# Page 5 | GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 5 - 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 # Page 5 - Reviews of GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 101-125 of 3495 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Fedra S. Photographer Photography Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A free and easy-to-use software" April 22, 2019 5.0 As a photographer I like to try different tools to edit my photographs. Gimp is a tool that I used in my student years and I still use it to make small adjustments or correct colors and when I need to work with a software that doesn't use a lot of RAM since it's one of its advantages. Pros One of its biggest advantages is that it's free compared to others that are more known but at the same time very expensive. It's an excellent alternative for students or small business owners who can't buy paid software. The tools are easy to use, they have quite precise focus and blur tools and you can create your own brushes and modify them, configuring the levels of appearance, scale and use. It offers a large number of filters that can be configured to give customized finishes and a large color panel. Gimp is compatible with any operating system and it's a light software, you can add pluggins since it's an open software and the official website has many tutorials to learn how to use it. Cons I would like the interface to look more modern and be a bit more friendly. I also believe that it lacks more tools to be able to compete with the great design programs of the market. Unfortunately, it is not such a well-known software and people are still betting on the payment software; however, being an open source software, it should evolve and improve over time, but the add-ons are outdated and all are spread over the Internet, in addition to the complicated installation. If they could organize the add-ons, keep them updated and look for a friendlier way to install them, they could really outperform other popular design softwares. The text editing tools are pretty basic. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Director Graphic Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "GIMP - high quality image editing software at no cost." January 26, 2022 5.0 Overall I am very pleased with the software. I am able to quickly and efficiently produce the images and edits that I am needing and export without a hassle Pros For one, I like that the product is free, so even if there are features that are 'missing' that high end products have, I am okay with it. As it is, I do not use all of the features of GIMP, but I have never run into a wall and had to use a different product. The program is easy to use, effective and produces high quality graphics. Exporting is easy. There is also plenty of help from the user community online. Cons There are not any distinct items that I can say I do not like and everything works pretty seamlessly. I have had issues in the past however with the product crashing frequently, but it seems like an update has fixed that issue. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Creator/Consultant Internet Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gimp is a great alternative to Photoshop - and Free!" December 18, 2018 5.0 Really impressive to see how Gimp has grown over they years. I'm an advanced user when it comes to handling image manipulation but I'm not photographer/designer level. There are a lot of features available, like handling RAW and SVG files that I haven't even played with. Overall, a free alternative to Photoshop? That's pretty amazing. And yes, you can open .psd files here in Gimp and work on content very similar to how you would in Photoshop. I haven't had to use their technical support but have found information in their Help area. Pros I've been using Gimp since the early 2000s and have used Gimp on Windows and Mac. They stay true to what they do, which is offer excellent affordable (free) open source software alternatives. I'm also a Photoshop user. I love that Gimp has grown over the years to really offer a solution that can give Photoshop a run for it's value. You can import your images, and have all the features you'd expect to see from Photoshop (filters, layers, etc etc). Gimp is a stable open source tool. I've never done a deep dive into how Gimp and Photoshop uses resources but I feel like Gimp has a lighter footprint on my Macbook when I'm running other apps. Cons If you've never touch photo editing software before you need to get to know the tools offered - this will be overwhelming for someone that doesn't have an interest in graphic arts, or getting to know some cool imaging software. An easier tool if you're looking to do some simple photo handling would be Fotor (also free). If you're familiar with Photoshop then you would need to adapt to Gimp, but it's really less of a learning curve. You're just taking time to see how Gimp presents it's editing tools. The Gimp user interface doesn't look as fancy/smooth as Photoshop - this isn't really a dislike. Because I've been around for so long using the tool, I appreciate what I think is a bit of a retro look for the tool. Anyone new to Gimp, don't let that deter you, because the functionality is really powerful. Review Source DH Dario H. Workplace Program Associate Professional Training & Coaching Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Exceptionally professional image editing for free." August 4, 2023 5.0 Relatively user friendly, a go to program for image editing that has been reliable over the years. Pros It has a plethora of tools, all of which have the same precision and powerful image editing capabilities as any leading image editing software. You can perform the same high end image editing functions as Photoshop for free. Cons It's not as intuitive as expensive programs like Photoshop. However, once you figure out how to use it this is no big deal. