logo

GIMP

Image EditingApril 29, 2025

Alternative to Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Photoshop

Visit Website
screenshot

A professional-grade image editor with advanced features for photo retouching and image composition.

Information

License: GNU GPL v3

5.4k stars

Key Features of GIMP

  • Cross-Platform Support
    Runs on GNU/Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenSolaris, and more.

  • Free & Open Source
    Modify, share, and extend the software freely under the GNU GPL.

  • Professional-Grade Photo Editing
    Tools for retouching, correcting lens distortions, removing imperfections, and enhancing details.

  • Customizable Interface
    Adapt the UI to your workflow with dockable panels, theme options, and fullscreen editing mode.

  • Extensive Hardware Support
    Works seamlessly with pressure-sensitive tablets, USB wheels, and MIDI controllers.

  • Powerful Plug-in Architecture
    Extend functionality with community-developed plug-ins and scripts in Python, Scheme, Perl, and more.

  • Original Artwork Creation
    Create illustrations and digital paintings with advanced brush engines and customizable tools.

  • Graphic Design Capabilities
    Design icons, UI elements, and web graphics with pixel-level precision.

  • Desktop Publishing Integration
    Excellent color management for use alongside tools like Scribus and Inkscape.

  • Flexible File Format Support
    Supports formats like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, PSD, and can save/open files over FTP, HTTP, SMB, or SFTP.

  • Automated Editing with Scripts
    Batch process or script image operations with support for multiple programming languages.

  • Community and Documentation
    Backed by an active community, extensive tutorials, and detailed documentation.

GIMP, short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, has long stood as a pillar in the world of open-source software. It’s more than just an image editor, it’s a creative powerhouse designed for professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re retouching photographs, designing sleek UI elements, or crafting original artwork from scratch, GIMP gives you the tools to make it happen.

A Cross-Platform Creative Companion

GIMP is available on GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and even platforms like FreeBSD and OpenSolaris. Its open-source nature means you can dive into the source code, modify it, and share your improvements with others. This flexibility is one of the reasons GIMP has such a passionate and active user base.

Tools for Every Visual Task

From simple photo tweaks to complex compositing, GIMP covers the entire spectrum of image editing. Need to correct lens distortion or remove unwanted elements from a shot? GIMP’s healing and clone tools are up to the task. Want to transform a rough sketch into a digital painting? The customizable brushes and tablet support make it possible.

For those who code, GIMP is more than a visual editor, it’s a programmable image manipulation framework. With scripting support in languages like Python, Scheme, Perl, and C++, you can automate repetitive tasks or build entirely new features.

A Key Part of the Open Source Design Workflow

GIMP doesn’t operate in isolation. It integrates seamlessly with other popular open-source tools like Inkscape and Scribus, making it a critical piece of the desktop publishing workflow. Its robust color management ensures that what you see on screen closely matches what comes out in print.

Designed to Fit the Way You Work

Everyone works differently, and GIMP respects that. Its interface is highly customizable, from the widget theme and icon size to the tool layout and dockable panels. You can rearrange your workspace to match your task or enter fullscreen mode for a more immersive editing experience.

This flexibility extends to input devices as well. GIMP supports pressure-sensitive tablets and lets you map specific functions to sliders, wheels, and buttons on MIDI or USB controllers, helping speed up your workflow.

File Formats and Remote Access

GIMP supports all major image formats, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, as well as specialized ones like multi-resolution icon files. Its architecture makes it easy to add support for more formats via plugins. You can even open and save files over the network using protocols like FTP, HTTP, SMB, and SFTP.

And if you need to save space? GIMP can compress your files on the fly using ZIP, GZ, or BZ2 extensions, all without requiring extra steps from you.

Why GIMP?

GIMP is more than a free alternative to commercial tools. It's a robust, adaptable, and community-driven platform that continues to evolve with the needs of its users. Whether you're manipulating photos, designing interfaces, creating digital art, or exploring automation, GIMP puts powerful tools in your hands, without a price tag.

Ready to create something amazing? Download GIMP and start exploring your creativity today.

More Open Software Alternatives for Image Editing: