GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing

On this page

Overview
Screenshots
Pricing and Plans
Features
Integrations
User Reviews
Popular Comparisons

Overview

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

4.4

(3491)

Pricing

Pricing available upon request

About GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP is an open-source image editor designed to help illustrators, graphic designers and photographers create and edit artworks, photos, and paintings using defined publishing workflows. It provides a customizable interface, which businesses can use to customize widget themes, icon sizes, colors, spacing and more.

Key features include photo enhancement, digital retouching, preview mode, multiple file formats, data export. It offers a channel mixer, which lets professionals eliminate lens tilt effects and distortions across images using filters in a corrective mode. Additionally, the crop tool lets users edit the active layer in an image and use auto-shrink functionality to locate the border.

It is available for free of cost and support is extended via documentation and tutorials.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Screenshots

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Pricing and Plans

Starting price: Pricing available upon request

Free Trial

Free Version

Basic

Pricing available upon request

No plan information available

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Features

Popular features found in Graphic Design
Collaboration Tools
Content Library
Custom Fonts
Design Management
Pattern, Color & Art Storage
More features of GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
API
CAD Tools
Image Editing
Search/Filter

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) Integrations

Adobe Photoshop

Integration rated 4.6 from 20 reviews

Inkscape

Integration rated 4.7 from 13 reviews

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.4

Ratings Breakdown

54%

35%

10%

Secondary Ratings

Ease of Use

3.9

Value for money

4.8

Customer support

4.0

Functionality

4.3

Verified

Reviewer

Public Relations and Communications

2-10 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed January 2026

Great graphic design software

I'm not a graphic designer so I use it to edit my website photos. It does a great job. I'm happy with it.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Previously 3

Value for money

Functionality

Pros:

GIMP is my favorite free graphic design program. It can handle all my photo editing needs without the heavy price tag so I see no sense in using something else.

Cons:

Sometimes it's hard to update the program. A recent update caused computer system problems. I had to downgrade back to the version I was trying to update.

Kiragu M.

Verified reviewer

Information Technology and Services

2-10 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

Powerful Free Alternative to Adobe Photoshop with a Learning Curve

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.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

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.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

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.

Tomas R.

Verified reviewer

Computer Software

11-50 employees

Used monthly for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed November 2023

Average

Previously 4

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Functionality

Pros:

Gimp has a lot of capabilities to extend its basic functionality with plugins

Cons:

Its user interface is not very friendly and could use a redesign

BONNIE M.

Verified reviewer

Graphic Design

Self-Employed

Used weekly for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed December 2024

Try It...I dare you!

I actually really like the program, and I REALLY like the price! Gimp makes editing photos fun and makes my design process much easier.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

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.

Reasons for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Gimp seemed easier to use and I like the price.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Adobe renewals are expensive. I get the same product, lots cheaper!

Caroline O.

Verified reviewer

Education Management

Self-Employed

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2025

Good Software

It's good. I mainly get done what I need to get done.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Functionality

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.

Reasons for choosing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Adobe Photoshop was too expensive at the time.

Ben C.

Verified reviewer

Automotive

2-10 employees

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2025

Free, open-source image editing - can't ask for anything more.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Functionality

Pros:

Fantastic, free, high end and advanced open-source photo editing software.

Cons:

Can't think of any cons, especially for a free platform.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Far too expensive for annual licensing. GIMP is a similar interface and completely free.

kirstie m.

Verified reviewer

Arts and Crafts

Self-Employed

Used monthly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2025

great for editing images

good. does what it is supposed to, just a steep learning curve

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

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.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

more editing tools & does more than paint does

Abe N.

Verified reviewer

Utilities

2-10 employees

Used weekly for less than 6 months

Review source

Reviewed January 2025

Gimp > photoshop

Overall my experience has been positive and more than satisfied.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

I appreciate the tools it offers for free unlike adobe so I can choose if it’s the right editing software for me.

Cons:

I would like more tutorials to be available but other than that, no complaints.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Price was drastically different compared to features that I use.

Md Amir M.

Verified reviewer

Design

2-10 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed March 2024

Unleash Your Creative Potential with GIMP

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.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

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.

Reasons for switching to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Adobe is a subscription based software unlike GIMP, which is an open source tool.

Timmy W.

Verified reviewer

Apparel & Fashion

Self-Employed

Used monthly for less than 6 months

Review source

Reviewed November 2024

Not easy to learn