Nobody will argue that using the program is a walk in the park but, if you put in the effort, GIMP can offer you results that are (almost?) every bit as good at its pay-for cousin - except in specific use cases.
The number one free image editing app
If it's not Photoshop, it's got to be GIMP
GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows and more operating systems. It is free software, you can change its source code and distribute your changes. Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, or scientist, GIMP provides you with sophisticated tools to get your job done. Nobody will argue that using the program is a walk in the park but, if you put in the effort, GIMP can offer you results that are (almost?) every bit as good at its pay-for cousin - except in.
Every so often we talk about classic pieces of software, but GIMP really takes the biscuit. This wonder-app has been around since 1996 and still manages to be the number one in its category when we're talking about free ways to edit your pictures, photos, and images.
As an open-source app, you're not only able to download and use it for free but you could also, if you felt inclined,modify it to your particular uses. For the less ambitious among us, simply using it will be enough - much like cousin Photoshop, this app has a steep learning curve. Although downloading and installing GIMP is very easy (it has a traditional Windows installer), taking your first steps will be more of a challenge.
If you've used Photoshop before, the general layout of the interface, which has a pretty traditional Windows vibe going on, will be familiar and not terribly cool. Beyond that, however, you're going to have to go back to square one, because although both programs use similar terminology, there are significant differences in the way you will use them and the depth of editing you can perform.
So, what can GIMP offer you? Well, it is a raster editor and supports RAW images. It also deals withlayers and layer masks, just like Photoshop, and can offer you a whole host of filters, color options, and tools like transform and text. GIMP will also have a good go at opening a vast number of file formats, and you can add functionality and assorted features via a range of plug-ins that changes all the time.
If you're determined to get to grips with GIMP, there are plenty of tutorials, videos, and extra help that will set you on the road. The GIMP community is active and helpful, and the developers are great at solving problems and squishing bugs fast. Once you get more familiar with it, you can set about customizing the interface and options so you create a UI that is quick and efficient for the tasks you want to perform, rather than everything that's on offer, all of the time.
GIMP takes effort to get to know and use but the people who love it REALLY love it. It seems to be surrounded by a really enthusiastic and helpful community. If you make GIMP your mission, you'll undoubtedly get lots of support in the process and, since it's free, what is there to lose?
Where can you run this program?
GIMP will run on Windows, Mac, and UNIX/GNU.
Is there a better alternative?
Clearly, the first alternative that comes to mind is Photoshop, which is arguably better. If we restrict ourselves to free software, however, the field narrows considerably. There are faster and sleeker tools that will do one or more of the features offered by GIMP but relatively few that do it all. If you're looking for alternatives, check out Paint 3D (the evolution of Paint.net - no, really!) or PhotoScape. It's generally agreed, however, that few (if any) free pieces of software will give you everything you need to replicate Photoshop. Each app offers a sub-selection of features, and you may find that the features you need lie somewhere else.
Our take
GIMP is a great tool on many fronts and it's a perfect example of the power of open-source. Even so, to call it a Photoshop alternative is a little disingenuous - awesome as it is, it is simply not as powerful a tool.
One question - who, exactly, is going to use GIMP? If you have serious or professional photo or image editing needs, you're definitely going to opt for a paid alternative, because GIMP just doesn't offer a full selection of editing options.
If your photo/image editing needs are less intense, GIMP is likely to be too complex and have too steep a learning curve for most people to bother with it. That makes us think that the typical GIMP user is a rare beast and probably not the average user. Even so, if you think YOU are that rare beast, go ahead. GIMP is a great tool and should be given the respect it deserves.
Should you download it?
Like we said, if you're serious about your image editing, but can't stretch to a paid tool, a little bit of effort with GIMP will give you awesome results - download with confidence.
2.10.0
Beginner¶
GIMP Quickies
Use GIMP for simple graphics needs without having to learn advanced image manipulation methods.
Simple Floating Logo
This tutorial walks through some basic image and layer manipulation techniques.
Making a Circle-Shaped Image
How to create a circular-shaped image.
Layer Masks
An introduction to using layer masks to modify the opacity of a layer.
Basic Color Curves
A first look at the Curves tool and adjusting color tones in an image.
Your GIMP Profile (and You)
What the GIMP Profile is and how to use it.
Image Formats Overview
Selecting the best image format for your purposes.
Asset Folders
Extending GIMP with new plug-ins, scripts, brushes, and more. Macbook hotkeys list.
Photo Editing¶
Digital B&W Conversion
Detailed conversion tutorial for generating a B&W result from a color image.
Luminosity Masks
Using multiple layer masks to isolate specific tones in your image for editing.
Tone Mapping with ‘Colors/Exposure'
Using high bit depth GIMP's ‘Colors/Exposure' operation to add exposure compensation to shadows and midtones while retaining highlight details.
Focus Group
Layer masking and creative filter applications.
Painting¶
Parametric Brushes
A look at the advantages and flexibility of using Parametric Brushes.
Programming¶
Basic GIMP Perl
Learn how to write simple perl scripts using the gimp-perl module (GNU/Linux users only).
Automate Editing
Using GIMP Python to automate a workflow.
Automatic Creation of XCF from JPG
Import XCF images a directory at a time.
Download Free Gimp Software
The list of legacy tutorials can be found found here:
Inkscape Free Download
Bear in mind that this list is being provided for legacy reasons only.
