Adobe Photoshop → GIMP

Main Program / Application

Adobe Photoshop

Recommended Alternative

GIMP

Supported Systems

Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. The current stable version on GIMP's official site is 3.2.6, dated September 10, 2026. (gimp.org)

Fee Status

Free and open source.

GIMP is distributed as free software under the GPL license and commercial use is permitted. (gimp.org, gimp.org)

What Does It Do?

Used for photo editing, retouching, layered design, visual compositing, color editing and graphic work.

“You use Photoshop, but you no longer want to pay a constant subscription.

Here you can look at GIMP.

Now I will not tell you that 'GIMP is one hundred percent the same as Photoshop'.

Not.

The interface is different.

Some professional Photoshop workflows may not be as comfortable here.

But when it comes to basic photo editing and graphics work, GIMP is really powerful.

You are working with layers.

You are editing the photo.

You are reserving a background.

You're playing with colors.

You are retouching.

And most importantly, the program is free.

And open source.

Available in Windows.

Available on Mac.

Linux has it.

In fact, the current stable version 3.2.6 has been released in 2026.

So it is not a project where we can say 'It's a free program but there have been no updates for years'.

If you don't need all the features you use in Photoshop, try GIMP first.

Perhaps you will find most of the features you paid for here anyway.”

Advantages

It is free and open source. There is support for Windows, macOS and Linux. It offers advanced tools for photo editing, layers, masking, and various graphics operations. (gimp.org)

Disadvantages

The interface and some professional workflows are different for the user accustomed to Photoshop. Some integrations with the Adobe ecosystem are not available.

Why Use?

For those who want a powerful, open-source photo editing tool without a subscription.

Better for Whom?

Photographers, graphic design beginners, students, content creators, and Linux users.