photo editor · GIMP team

GIMP

Free, open-source image editor with layers, masks and non-destructive filters for Windows, macOS and Linux.

55/100

#6 of 9 photo editors
Facts checked 9 Oct 2026

In short

GIMP is a freely distributed program, and the downloads page lists no paid edition^2,3.
Official downloads cover Windows, macOS and Linux².
The source code is public under GPL-3.0-or-later⁶.
GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters that stay editable after they are applied⁴.
Layer masks define which parts of a layer are opaque or transparent⁸.

GIMP suits people who want a free, open-source editor with layers, masks and editable filters^1,4,6,8. It also lists soft-proofing options for print work^4,7. The catch: raw files go through plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART, and GIMP's release notes do not list a photo library, HDR or panorama merging, or generally available AI tools^4,5.

Best for: People who want a free layered editor and can do without a built-in library or raw developer.

Where the points come from

Systems6 of 12

Editing tools19 of 34

AI tools0 of 13

Workflow2 of 11

Price and licence28 of 30

Systems 6 of 12 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Systems	Windows, macOS, LinuxDownloads page lists Windows, macOS and Linux installers².	6 / 12

Editing tools 19 of 34 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Camera raw editing	Not publishedRelease notes mention plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART; they do not say raw files open without them⁵.	0 / 10
Layers and masks	YesLayers are documented, with layer masks that set which parts of a layer are visible^4,8.	8 / 8
Non-destructive editing	YesGIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters that stay active once committed⁴.	6 / 6
Local adjustments	YesThe Dodge/Burn tool uses the current brush to lighten or darken colours in part of an image¹⁰.	5 / 5
Opens and saves PSD	Not publishedRelease notes mention improved PSD import and export; whether layers are kept is not stated⁴.	0 / 3
HDR and panorama merge	Not publishedNot published on the vendor's release notes pages^4,5.	0 / 2

AI tools 0 of 13 points

Rule	What is published	Points
AI subject and sky selection	Not publishedPaint Select is experimental and only in development builds, so it earns nothing⁵.	0 / 5
AI object removal	Not publishedHeal tool removes small defects; the manual does not describe AI object removal⁹.	0 / 5
AI noise reduction or upscaling	Not publishedNot published on the vendor's release notes pages^4,5.	0 / 3

Workflow 2 of 11 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Built-in photo library	Not publishedNot published on the vendor's release notes pages^4,5.	0 / 5
Batch editing and export	Not publishedNot published on the vendor's pages^4,7.	0 / 4
Soft proofing	YesManual lists Proof Colors and a Soft-Proof Profile; release notes mention soft-proofing options^4,7.	2 / 2

Price and licence 28 of 30 points

Rule	What is published	Points
Open source	YesGitLab repository shows GPL v3.0 or later; the site says GIMP is developed under the GNU General Public License^3,6.	3 / 3
Free trial	Not publishedNot published; the downloads page lists no paid edition².	0 / 2
Free version	YesDescribed as a freely distributed program; the downloads page lists no price or paid edition^2,3.	8 / 8
No subscription needed	YesFreely distributed; the site shows only a donation link and no paid edition^2,3.	5 / 5
Price per month	$0Described as a freely distributed program; no price or paid edition on the downloads page^2,3.	12 / 12

The rule behind each line: how we score photo editors.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

Plan	Price as listed	Per month	Notes
GIMP1 person	Free^2,3	$0	Donations accepted; no paid edition listed

Strengths

Free to use, with the source under GPL-3.0-or-later^3,6.
Official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux².
Non-destructive filters since GIMP 3.0⁴.
Layer masks and soft-proofing options are documented^4,7,8.
The Dodge/Burn brush lightens or darkens parts of an image¹⁰.

Limits

Raw editing is offered through plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART⁵.
Paint Select, its brush-based selection tool, is experimental and available only in development builds⁵.
No built-in photo library is listed^4,5.
The release notes do not list AI object removal or noise reduction^4,5.

Other photo editors

1
ON1 Photo RAWPhotographers who want raw development, layers and AI tools in one app
76/100
$7.50/moprice per month
2
Luminar NeoPhotographers who want AI tools and a licence with no monthly fee for the editor
71/100
$12.02/moprice per month
3
PhotopeaPeople who want a layered, Photoshop-style editor in a browser without paying
66/100
$4.66/moprice per month
4
ACDSee Photo Studio UltimateWindows users who want an editor and a photo library in one app
60/100
$15/moprice per month

All 9 photo editors

Sources

GIMP, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Downloads, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
About GIMP, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
GIMP 3.0 release notes, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
GIMP 3.2 release notes, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
GNOME/gimp, GNOME GitLab. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
GIMP 3.0 user manual, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Add Layer Masks, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Heal tool, GIMP. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Dodge/Burn tool, GIMP documentation. Accessed 9 Oct 2026.

Website: www.gimp.org · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with GIMP team.