GIMP review
The most capable free Photoshop alternative.
Top 11 rank
#10 of 11
Score
7.5/9.4
Pricing
$ ($0)
HQ
Open-source project
Verdict
GIMP ranks tenth because it is the most capable free raster editor, covering layers, masks, and retouching that get close to Photoshop for users who will not pay a subscription.
What customers praise
Layers, masking, and a scripting engine give it real depth, and it opens and exports PSD files for zero cost.
What customers criticise
The interface is unintuitive, its AI features trail commercial tools, and the learning curve is steep for newcomers.
Best for
Budget-conscious users who need a free raster editor for photo work.
At a glance
- Integrations: PSD import/export, PNG, TIFF, Python scripting
- Regions served: Global
- Typical onboarding: 3 days
- Free tier: yes
Red flags
Public risk signals as of July 2026: low. Volunteer-driven open-source project with a slow release cadence. See the full red-flag report.
Alternatives
See alternatives to GIMP, or compare against the next-ranked entry: GIMP vs Recraft.
Source: Top 11 The 11 Best Graphic Design Software (2026), verified July 2, 2026 — no paid placement.