Playbook by MediaBistro | Tools & Software for Creative Professionals
Photopea and Haikei serve completely different design needs. Photopea replicates Photoshop's comprehensive editing capabilities in a browser, handling complex layer work and file format conversions. Haikei specializes in generating modern SVG backgrounds and abstract shapes for web projects.
Photopea brings professional image editing to the browser without requiring downloads or subscriptions. The tool supports industry-standard formats including PSD, Sketch, XD, and Figma files, letting designers open client files or existing projects directly online. Its interface mirrors Photoshop closely enough that experienced users can jump in without relearning basic workflows.
The editor includes layers, masks, adjustment tools, filters, and vector shape capabilities. Designers can retouch photos, create composites, design social media graphics, or prepare print materials entirely within their browser. The free version displays ads in the sidebar, while Premium removes advertising and adds cloud storage for ongoing projects.
Haikei focuses on one task: generating customizable SVG design assets for modern web projects. The tool offers generators for waves, blobs, gradients, layered peaks, stacked waves, and geometric patterns. Each generator provides sliders and controls to adjust colors, complexity, randomness, and layering until you get exactly the look you need.
Designers export assets as SVG or PNG files ready for websites, presentations, or app interfaces. The tool eliminates the tedious work of hand-drawing organic shapes or searching stock sites for background elements. Everything Haikei produces is unique to your specifications and completely free to use commercially. The browser-based workflow means you can generate dozens of variations in minutes.
Full photo editing with layers, masks, filters, and retouching tools
Specialized SVG background and shape generation with preset styles
Opens and exports PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, CDR, plus standard image formats
Exports SVG and PNG only, no import capabilities
Requires photo editing knowledge, similar to Photoshop
Intuitive sliders and controls, usable within minutes
Manual creation process, depends on designer skill and complexity
Instant generation with real-time preview as you adjust parameters
Unlimited manual control over every pixel and layer
Parameter-based customization within each generator's boundaries
Requires internet connection for initial load, works offline after
Fully web-dependent, needs active connection
Both tools offer genuinely useful free tiers. Photopea's ad-supported model works well since the ads stay in the sidebar and don't interrupt workflow. Haikei requires no payment ever, making it risk-free for any budget. The $5 Premium upgrade makes sense for designers using Photopea daily who want distraction-free editing.
These tools occupy entirely different spaces in a designer's workflow. Photopea replaces desktop editing software for photo manipulation, file conversion, and detailed graphic work. It saves you from Adobe subscription costs when you need full editing capabilities. Haikei solves the specific problem of creating contemporary web backgrounds and abstract elements without manual drawing or stock photo searches.
Most designers will find room for both tools. Use Photopea when you need to edit photos, work with layered files, or create detailed graphics from scratch. Turn to Haikei when you need professional-looking SVG backgrounds quickly, especially for web projects where scalable vector assets matter. Neither tool replaces the other because they solve fundamentally different creative challenges.
