# GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) the right Graphic Design solution for you? Explore 3495 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/168960/GIMP/reviews --- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) 4.4 (3495) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/168960/GIMP/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Ease of use 3.9 Customer Service 4.0 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Flexible open-source customization 97% positive reviews out of 313 Most reviewers describe open source as enabling extensive customization, community-driven improvements, and broad platform compatibility. Vasco B Founder, 1 employee. "For a free open-source software, the features GIMP offers are impressive, catering to both beginners and experienced designers." Frequent crashes and glitches 63% negative reviews out of 229 Most users report bugs and issues like unexpected crashes, tool glitches, and compatibility problems disrupt workflow and require frequent restarts. Comprehensive image editing toolkit 94% positive reviews out of 252 Most reviewers find image manipulation features rival paid software, supporting advanced editing, retouching, and graphic design needs. Wiktoria S Content media specialist, 1 employee. "One of the standout features of GIMP is its extensive range of tools and functionalities, offering a powerful suite for image manipulation and editing." Slow performance with large files 69% negative reviews out of 186 Most users comment performance and speed lag, especially with large images, causing slow load times and occasional freezing. Tiara H Founder, 2 - 10 employees. "Also, it can become a bit laggy when working with large files." Cost-effective photoshop replacement 97% positive reviews out of 147 Most users report alternative offers nearly all Photoshop capabilities for free, making it ideal for budget-conscious creators. Complex and confusing interface 66% negative reviews out of 143 Most reviewers indicate menu navigation is unintuitive, with hidden features and cluttered layouts making tool access difficult for beginners. Elisabetta G Marketing Consultant, 1 employee. "The widget layout is a little cluttered, and for a beginner it can be very frustrating." ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 3495 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Vasilis K. Web Developer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Probably the best free photo editor" January 5, 2025 4.0 Overall I had a good experience with GIMP especially when considering that it's free. It gets the job done but sometimes the interface can fill a bit overwhelming. Pros The most obvious thing that I like about GIMP is that it's free. But, despite that it also offers a lot of powerful features like the healing tool, scripts, batch processing etc. Cons What did you like least about GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)?\* The user interface feels too old for my taste but I like that it's customizable. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Mostly because of the price. Photoshop is too expensive. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Director of Research and Development Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best Replacement for Photoshop" April 23, 2026 4.0 Overall, it can be challenging at times to work with (since I have the muscle memory of Adobe Photoshop), but the best replacement out there. Pros Gimp is the most reliable replacement for Adobe photoshop! There's nothing that comes close. And it works on linux ;) Cons The UI is quite clunky compared to photoshop, although I appreciate that they attempt to emulate most of the original features. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Gimp was cheaper than Adobe Photoshop. Adobe has terrible plans. Review Source TA Tabarak A. Graphic Designer Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Free toolbox for image tweaks" May 6, 2025 3.0 Pros I reached for GIMP whenever I needs a quick fix or a poster idea. Cropping, colour tweaks, and a sprinkle of filters run along nicely, and stacking layers costs me nothing but a click. Cons Big files are another story. Throw a hefty blur or glow at them and the progress bar begins to crawl, while tool panels crowd the screen like chatty neighbours. Review Source Hayden R. Graphic Design Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brilliant free tool for early designers" March 19, 2026 4.0 I had a great experience with GIMP, as a free tool it made any design idea i had possible, and was easy to be able to use, allowing me to keep creating assets whilst in a fast paced environment. Pros GIMP was a great software to use in my early days of designing. It's broad range of tools and ease of use made it possible to create assets quickly and simply, as well as exporting them. Cons my main concern was the quality of this images when they were exported. When images were angled, they'd come out a little blurry and not as high resolution as i hoped. This made it challenging when the assets in question were texted base or included small details that i would have liked to be noticable. Review Source KM Kiragu M. Software Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Powerful Free Alternative to Adobe Photoshop with a Learning Curve" November 14, 2024 5.0 GIMP has been a reliable tool for my graphic design and photo editing needs. It’s powerful enough for many professional tasks, even though there are some limitations. The learning curve was initially challenging, but once I got comfortable with it, I found it versatile and effective for most tasks. The community and online resources are also very helpful for learning and troubleshooting. Pros GIMP is entirely free, with no subscription fees, which makes it accessible to everyone. Cons The layout and navigation could be improved to feel more user-friendly. For advanced photo editing, GIMP lacks some high-end tools that Photoshop offers. