A CLOSER LOOK
GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop
Both support photo manipulation and composites. GIMP is free and open source; test your required editing workflow and file exchange before switching.
Unknown fields are not negative results. Prices reflect the documented plan and billing terms.
| Compare | GIMP | Adobe Photoshop |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Verified platforms | windows, macos, linux | web, windows, macos |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Unknown | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Unknown |
| Self-hosted | Unknown | Unknown |
| Offline | Unknown | Unknown |
| API | Unknown | Unknown |
| AI features | Unknown | Yes |
| Cloud | Unknown | Yes |
| Commercial use | Unknown | Unknown |
| Beginner friendly | Unknown | Unknown |
| Professional | Unknown | Unknown |
| License | GNU GPL | Unknown |
| Verified features | photo editing | photo editing, layers |
| Use cases | Retouching photos without a subscription, Creating image composites, Preparing graphics on Linux | Retouching product and portrait photos, Combining images for campaign artwork, Preparing layered graphics |
GIMP: the trade-offs
An open-source image editor for retouching photographs, creating composites and original artwork.
What it offers
- Free software with source code available for inspection and modification.
- Photo retouching and image composition in a desktop application.
- Available across the three major desktop operating systems.
What to check
- Test Photoshop file exchange on layered documents before migrating.
- Check your print and colour-management requirements with the actual output workflow.
- Existing plug-ins should be checked against the GIMP version you install.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.
Adobe Photoshop: the trade-offs
Photo editing and compositing with layers, selections and generative image tools.
What it offers
- Layer masks and adjustment layers support controlled, nondestructive edits.
- Combines retouching, compositing and generative image tools.
- Desktop and web workflows are available within the subscription.
What to check
- Annual billing by month is an annual commitment; review cancellation terms.
- The free mobile edition does not replace the full desktop app.
- AI allowances and features vary by plan.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.