This entry is compiled from primary sources: GIMP's official product documentation, release notes, and published GPLv3 licensing repositories.
It has not been hands-on tested by us. Where a limit, a price or a requirement is stated below, it is the published figure at the time of writing rather than a measured result.
Anything we have not verified is left out instead of guessed at.
GIMP Review (2026) — Open Source Raster Image Editing & Photoshop Alternative
GNU GPLv3Photo RetouchingGNU Project
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the world's most widely used open-source raster graphics editor. Designed for photo retouching, image composition, graphic design, and format conversion, GIMP serves as a powerful zero-cost alternative to subscription-based software like Adobe Photoshop.
Because GIMP is developed as free software under the GNU General Public License (GPLv3), the application is 100% free with no monthly subscription fees, no watermarked exports, and no feature paywalls.
What you get with GIMP (100% Free Software)
GIMP runs natively on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Core capabilities include:
- Full Layering & Masking System: Support for layer groups, alpha transparency masks, blending modes, and GEGL non-destructive filter nodes.
- Comprehensive Retouching Suite: Clone stamp, healing brush, perspective transform, color curves, levels, and content-aware selection tools.
- PSD File Compatibility: Import and export Adobe Photoshop (.PSD) project files, preserving layer structures and blending modes.
- Python Scripting & Plugins: Extend GIMP with Python-Fu scripts, custom C/C++ plugins, and third-party filter packs.
Understanding GIMP's open-source model
GIMP is community-supported and completely free. There are no paid tiers:
- Direct Download (GIMP.org): 100% free with all tools included out of the box.
- Donation-Supported Development: Financial contributions to the GNOME Foundation support ongoing core development, such as GTK3/GTK4 porting and CMYK color management updates.
Pros
- 100% free and open-source raster photo editor (GPLv3) for commercial and personal work.
- Comprehensive set of professional retouching tools, color adjustments, and layer controls.
- Cross-platform availability across Linux, macOS, and Windows with low system RAM overhead.
- Robust file format support (PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, WEBP, EXR, SVG).
Cons
- Non-standard UI layout requires an adjustment period for long-time Photoshop users.
- CMYK color workflow for print media requires specific color profile setup.
Best alternatives
- LibreOffice — Complete open-source office productivity suite for documents and graphics (opensource).
- Kdenlive — Open-source non-linear video editing software for multi-track video projects (opensource).
- WordPress — Open-source publishing platform for blogs, business sites, and web media (opensource).
FAQ
Is GIMP completely free to download and use? Yes. GIMP is 100% free open-source software under the GPLv3 licence, with no subscription fees, no watermarks, and no feature locks.
Can GIMP open and edit Adobe Photoshop (.PSD) files? Yes. GIMP natively imports and exports PSD files, preserving common layer hierarchies, masks, and blend modes.
Does GIMP run on macOS, Windows, and Linux? Yes. GIMP is cross-platform software available natively for Linux, Windows, and macOS.