A free image editor, built entirely with AI, launched in early access.
Build a free Photoshop alternative with an AI model: Photon Studio, 20K users
A free alternative to a famous paid tool is an easy pitch, and a big user base can be turned into paid extras later.
Figures as shared by the creator on X (Sep 24, 2026); post views as shown on X (checked Oct 20, 2026) · source
From @tenzenstudio on X · Sep 2026
Watch the Video
The Short Version
- What: Tenzen Studio, which builds software for creators with no subscription, made Photon Studio, a free image editor that works on every platform.
- Result: The launch post said Photon Studio already had 20K users in early access (X, Sep 24, 2026).
The workflow
Where & With What
What They Did
- 1The moveTenzen Studio, which builds software for creators with no subscription, made Photon Studio, a free image editor that works on every platform.
- 2Step 2Pick a famous paid tool to rebuild
- 3Step 3Build it with an AI coding model
- 4ResultThe launch post said Photon Studio already had 20K users in early access (X, Sep 24, 2026).
Quick Answers
What tools do you need?
Just the platform account.
How much does it cost?
No paid tools needed: this case uses only the platform itself, which is free to join.
Is it allowed?
Follow the platform rules and disclose ads.
Watch out: Users, not revenue: the app is free and the post shares no income. The user count is as stated by the maker.
Try It Yourself
(Our template, not the creator's prompt.) Write a build plan for a free, browser-based alternative to [paid tool]: the 5 core features users need first, the file formats to support, and a 30-second demo script for launch day.
Your first step
Paste the prompt into your AI assistant and swap the [brackets] for your own niche.
Full write-up & sources
More detail: The maker says it was built entirely with GPT-6 Astra, and that people can also edit images through Codex or Claude Code.
Results: The post has 49,635 views, 653 likes and 657 bookmarks, and its demo video 26,282 views (X, checked Oct 20, 2026).
Source: @tenzenstudio on X · Sep 2026. Summarised in our own words; figures as shared by the creator on X (Sep 24, 2026); post views as shown on X (checked Oct 20, 2026). Updated .