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) I switched from Windows to Linux-Ubuntu, and when I tried running Adobe Photoshop through Wine, I encountered compatibility issues. GIMP, however, is natively available on both platforms, making it a hassle-free, cross-platform alternative that meets my editing needs without requiring additional setup. Review Source BM BONNIE M. Owner Graphic Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Try It...I dare you!" December 3, 2024 5.0 I actually really like the program, and I REALLY like the price! Gimp makes editing photos fun and makes my design process much easier. Pros Gimp is a great alternative to Adobe Photoshop! I did use Adobe Photoshop but to renew was expensive. After looking at cheaper alternatives, I went with Gimp. It has every feature that I have needed and I can export to many different file format. I use this in combination with my vector programs and you won't find a better deal with as many features as Gimp. There is also a wide array of tutorials to be found online. If you need a photo editor and don't want to spend alot, this is the program to try. Cons It took a little bit to learn some of the features, but you can find numerous videos on how to use different features. It was no worse than learning to use Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. Alternatives considered [Canvas](https://www.capterra.com/p/127214/CANVAS/)[Pixlr](https://www.capterra.com/p/198210/Pixlr-X/) Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Gimp seemed easier to use and I like the price. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/)[Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/) Adobe renewals are expensive. I get the same product, lots cheaper! Review Source DF Daniel F. Solutions Engineer Market Research Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "GIMP review from a developer" August 28, 2025 5.0 GIMP was a great software that allowed me to have a free option rather than paying for a program like Photoshop. I was able to create a project with many layers and resize the layers as needed. Pros I used GIMP as a free option instead of Photoshop and I was quite pleased. I was able to create an image project with many layers and resize the layers as needed. Cons It was a bit tricky to figure out how to be able to move the different layers as needed. I just had to play around with the software options to figure it out. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) GIMP was a free option at the time rather than paying for a program Review Source CO Caroline O. CEO and Founder Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good Software" March 27, 2025 5.0 It's good. I mainly get done what I need to get done. Pros I like that I can edit any photos, especially removing the background from photos which is why I mainly use it. Cons It doesn't have as many features as Adobe Photoshop so is lacking. Alternatives considered [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Adobe Photoshop was too expensive at the time. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer IT Specialist Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP - A great Graphic Design Tool" September 18, 2024 4.0 I use GIMP instead of Photoshop for my everyday Graphic Design work It is a good substitute for Photoshop, mimicking nearly all of its features, but the UI appearance is noticeably poorer. Still, for free and open-source software, this is a respectable fix. Everyday microtasks like resizing, blurring, cropping, managing layers, rotating, scaling, and background erasing can be accomplished with GIMP. - Simple installation - Free and open-source software Comprised nearly all of the necessary Photoshop tools Pros It is not expensive. The fact that it is open-source is just another fantastic feature. The money you would have to pay for a subscription is saved. There are many intriguing tools available for image manipulation. Its UI is incredibly interesting to customise. The reason I'm such a big admirer of it is because it updates often and constantly has the newest features, which practically satisfy the needs of any user. Cons The learning curve's steepness for novices is the only disadvantage. Certain plugins are incompatible with the most recent version. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/)[CorelDRAW](https://www.capterra.com/p/124823/CorelDRAW/) Since GIMP is open-source and free, it can be used by many people who might not want to pay for a Photoshop subscription. It also boasts a vibrant community that keeps advancing its advancement. The versatility and customisability of GIMP may also be attractive to some. Nevertheless, some people could like Photoshop because of its sophisticated capabilities and more efficient workflow. It truly depends on your preferences and needs! Review Source HR Haley R. registrar Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)" April 5, 2026 4.0 GIMP has been a fantastic addition to my digital toolbox, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and powerful editing program without breaking the bank. Pros I recently started using GIMP for my photo editing needs, and I have to say, it's pretty impressive for a free tool! As someone who's always been a bit hesitant to invest in expensive software, finding GIMP felt like a real win. What I