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Photoshop is too expensive and not worth the price when GIMP can perform the same functions for free. Review Source JG Joel G. Artist Animation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gimp: Illustration and Photo Editing for Everyone " June 27, 2020 5.0 Gimp is a resource with endless possibilities. As an artist I use this program to create textures for character models both in cartoon and realistic styles. I’ve used Gimp to create 2D animations which were later imported into a UI (User Interface). I’ve gone as far as create digital portraits for clients. This software is flexible and reliable and I have continued to use it for over 5 years now. Pros As an illustration and image editing program, the advantage that Gimp provides is software that rivals Adobe’s Photoshop. Users can create illustrations from scratch utilizing various brushes and a palette that allows users to manipulate bit depth and color settings such as RGB and CMYK. Gimp can edit several image files including GIFs, PNGs and JPEGs. The program goes a step further and allows users to import PSD files a format native to Photoshop. If a designer cannot access Photoshop and they have a PSD they can resume work in Gimp. Using a drawing or image, 3D modelers and animators can craft tileable textures in Gimp. Users can view the final result without saving over the original file. Lastly additional pros of Gimp are that the program is free to download, it does not require that users log into a service to use it and it can run on lower end computers. Cons The program comes with a steep learning curve. There are several buttons and menus that may intimidate first time users. However with time this program can be mastered. Also the Gimp website features several resources to assist in learning the software. Review Source NC Namory C. CPQ Internet Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "En gros je l'aime bien " October 7, 2022 4.0 En globale j'ai aimé utiliser gimp car elle a été un moyen pour moi de ne plus dépendre des logiciels payant comme phot-shop etc... Pros Dans ce logiciel il y'a beaucoup de fonctionnalité qui me plaise surtout avec la retouche d'image, les filtres qui sont excellent et les design qui sont au top Cons Dans ce logiciel j'ai seulement pas aimer l'api car elle est très compliquer à utiliser pour un débutant avec ses fonctionnalité qui sont trop pousser Review Source Makaliah M. Owner Business Supplies and Equipment Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A daily Image Manipulator ;)" May 8, 2023 5.0 Great, I love GIMP I just wish that there was a way to take some of the options I don't use off of the screen, maybe there is ill learn someday... Pros I liked most about gimp that I can download it for free and the CLone tool. Cons Too much little options on the screen, I get easily confused. Review Source Chamath N. Chief Technology Officer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### " Most powerful free and open source photo editor in the world" December 27, 2018 5.0 I had a good time with GIMP and I worked many times with GIMP every time it works well. As I’m not a professional photo editor I able to get done my tasks very quickly. I had a hard time to learn GIMP there wasn’t good tutorials and documentation is not well as I expected but however I used YouTube videos to learn most of it. I can recommend GIMP for non professional photo editors who are looking for a free and alternative for Adobe Photoshop. If you are a professional I think you better to spend some money on Adobe Photoshop Pros I can say GIMP is the most powerful free and open source photo editor in the world. I’m using GIMP to do small photo banner editing for my web designing projects. I can list down few points that I most love about GIMP -It’s free and open source -Regularly updates are fixing available bugs in the software -I can run GIMP on my low end PC very smoothly and fast -Customization enabled and can use plugins, scripts that developed by community -Works with many Operating systems like Windows, Linux, MacOS, etc…. Cons When I started to using GIMP I had a bit hard time to learn it documentation and some video tutorials are bit outdated. GIMP is good for non Professional photo editors compared with Photoshop. For the Cons side I only experienced that. Review Source NO Nicolas O. Ux design monitor Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy to use art and design app" March 15, 2023 4.0 Pros If you are a person who wants to start in the world of design and art, this application is the right one. Since, its tools are intuitive and are very agile when working. It is an application that is compatible with tablets and that gives you more points. Cons The interface is a bit abrupt and makes for a slower experience (this is only when you are just getting used to the app). Review Source Simon M. Creative Head Media Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Go Open Source! It's a lot easier to run a media start-up." May 31, 2021 5.0 Being community driven alone makes this product feel so much better. And it has come a long since we first tried it a few years ago. GIMP has evolved as we've learned our way around it. Looking forward to a future with greater updates to the UI and workflow. Pros The fact that it can almost do everything that Photoshop can do and for no charge at all - this helped us a ton. We did not have to pay a monthly subscription that over multiple users, adds up to quite a fee. Adding functionality that isn't otherwise provided is easy thanks to a large collection of assorted extensions. Cons For all the features it provides, one very important feature is missing. The ability to edit and render CMYK images, without having to run through a few hoops. Since most of our work is for online use, we do not see it as a limitation. But for someone looking at print media work alone, they might have to wait a few months before the official release has this functionality baked in. