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GIMP
The veteran open-source image editor — layers, masks, filters and endless plugins, forever free.
Free open-source desktop image editor with layers, masks and a huge plugin ecosystem. The classic Photoshop alternative.
- Pricing
- 100% free and open source
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Category
- Thumbnails & Graphics
- Last reviewed
- September 21, 2026
What is GIMP?
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) has been the open-source answer to Photoshop since the late nineties, and it remains the most complete free desktop image editor. Layers and masks, curves and levels, healing and clone tools, path-based selections, batch processing, and a plugin ecosystem (including Python scripting) that can bend it to almost any workflow. It handles very large files that would suffocate a browser editor.
The learning curve is real: the interface makes different choices than Photoshop's, and some workflows need unlearning. The community has produced thousands of tutorials, and recent releases have steadily modernized the experience. Creators who invest a weekend generally find it does 95% of what they needed Photoshop for — thumbnail composites, product retouching, photo cleanup.
Being offline and open source means your files and your workflow are nobody's business and nobody's subscription. If you want the same power in a browser without installing anything, Photopea is the natural companion — many creators use both.
Key features
- Full layer and mask support with non-destructive editing options
- Professional retouching: heal, clone, perspective, warp
- Color management, curves, levels, channels
- Batch processing and Python/Script-Fu automation
- Massive plugin and brush ecosystem
- Handles very large images; runs offline
Free plan & limits
Completely free and open source (GPL). No paid version, no watermark, no account.
Who is it best for?
Creators who want a powerful, private, offline image editor and don't mind learning its quirks; Linux users; heavy retouching workflows.
Frequently asked questions
Is GIMP good enough for YouTube thumbnails?
Yes — layers, text, cutouts and effects are all there. The templates that make Canva fast are missing, so expect to design from scratch or with your own saved templates.
Can GIMP open Photoshop PSD files?
It opens most PSDs well, though exotic Photoshop features (some smart filters, adjustment layers) may rasterize or be missing. For round-tripping PSDs, Photopea is often smoother.
Why do people say GIMP is hard?
Its interface and shortcuts differ from Photoshop's, so muscle memory fights you at first. Single-window mode and custom keybindings fix most complaints within a week.