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Open source GIMP alternatives

Top Photo Editing like GIMP

The most popular alternative to GIMP is Krita, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to GIMP are darktable, Inkscape, and RawTherapee.

Most alternatives to GIMP are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

GIMP alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All GIMP alternatives

  1. Krita

    Krita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.

    8 Krita alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
    • Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
    • Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in

    Cons

    • Not designed for photo editing
    • Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
    • No version available for iPad
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

  2. darktable

    13.3Kstars

    darktable is a free, open source photography workflow application that acts as a virtual light table and darkroom for RAW files. It offers non-destructive editing with a scene-referred pipeline, parametric and drawn masks, color calibration tools, tethered shooting and a tagged image library. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS and suits photographers who want advanced RAW processing without a subscription.

    6 darktable alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source RAW processing with no subscription
    • Scene-referred pipeline with advanced masks and color calibration
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, with tethered shooting

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve and a dense interface
    • No mobile apps or cloud sync
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Color gradingNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about darktable

  3. Inkscape

    Inkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.

    10 Inkscape alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
    • Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions

    Cons

    • Can feel slow with large or complex documents
    • Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
    • Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    LayersOffline modePlugins & extensionsVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Inkscape

  4. RawTherapee

    4.2Kstars

    RawTherapee is a free, open source program for developing RAW photos on Windows, macOS and Linux. It focuses on image quality, with several demosaicing algorithms, advanced noise reduction, color management and detailed tone and color tools, all applied non-destructively through processing profiles. It includes a file browser and batch queue but no catalog, so it suits photographers who organize files themselves.

    6 RawTherapee alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source RAW development with fine-grained controls
    • Several demosaicing algorithms and advanced noise reduction
    • Batch queue and processing profiles for consistent results

    Cons

    • No catalog or library management
    • Technical interface with a steep learning curve
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Color gradingNon-destructive editingRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about RawTherapee

GIMP vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of GIMP, compared with its most popular alternatives.

GIMP vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android
darktableFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
InkscapeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
RawTherapeeFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

GIMP alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to GIMP?

The most popular alternative to GIMP is Krita: Free and open source painting app for illustrators and concept artists. Other great alternatives are darktable, Inkscape, and RawTherapee.

Is there a free alternative to GIMP?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Krita, darktable, Inkscape, and RawTherapee.

Is there an open source alternative to GIMP?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Krita, darktable, Inkscape, and RawTherapee.

Is GIMP free?

Yes, GIMP is free to use.

Compare GIMP with its alternatives

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