# GIMP

A free, scriptable raster image editor for photo retouching and graphics work.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/gimp
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/gimp.md
Website: https://www.gimp.org

- Category: [Design & prototyping](https://softbests.com/category/design-prototyping)
- Pricing: Open source
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux

## Best for

Designers and photographers who need layers, masks, and filters without a subscription.

## Why it deserves attention

GIMP provides layers, masks, channels, selections, curves, color management, and a deep filter set for photo retouching, compositing, and graphic work. It supports brush and tablet input, batch processing, and scripting through Script-Fu and Python, with a large plugin ecosystem. It is GPL-licensed, runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and costs nothing. The trade-off is a learning curve and an interface that differs from Adobe conventions; some print-oriented workflows and proprietary formats still work better in Photoshop, and the macOS build has historically felt less native than the Windows and Linux versions.

## Can replace

- Adobe Photoshop
- Affinity Photo

## Related and alternatives

- [OpenDesign](https://softbests.com/software/open-design)
- [Stirling PDF](https://softbests.com/software/stirling-pdf)