GIMP is an open-source and free Photoshop alternative (for Windows).
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free software raster graphics editor. It is primarily employed as an image retouching and editing tool and is freely available in versions tailored for most popular operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.
Any self-respecting Linux user or on that note, any self-respecting graphics designer should know about this program. It is *the* open source graphics and image editing suite and has been developing into a worthy contender for years. In fact, it could be said that it has been developing alongside commercial rivals such as Photoshop.
Some of the tools you can use in GIMP are the paintbrush, pencil, airbrush, clone, gradient, paint bucket and blending tools. If Photoshop has it, you can be GIMP has it or at least has some kind of replacement in the development tree. Like Adobe, GIMP for Windows also includes support for layers and plugins. In fact, you can install up to 100 different plugins in GIMP for Windows.
The interface of GIMP seems very familiar. It is inviting and indeed easy to get around in if you know what you're doing when it comes to image manipulation and editing. Also a bonus is the huge online following of GIMP; there are thousands of GIMP tutorials online and it doesn't matter whether you're using the Windows or Linux versions as the basic layout and tools are identical.
Please note that installing GIMP requires you have the GTK Runtime Enviroment. Although it isn't the easiest program to install, it is still highly recommended regardless of whether you have Photoshop installed or not.
Features of GIMP
- Automation: Automate tasks with Actions and Batch Processing.
- Color Management: Calibrate colors for accurate color reproduction.
- Customizable Brushes: Create and customize brush shapes, sizes, colors and dynamics.
- Filters: Add special effects with a variety of filters.
- Image Effects: Apply a wide range of effects to photos and images.
- Image File Support: Open and save a wide variety of image formats.
- Layer Management: Ability to create, manage and blend multiple layers.
- Layer Masks: Create and adjust layer masks for flexible editing.
- Photo Editing: Enhance, crop and retouch photos.
- Plugin Support: Extend the functionality of GIMP with plugins and scripts.
- Selection and Masking Tools: Easily select, mask and manipulate image areas.
- Text and Font Support: Utilize various fonts and add text to images.
- User-friendly Interface: Easy to use and navigate through the features.
- Vector Drawing: Create and edit vector images.
Compatibility and License
GIMP has been released under the open source GPL license on Windows from graphics editors. The license provides the options to freely download, install, run and share this program without any restrictions. The source code for GIMP should be freely available and modifications are certainly permitted as well as the option to inspect the software.
What version of Windows can GIMP run on?
GIMP can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Other operating systems: The latest GIMP version from 2024 is also available for Mac.
Filed under:
- GIMP Download
- Free Graphics Editors
- Open source and GPL software
- Image Composition Software
