GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
#6 in Photo Editing Software · Rated 4.2
Free, open-source image editor with extensive plugin support
GIMP is a long-running open-source raster image editor that provides a broad set of diagnostic tools for photo retouching, color correction, and compositing. It supports layers, masks, and a plugin ecosystem that enables extensions for specialized tasks. GIMP is platform-agnostic (Windows, macOS, Linux) and sees broad community-driven development and support. In 2025, GIMP 3.0 was released, marking a major milestone for the project with a modernized UI and improved performance. While not matching Photoshop in terms of workflow depth or industry-standard collaboration, GIMP remains an attractive option for budget-conscious users, researchers, and educators who value a no-cost, modifiable toolset. The main trade-off is a less polished UX and fewer enterprise-grade features, but for many hobbyists and enthusiasts, GIMP remains a solid, capable editor.
Features
- Layer-based editing with masks
- Extensible via plugins
- RAW development through GEGL
- Cross-platform availability
- Active community and ongoing updates
Pros
- Completely free and open source
- Extensible with plugins and scripts
- No vendor lock-in
Cons
- Interface and UX not as polished as commercial editors
- Less depth for high-end retouching and advanced compositing