# GIMP review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/gimp
Website: https://www.gimp.org/

Open-source image editor for retouching, painting and design

GIMP is a free, open-source image editor for photo retouching, painting and graphic design. It runs on GNU/Linux, macOS and Windows and is released as free software under the GNU General Public License. Scripting and third-party plug-ins extend it.

GIMP covers the tasks people usually send to Photoshop, including retouching, compositing, layer-based editing, color management and file conversion. The project's site describes it as sophisticated enough for graphic designers, photographers and illustrators. Scripting is available in several languages, including Python and Scheme, which lets advanced users automate repeat work.

GIMP's interface and workflow differ from Adobe's, so people switching from Photoshop need time to adjust. It is a pixel editor first, and precise vector drawing is better done in Inkscape or Affinity. It fits users who want a no-cost editor with its source code available.

- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | open source (GNU GPL)
- Price: Free and open source under the GNU General Public License
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Free and open source under the GNU GPL
- Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows

## Limits

- Interface differs from Adobe-style editors
- Pixel editor first; vector work is limited

## Rankings

- #3 of 10 in [best Photo editing software](https://listme.name/best/photo-editing-software), score 89.5: The strongest free desktop editor here, under the GNU GPL and running on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its interface differs from Adobe's, and its vector work is weaker than Affinity's.

## Alternatives

- [Affinity](https://listme.name/software/affinity), score 91.0
- [Adobe Photoshop](https://listme.name/software/adobe-photoshop), score 90.5
- [Pixelmator Pro](https://listme.name/software/pixelmator-pro), score 88.0
- [Photopea](https://listme.name/software/photopea), score 86.5
- [Adobe Lightroom](https://listme.name/software/adobe-lightroom), score 85.0
- [Luminar](https://listme.name/software/luminar), score 83.5
- [darktable](https://listme.name/software/darktable), score 82.5
- [Pixlr](https://listme.name/software/pixlr), score 80.0