GIMP review

GIMP is the long-standing free answer to Photoshop and the only full-featured option here that runs natively on Linux as well as macOS and Windows. The project describes it as a tool for retouching, restoring and creative composites, plus icon and interface artwork, and it ships color management for print and screen work. Where it stands apart is extensibility: GIMP can be scripted in C, C++, Python and Scheme, and a large community has built plug-ins and scripts on top of it. Development is active, with GIMP 3.2.8 released on November 2, 2026 and 3.2.6 in September. Because it is free software, you can study and change the source code. The cost is time: GIMP's menus and tool behavior do not mirror Photoshop, so long-time Photoshop users need to relearn habits, and it has no cloud storage or collaboration of its own. For print layout, GIMP points users to Scribus and Inkscape.

Who it is for

Linux users and anyone who wants free, scriptable editing

Price

Free and open source.

The Free & Open Source Image Editor
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Retouching, restoration and composite editing tools
• Color management for print and screen output
• Scripting in C, C++, Python and Scheme
• Large library of third-party plug-ins and scripts
• Works alongside Scribus and Inkscape in free publishing workflows

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free software: you can change the source code and share your changes
• Strength: Runs on GNU/Linux, macOS and Windows
• Strength: Regular releases, with GIMP 3.2.8 released on November 2, 2026
• Weakness: The interface and tool names differ from Photoshop, so expect retraining
• Weakness: Best results in print workflows depend on pairing it with other tools such as Scribus
• Weakness: No built-in cloud sync or team features

Key facts

• Price: Free
• License: Free and open source
• Latest version: 3.2.8 (November 2026)
• Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows

Where it ranks

GIMP is No. 4 in our Best Photoshop Alternatives verdict.