentation explains a simple animation system. Any layer whose name starts with _a_ becomes a frame when you export to GIF, PNG or WEBP, and adding a comma and a number to the name sets the delay, so _a_dog,500 shows for half a second. Layers without the prefix, such as a background or watermark, stay visible in every frame. Opening an existing GIF, APNG or WebP converts every frame into a named layer, which makes it easy to delete, reorder or resize frames, and a Merge command combines several animations into one. Because files are processed on your own device and the editor supports PSD, masks and adjustment layers, it works well for drawn or illustrated frames. The naming system is less visual than a timeline, so beginners may prefer Canva. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

People who want layer-based frame editing without buying Photoshop

Price

Free to use in the browser.

Enjoy all the premium features without spending a dime.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Builds animation frames from layers whose names start with _a_
• Per-frame delay set in the layer name, 100 ms by default
• Opening a GIF, APNG or WebP turns each frame into a named layer
• Layer, Animation, Merge combines frames from several animations
• Full PSD support plus masks, layer styles and adjustment layers

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Runs in the browser with files processed on your device
• Strength: Exports animations as GIF, PNG or WEBP
• Strength: Opens PSD, MP4 and 40 other formats
• Weakness: Frame setup through layer naming takes practice
• Weakness: No visual timeline panel is described in the animation docs
• Weakness: Better suited to editing frames than converting long videos

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Animated formats: GIF, APNG, WEBP
• Default frame delay: 100 ms
• Platform: Web browser

Where it ranks

Photopea is No. 5 in our Best GIF Makers verdict.