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Monthly subscription model did not work for us. Review Source Anna Cecile G. TUTOR Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gimp" April 12, 2022 5.0 Overall my experience with the software is fantastic, learners can produce professional artwork if they take the time to develop graphic design skills. For learners on a budget this is great step into the world of graphic and digital design. In the classroom they can develop more known software skills, providing the organisation has the budget. If on a tight budget, this a great tool to use in the classroom. Pros The software is very similar to Photoshop, so learners can easily get used to it, it a free software for learners on a very tight budget. Cons Not easy to install plugins on Mac. It's easier to install plugins on Windows, I have to ensure I am in the classroom to test plugins learners want to install as there is not guaranty they have downloaded a safe plugin. Review Source Himanshu V. Co-Founder Printing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My best friend when I want to create GIF Animation or APNG output file.. " March 26, 2022 5.0 It is smooth from my end.. most of the time many of my juniors fire problems regarding this programme. but when I show them way.. it work fine.. Pros APNG and GIF are supported and let me tell you.. they work like a great jam.. wonderful and easy to export too. Cons Ease of use.. Most of the time I take more time to create some easy things.. but other than this.. who will provide constant updates and Free of Cost.. thank you, developers.. Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Photoshop is not supporting GIF and APNG exports.. GIF is exported but not in good quality as GIMP is doing.. Learn from GIMP Mr Photoshop. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Photoshop is not supporting GIF and APNG exports.. GIF is exported but not in good quality as GIMP is doing.. Learn from GIMP Mr Photoshop. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Creator Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP a demonstration in quality for free & open source products!" May 19, 2022 4.0 I started using GIMP in late 2014 to edit things for YouTube videos and Livestreams on Twitch. I still use it to this day in tandem with other products to get my desired changes/effects. Pros I use this for quick photo editing and merging of images. I also enjoy using this for creating new things from time to time. GIMP is where I learned photo editing! Cons I don't enjoy how bland it looks, to be honest that's partially me just not changing up the UI like I could, but it's still a nice free product at the end of the day. Review Source Ishanka M. Chinese Project Specialist Computer Software Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "The Buzz Around GIMP" September 25, 2019 5.0 Whether you're just dipping your toes into the editing world, or an advanced designer, GIMP will provide you with the tools you need to succeed. For software that is totally free to use, it knocks the competition out of the park. Regardless of why you might need design software, GIMP will always have your back. Pros If you're into graphic design, then you'll definitely want to hear all about the free design software GIMP. GIMP is a graphic design platform that allows users to customize photos, create art from scratch, and utilize photoshop tools in a professional way. Plus, if you're a big supporter of cross-platform software, GIMP will be sure to get the job done for you. So let's dive in, and take a look at what GIMP is all about. GIMP is a great software if you're into photo editing. If you need a template to work with, GIMP will be sure to provide you with the perfect baseline for your image. Plus, if you want to start from scratch, GIMP can handle that for you as well. While most people think that advanced editing software may be hard to use, GIMP provides you with a very simple solution to this problem. If you're new to this type of software, GIMP has plenty of ways to show you exactly how to use their software. If this is not enough to peak your interest, GIMP will also allow you to utilize their own premade designs as a source to build off of. Some great starter tools you'll find on GIMP are: - Photoshop capabilities - Templates - Cropping tools - Cross platform compatibility - Gradient enhancers - Color enhancement with depth - Automatic enhancement tools - Brush options Cons While GIMP is more than proficient in most areas, there are downsides that you should understand before using this software. GIMP may be free to use, but it lacks a certain depth that other common design software can provide you with. All this means is that you might get better pixel editing software with Photoshop, and Photoshop is more of an industry-standard as well. So if you're looking for super-advanced editing, you might find yourself struggling a bit in some areas. While GIMP may not have it all, what more do you need in free design software that provides plenty of great features? Review Source PC Patrick C. Pres CEO Computer Hardware Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "GIMP is an awesome Image Manipulation program " July 26, 2022 5.0 I needed to replace a background in my logo so I investigated software to make this happen. I came across GIMP as an alternative to other more expensive software. I had no idea how to proceed but with a bit of reading the online document I was able to perform my tasks. I am actually looking forward to "playing" with some other images. Pros There are several things that I like about GIMP. The price - Free is always good. It is a relatively