love most about it is the extensive toolset. There are so many options that I can customize my editing experience to fit exactly what I need. Whether I'm just doing some quick touch-ups or diving into more complex projects, I feel like I have all the tools at my fingertips. Cons I spent some time using GIMP for a photo editing project, and while I really appreciate its powerful features and how flexible it is, I did notice one thing that could be improved: performance. When working with larger files, things definitely slowed down quite a bit. Review Source kM kirstie M. owner Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "great for editing images" March 26, 2025 4.0 good. does what it is supposed to, just a steep learning curve Pros Great alternative to paint for image editing Cons difficult to use at first. needed to look up how to do some things with it. Review Source MAM Md Amir M. Designer Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Unleash Your Creative Potential with GIMP" March 28, 2024 5.0 GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, stands tall as a formidable open-source alternative to premium image editing software. GIMP earns my highest recommendation for anyone seeking a powerful yet accessible image editing software. With its expansive feature set, user-friendly interface, and passionate community, GIMP empowers creators to push boundaries and turn imagination into reality. Embrace the freedom of creativity with GIMP, and unlock endless possibilities for your artistic endeavours. Pros As an avid photographer and graphic designer, I've explored various tools over the years, but GIMP consistently impresses me with its robust features and versatility.One of the most striking aspects of GIMP is its extensive toolkit, rivaling even some paid software options. From basic adjustments like cropping and resizing to advanced techniques such as layer masking and non-destructive editing, GIMP offers a comprehensive suite suitable for both amateurs and professionals alike. The ability to extend its functionality through plugins and scripts further enhances its adaptability to diverse creative needs. Cons While GIMP offers a wide range of features for image editing and manipulation, it may lack some advanced capabilities found in commercial software. For example, certain advanced retouching tools, content-aware fill, or seamless integration with cloud services may not be as robust or polished in GIMP compared to its commercial counterparts. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Adobe is a subscription based software unlike GIMP, which is an open source tool. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Content editing E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP great photo editing" June 13, 2024 4.0 To learn and do photo editing software it's the best software I recommend. Pros Easy tools and easy correction done on the image. Cons Compare to Adobe Photoshop tools are less. Switched from [Microsoft PowerPoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/141633/PowerPoint/) Tools are less and image corrections are done very low clarity picture Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Free and Open Source Photoshop Alternative" September 1, 2021 5.0 From large outdoor displays to business cards and websites layouts, GIMP has got us covered here at the studio. It is our go to application for graphics manipulation and everytime we need to edit or create an image from scratch, this is where we go for. Pros The ease of use and installation make GIMP a no brainer for a small design studio like ours. It is very similar to the Adobe Photoshop Suite, lacking some resources but still very strong for daily tasks. Cons The lack of resources would be the most negative part, but there are many workarounds combining other free softwares like Krita and Inkscape that make it well worth a try. The investment is time to learn and get comfortable at using it. Alternatives considered [Affinity Photo](https://www.capterra.com/p/228748/Affinity-Photo/) Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) The 0 price tag was what won us here. Affinity Suite is very good and I use it for personal projects but at the Studio we use GIMP as our main Image Manipulation Software. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) It is just better for our workflow as we can all use at the same time in the studio with a free license. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best free alternative to PS" March 19, 2024 4.0 Although it took me some time to master, after I was comfortable with it I was pretty happy with the flow. The fact that I am not tied up to a monthly (very high) fee is a pretty nice incentive to learn the software and keep using it. It is compatible and the files can be opened in other apps. It lacks some Photoshop features, especially some late introductions in the last updates, but the price alone makes it better to use Gimp and complement with other software than to pay Adobe fees. Pros It's a free software that does pretty much all the things that need to be done in Photoshop. It doesn't demand as much resources from the PC as Photoshop does and it is more compatible with my graphic cards (which is frequently crashing when using Photoshop). Gimp doesn't crash. It has a big community behind it so it is very easy to find help with small issues. Since it is a very integral software there is no need to go outside to solve issues with the projects, everything I need can be done with it. Cons It is hard to make the switch if you have been a Photoshop user for years, like me. I work a lot with keyboard shortcuts and they are mostly different, so for me the learning curve was very slow and frustrating. The software is not intuitive either, and the interface is not very pretty. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Adobe has become too expensive, unfortunately. Review Source Alex G. Director Of Business Development Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best software with mind-blowing features" September 10, 2024 4.0 It is a mind-blowing software. It is enriched with wonderful and robust features. There are so many superb tools which facilitates users in making any kind of customization. It is very much compatible with various file formats. GIMP is equally benefiting graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists. Pros It is free of cost. Another amazing thing about it is that it is open-source. It saves money that you would have to spend to buy a subscription. For image editing, there are a variety of interesting tools. Its customizable interface is really fascinating. The thing which made me its biggest fan is that it keeps on updating frequently and always come with latest features that almost meet all users' needs. Cons The only drawback is that for beginners the learning curve is quite steep. Some plugins fail compatibility with the latest version. It needs to be more polished. Review Source AA Amed A. Senior Full -Stack Engineer Leisure, Travel & Tourism Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Experience magic 24/7 by choosing GIMP." August 19, 2024 5.0 GIMP is very much affordable and reliable. For the years of working with it,it has done it's job perfectly. Kudos GIMP. Pros With GIMP you can add and customize text within your designs and you can easily remove flaws and enhance details. GIMP has a wide range of tools and incredible features. It is easy to use even for the new employees. Cons It lacks some advanced illustrator tools, but all in all it's an amazing software. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer DIgital Operations Executive Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Free for all, fantastic for everyone" June 19, 2024 5.0 A great tool, a great initiative, and even better performance. On top of everything it does (for free), GIMP is also quite light weight, not overloading your machine and consuming loads of RAM. Pros Being "open source" software is most definitely the biggest pro. From older Ubuntu Linux, where Adobe products could be used, Gimp was the only one to tread those waters and deliver the same, if not better, level of performance. Cons I would say, not exactly as a negative thing, that the UI isn't necessarily intuitive and could use a revamp, especially to help less experienced users Review Source Rafi K. freelancer Apparel & Fashion Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "))GIMP((xx" May 27, 2023 4.0 Pros Free and Open Source: GIMP is freely available to everyone and distributed under an open-source license. This means users can download and use it without the need to pay for expensive software. Cons Limited Automation Capabilities: While GIMP supports scripting and plugins, its automation capabilities may be more limited compared to other editing software. There may be restrictions on what can be achieved through programming and customization. Review Source Vernessa T. Freelance Writer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP is No Wimp! A Solid Choice for Graphics Work; Robust Toolset Rivals Commercial Counterparts" August 12, 2018 4.0 Overall, GIMP is a fine open source replacement for PhotoShop and some of the other expensive creative suites. For a layperson who occasionally designs a banner or image for their website, GIMP is probably overkill and downright daunting. But for a graphics design artist or someone who likes to dabble, the toolset is robust, with elements to rival its commercial counterparts. I don't mind dabbling and doing my own simple graphics. As an open source proponent, I like using tools that give you the freedom to do with them as you please. For example, I use GIMP on both Windows and Linux platforms. GIMP has been a staple in my toolchest for many years. Its a solid choice for heavier graphics work; I use it alongside simpler tools (like screenshot utilities) and in conjunction with snazzier tools like Canva. Pros powerful punch: The GNU Image Manipulation Program.) GIMP is software you install on your computer. To my knowledge there is no SaaS (online software-as-a-service) counterpart. As a regular Linux user one huge benefit for me is that GIMP was initially created for the Linux environment. But unlike many Linux programs, GIMP has a true Windows version that is not poorly ported over. It's as elegant on Windows as it is on Linux. There are no penalties for installing GIMP on each and every computer you own and I've never encountered problems when mixing and matching the files from different flavors (i.e., Windows or Linux). It's rock steady; I don't remember a time when GIMP actually crashed. And if you are ready to exit, GIMP always reminds you to save any unsaved changes to your designs. GIMP has a simple uncluttered interface. "Simple interface" is relative; many menu items have dockable windows (like its commercial counterparts) so managing the various docking windows is what will keep it simple and uncluttered. One of the first things I ever used GIMP for was to import and edit some graphics saved in PhotoShop. I'm not a designer so I don't understand what half the tools do; I use only a few of the many features on a regular basis. Primarily I use it for quick web graphics, banners and graphics for blog articles, converting images to different formats, and sometimes to take screenshots (but others screenshot tools are quicker and more intuitive). Cons It would be nice to have a few "modes" that hide or reveal tools based on your anticipated usage. For example, a "novice" interface mode would be nice. The help system is decent but is a bit cryptic and designed for the designer (not a layperson). I would love to see better intuitive context-sensitive help. For example, hovering over a tool would give a much more understandable explanation. The screenshot tool could be more accessible (when not working in GIMP). Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Entrepreneur Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "I had troubles using this one" March 17, 2022 3.0 My overall experience is not the best, but it is also not terrible. I gave up using this software early because it took me so much time to figure out functionalities, while I couldn't provide the same types of results. I used it to create graphic designs for mainly marketing purposes and my team also used it creating some PR blog posts for Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. They were satisfied with this software since they had no previous experience with anything else. Pros My first impression on the software's interface was fairly good. A nice intuitive and cheap alternative of a software I used the free demo verison of (Adobe Photoshop). Most of the functions and tools were easy to use and it didn't take a lifetime to find the most significant similarities to the above mentioned software I was familiar with. Cons Digging deeper in some minor functionalities and design capabilities I found more drawbacks with time. Some icons were hard to find, for some of the functions I needed tutorials. Applying effects and adjustments was quite hard. As I used this software as a cheaper alternative for Adobe Photoshop I was thoroughly dissatisfied finding out that it offers significantly less in terms of tools, funcions, adjustments and overall structure. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) My company had financial matters. Review Source MC Martin C. Webmaster Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mr" February 8, 2018 5.0 Free Photoshop replacement! Pros GIMP can do just about anything Photoshop can do, plus a few of it's own unique tricks. It easily converts between image formats including SVG files, and can read & write Photoshop PSD files. GIMP can also import Photoshop color pallet files. Some examples of GIMP's advanced features include layer styles (various effects that you can apply including shadows, borders, an emboss effect, and more), content-aware resizing (resize background elements without affecting foreground object), face swap, change object colors, cartoonify your photos, and create animated GIFs. Other useful features include red eye removal, make your own watermark, create custom brushes, and remove colors from some objects (like background). There are many useful plugins you can add to extend GIMP's functionality, for example image compression for web, and batch processing for adding a change to many files automatically. The PSPI plugin the adds the ability to use third party Photoshop plugin filters within GIMP on Windows and Linux. There is also GIMP Portable, a no-install, portable version of GIMP. GIMP Portable can be added to a USB key or hard drive drive, letting you bring the image editor with you. You can keep your favorite plugins and brushes with this package in order to have your entire working suite of image tools with you. GIMP is open source and has a large, active community of developers and users. This means GIMP will continue to evolve but will remain free for all. Cons As is the case with a lot of free software, some features feel less polished than their commercial counterparts. Some user interface elements may not appear as pixel-perfect as Photoshop, and some interactive features not as smooth. While the GIMP on a Mac feels more stable, the Windows version can be buggy and prone to crashing when using some plugins. The Windows version can also be very slow to start on older PCs, especially when you have a lot of plugins installed. I think the most common critique I've heard about GIMP is the steep learning curve. In my experience, GIMP wasn't really any harder to learn than Photoshop but a lot of users find Photoshop to be more user friendly. In some ways I agree, for example Photoshop seems to be better at guessing where I want to crop an image, or where I'm trying to position a layer so I spend less time fiddling with these controls. Photoshop also feels faster than GIMP when run on the same Windows PC. Loading images, and launching plugins are noticeably slower, although batch processing is at least as fast as Photoshop. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Social Media Manager Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Free Photo-shop Alternative " February 7, 2019 5.0 In conclusion, when using Gimp you will learn how to create fantastic site graphics and compelling WEB to graphics. Gimp educational online videos are the best way to learn how to use Gimp. Pros GIMP is also known as the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a great photo editing program that is stress-free to use. It has a lot of things to do with unlimited options on what to do for a picture to make it look cool. The wonderful thing is, it's free! Advantages, As you can expect, GNU Image Manipulation is used to edit images. This program makes photo editing very enjoyable and easy. Sure, there are essential things you should learn before you become an expert, but when you learn these first tips for beginners, you