easy to use in comparison to other Image software. Being that this GNU software there is a ton of help on the website and around the internet. The documentation is well laid out and easy to follow. Cons Overall, I really like GIMP but I did find a very steep learning curve if you have not had any previous experience with image manipulation software. However, with a little perseverance you can accomplish a lot with this software. Alternatives considered [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) The price was the key for me since I only wanted to use the software for a short time. Review Source Andrés E. B. Analista sénior Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### " A quick solution!" November 29, 2018 4.0 It's great to have multiplatform tools like this one. He could become the faithful friend of any user who faces the editing of images in his work. I think it's worth trying, it also has a portable version, for me it's very useful. Pros I'm not sure of his popularity, because I met him using Linux. However, he has been a faithful companion in regard to small editions of images and that kind of thing. I even remember using this light tool in a project of internal communications and the truth was not bad for us. It was the program that we had at hand and it worked. For day-to-day work it works quite well. It has a kind of toolbox with multiple features that can easily get you out of trouble. One of the functions that I like most is to optimize the images automatically, with the opportunity to customize it if one does not obtain the expected appearance. Cons I think it competes against many similar apps. However, I would not necessarily see it as something against. Another aspect maybe not very positive and I think it's something that I can do with other similar tools, is that for more advanced uses, some type of prior training is necessary to get the most out of this tool. Review Source KP Kumar P. Software Engineer Information Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best open source image editor." August 21, 2022 4.0 So far the experience have been amazing , GIMP essential tools are great , easily on par with paid product from enterprise like Adobe Photoshop etc. If the support can be enhanced a bit , this will be killer open source product. Pros GIMP is a capable, adjustable and responsive tool. GIMP's brush based tools such as clone/healing , burn/dodge tool are the excellent , even with high resolution images it works like a charm. It allows a large degree of customization which is quite impressive. Cons GIMP's selection tools could be bit more user friendly especially with the advance/complicated settings option. Also the support for GIMP could be a bit better but since this is an open source project and not an enterprise product with dedicated support , we are highly grateful to the developers helping in providing support Alternatives considered [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Reason for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) We choose GIMP because its an open source project, with a very good free version and a decent priced paid version which is really good at doing the essential task of photo editing for our small studio. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Since adobe has switched most of its product onto a monthly subscription model rather than the single purchase system. It has become unfeasible for smaller studios/ hobbist like us to use their products. Review Source Joni L. Independent Beauty Consultant Cosmetics Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP is a great PhotoShop alternative for those of us with simple needs. " March 17, 2022 5.0 I often need to edit the same graphic slightly for different functions. For instance, part of my business is running skincare parties in Facebook groups. Each time I create a new group I need a new banner. GIMP allows me to quickly and easily edit a banner I saved a template by just changing the text with the hostess' name and exporting it under her name. Pros Of course, free is my favorite price. Being a small business owner working from home with only myself I do not have the resources to spend over $20/month on PhotoShop. For my simple needs of creating and editing simple images and graphics, GIMP does the trick amazingly well. Cons My only frustration with GIMP is that it can be confusing to use at times. Given that I am not a professional graphic artist with formal training in these kinds of software programs, I've had to feel my way along more than once. The good news is that once I've learned how to perform a function I have that knowledge going forward. Also, there are numerous YouTube videos and websites with tutorials on how to use GIMP. Review Source Matteo B. Consulente Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ottimo programma free di photoediting." December 11, 2022 5.0 Lo uso ancora da prima di Photoshop. E' stato il mio primo programma serio di image editing. Pros Facilità d'uso, completa gratuità, aggiornamenti costanti. Cons La non possibilità di vettorializzare le immagini (si può ovviare usando altri software). Review Source Genki N. Software Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "It is an accessible tool" May 29, 2023 5.0 A tool that can be a good solution for business purposes because they would not convert much and it is good for photo editing Pros It is a tool that is easy to use and that also works quite well for content creators or even for brand customization processes. I like it because its interface is quite easy to use. It is also a tool for those who require a much more accessible touch-up system. than other systems, since it offers a free version for simple photo touch ups Cons I like this tool but I would like it to have more advanced functions, the whole process is generally fast and easy to use Review Source Keith V. Technology Specialist Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GIMP is great, if you know what your doing." November 28, 2019 4.0 Fantastic but it's a complicated software for the uninitiated. Pros This is a very robust and useful image editing software akin to Adobe's Photoshop suite. It's quite useful and features a ton of the same or similar tools you'll find in the aforementioned suite, with one exception. GIMP IS COMPLETELY FREE TO USE! It's fantastic and nearly as good as Photoshop in every way. In fact, you can find many Photoshop tutorials online and the same exact steps will apply to GIMP to get the same end result for any effects your trying to create! Cons Photoshop isn't the easiest software to teach yourself, you have to be extremely tech savvy to accomplish such a feat. The same applies to GIMP. If you don't already know how to use Photoshop going into GIMP, you better read up on how to use the software or get some one and one training (or even take a college class or something). If you don't, you'll be lost in trying to use the software to edit images. There's always YouTube tutorials these days. Review Source Nigel Masimba R. WordPress Developer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Free Advanced Image Editing" January 11, 2019 4.0 I've been using GIMP as my primary raster image editing software for over 3 years. GIMP is a free and open source software (FOSS). I use mostly free and open source software because starting out I could never have afforded the licenses for most premium software. FOSS also generally demands fewer resources from your computer, which is true for GIMP. I use GIMP on a Core i3 laptop with 4 gig RAM running on Linux UBUNTU. I didn't give a customer support rating because strictly speaking there is no customer support for GIMP (as far as I know ). There is a wide range of online resources and forums that are as good as, and in some cases better than most customer support, though. Pros It's Free. You can create professional images without paying a cent! Gimp comes with all the basic functionality of an advanced image manipulation program. It's gentle on system resources. You can do professional work on an entry-level laptop Cons It's almost always behind premium software available on the market. Because GIMP is open source new features usually come long after premium competitors have released them. No cloud collaboration. I can't work wing projects in a group. Installing plugins can be challenging. Recently I failed to install the plugin that allows me to export to the new WebP format. I also had a hard time installing the batch Processing plugin that allows me to apply batch processes like resizing or compression. Sometimes the plugin repositories are moved, broken or incompatible with the installed version of GIMP, so it takes a bit of extra effort to get new functionality. Review Source Keith D. Manager Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### ""Awesome Photo Design Tool" " November 24, 2022 5.0 Gimp is an great open source program that can be downloaded at no cost. I was given an assignment from my Director to create a logo design and so I found Gimp via a Facebook Ad. It was a great option. To this day I’m using Gimp to create logos for other companies on Upwork. It’s very much similar to Adobe Photoshop. Pros There are tons of useful plugins that I can download that make GIMP even more powerful. It’s compatible with nearly all image formats. With this tool I can add special effects to my images and export the file with great resolution. Cons It takes quite a while to learning all the features and functionality. During my first 2 weeks of installing I was stuck trying to figure out how it works. The main thing that irritated me is the fact that it crashes while I’m in the middle of a project. Review Source JD Jamal D. Personal Trainer Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "My Gimp Experience" March 15, 2024 3.0 I shall use it less than moderately going forth Pros Its ability to fulfil low level editing necessities Cons The dashboard, lack of functionality and compatibility with photoshop files (or the ease to import such in the event this is possible). Switched from [Photoleap](https://www.capterra.com/p/231026/Photoleap/) I wanted to try another free use editing app Review Source AT Abhishek T. Founder Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best alternative for photoshop" September 21, 2020 4.0 It is perfect for me. Photoshop is very costly for me. Usually for my game development I use inkscape but for altering the output image , now I use gimp and experience is fine enough. I will surely recommend it to others Pros The best part which I love about it is that it is open source software. It gives a very good satisfaction and gives a way for other also to improve it. The other best part which I love about it is its price(FREE) . This removes the barrier for many newbies. Other than that the features which I really appreciate about it is frequent update cycles,huge community and options of adding plugins and scripts ( many users donate it for free for other users) Cons 1.) UI in my opinion is quite old fashioned. 2.) It takes more clicks to achieve the same goal as compared to other rivals like Photoshop 3.) It's compatibility with other software is not so smooth ( this experience may differ from user to user) 4.) It had been quite a time since it was released but still it has failed to make an impact on commercial space ( take the example of blender:- it has acquired attention of many big players in the market) 5.) Performance ( bigger files):- I have noticed that photoshop is much more better in managing bigger project as compared to gimp (not a huge difference but still) Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Graphic Design](https://www.capterra.com/graphic-design-software/)