start with the start of stunning photo editing plans. Unlike photo editing, the GNU image manipulation program can also create small videos and animations. Despite the difficulty of creating these images, they are still fascinating and really fun. GNU Image Manipulation is one of the best images editing software available. All you have to do is go to the GIMP site and download it for free. Gimp is always available and updates are often shown with fun things to do and discover them in the program. Another great thing about GNU Image Manipulation is that you can add new things to the program. Unlike waiting for an updated date, you can go ahead and download some plug-ins from their site right away! Also, you can add different fonts and different brushes to the program to make your photo stand out. Cons GIMP has limited 8-bit depth, making it an unexpected choice for professional use in the first place. Gimp has disadvantages when compared to Photoshop in trivial issues the fact that it lacks the advantage of color management and does not provide control layers. Review Source Carlos C. Lecturer Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The image editing software that almost everyone should be using (instead of Photoshop)" August 22, 2019 5.0 Whereas some people consider GIMP as a toy software, or a cheap (free) Photoshop replacement, it is not. Instead, GIMP has proven to be a capable, professional software that does not want to be a mere Photoshop clone. On the contrary, they do have their own roadmap, own shortcuts and their own user interface, and even some successful plugins and features of its own (such as resynthesizer) have been later integrated in Photoshop. Whereas some consider it as being difficult to learn or not user-friendly, it is in fact a proof that it follows its own path to success. While I admit that from time to time I do miss some of Photoshop features, like non-destructive operations or basic vector operations, I am confident that GIMP fits in the great majority user cases without compromising final results. Pros I have been using GIMP for many years for my image editing projects (both, pet projects and professional projects) and I have come to realize that it features such an enormous variety of toolboxes, filters, options... that allow any type of image editing, even really complex ones, with impeccable results. Consequently, there is no need to switch to other software like Photoshop or the like. Not to mention that it is a multi-plattform Free/Libre OpenSource Software. Some features I like the most of GIMP - Multi-plattform: available for Linux, Windows, Mac, portable... - FLOSS - Customizable user interface - Selection and manipulation tools (like Unified Transform tool) - Real-time edition - Professional results Additionally, recently GIMP has seen a major improvement on user interface that makes it even easier (and appealing) to use. Cons \- Small development team with small budget: as a result development happens at a slow pace, even though developers do have great ideas and roadmap. - Lacks non-destructive filters/effects like in Photoshop - Lacks some vector operations (only works with bitmaps) - While there is plenty of documentation and tutorials, most image editing tutorials and manuals are addressed to Photoshop only, and whereas in most cases the same techniques can be reproduced/adapted, it requires extra effort that some users do not want to make. - The fact that it is not so broadly used as Photoshop may be a problem if collaborating with others, even though GIMP opens and saves Photoshop's native file format (although, admittedly, some filters/effects may be lost). Review Source Nimanthi R. Graphic Designing Computer & Network Security Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "open-source image editing platform" April 26, 2019 5.0 Generally, GIMP is an excellent alternative open-source editing platform for professionals. It's free availability on all operating systems enable users to work seamlessly. Pros I have been using GIMP for a few years now. Earlier on, my experience with this software was not quite right. Now that I am more advanced in graphics and photo edits, I have come to appreciate this open open-source image editing platform. Believe me, when I say this software is excellent, it is because the results are impeccable. GIMP has it all! Its excellent array of features are so good that they can rival adobe photoshop capabilities. These features allow you to tune photos, images and create an artwork of your own. As a graphic designer, you will be able to seamlessly crop images, make colour adjustments, customises brushes and adjust gradients among others editing. Here are some of the advantages of using Gimp over other image editing software. 1.It has incredible, and quality features making it the best among open -source programs 2.Single-window mode operation which is great for single pc operation. 3.GIMP is 100% free. 4.It supports plenty of image formats such as GIF and PDF. Additionally, GIMP is customizable such that you can add and remove menus or icons on the fly. 5.It is easily extensible to ease image manipulation with the third party. 6.Last but not least, GIMP works efficiently on all major operating systems. Whether you choose Linux or windows, results are always impeccable. Cons the script-fu is not user-friendly. GIMP lacks intuition on new users and can make their experience pretty cumbersome. Some filters and effects don't explain or guide how the image should be modified. It would be awesome if it would support PSD photoshop images. It does not open some files such a JPEG. Review Source Similar Products Featured