Version 3.0.6 - Last updated November 27, 2025
GIMP: The best free Photoshop alternative
GIMP is a gratis billedbehandlingsprogram for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and for years it has been the most credible Photoshop alternative without a subscription. We tested the latest version on both Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma—and were pleasantly surprised by how much power and flexibility you actually get.
GIMP for Windows, Mac, and Linux
GIMP runs on all major platforms, and installation was trouble-free in our test. On Windows, the install took about 20 seconds, while the Mac version required the usual security approval before the app could open. Linux users can install via their package manager or Flatpak.
That makes GIMP especially attractive if you work across systems—you can move projects between Windows, Mac, and Linux without issues as long as you save in GIMP’s own XCF format.
User interface and design
GIMP isn’t the prettiest app in the world, but the interface feels familiar—especially if you’ve worked in Photoshop. In our test, most tools and panels were exactly where you’d expect to find them.
The default theme is dark (black and gray), which gives a professional feel, though some may find the design a bit old‑school. You can customize colors and layout to suit your workflow—a feature we often miss in newer paid apps.
Features and tools: GIMP impresses
Although GIMP is open source and free, its features rival much of what you typically pay for. In our testing we didn’t hit any limits in everyday work with:
– Layers and layer masks
– Brushes and brush customization
– Healing Tool and Clone Tool
– Color adjustments and curves
– Transform tools
– GEGL‑based effects and filters
The app also handles large image files better than expected. We imported an 8K TIFF file on a Windows 11 PC—it took a couple of seconds to open, but editing was smooth after that.
GIMP supports most file formats and can even open PSD files. Do note that not every Photoshop feature carries over perfectly if the files include very complex layers or Smart Objects.
GIMP for creative projects
For hobby photographers, design beginners, and semi‑professionals, GIMP is an excellent tool. In our testing we created retouches, logos, thumbnails, and simple social media graphics without problems. The layer structure and intuitive tools are what make the app strong.
Professional users who work with CMYK for print will still miss a full CMYK workflow (that requires plugins like Separate+). But for 95% of users, GIMP is more than enough—and often better than many paid alternatives.
GIMP in English
A clear advantage is that GIMP is available in English and many other languages. In our test, the English interface was consistently translated, and all core menus and tools were easy to understand, which makes it much easier to recommend to beginners.
GIMP vs. alternatives
If you’re looking for a gratis billedredigeringsprogram in the United States, GIMP is the clear front‑runner. But the alternatives are worth mentioning too:
Adobe Photoshop – Best for professionals, but expensive due to subscription
Paint.NET – Easier to learn, but Windows‑only
Krita – Great for illustration, but not as strong for photo editing
In practice, most users will prefer GIMP because it’s free, flexible, and can handle almost any task without plugins.
How GIMP performed in our testing
After hours of exporting, cutouts, color correction, and layer‑based editing, we were left with the impression of a mature, stable, and surprisingly powerful app. We had no crashes during testing, but we noted:
– Some tools feel slower on Mac than on Windows
– The interface can seem busy for nye brugere
– Quite a few features are buried in deep menus
In return, you get freedom, flexibility, and zero subscription fees. That makes GIMP hard to beat.
Final verdict on GIMP
GIMP is easily the most complete free photo editor on the market. It offers a broad set of tools, supports virtually all common file formats, and works flawlessly across Windows, Mac, and Linux. There are minor drawbacks—especially the dated design and lack of full CMYK—but for the vast majority of users, GIMP is an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Photoshop, this is the app to download.
Top 5 tips and tricks for GIMP
Use layer masks for precise photo editing
Layer masks are one of the tools that truly elevate GIMP to a professional level. In our tests we used them for everything from cutouts to fine‑tuning skies and skin tones.
Layer masks are non‑destructive, so you can always go back:
– Right‑click the layer
– Choose Add Layer Mask
– Paint with black to hide, white to reveal
They’re especially useful for portraits or product shots where precision is everything.
Save time with essential keyboard shortcuts
If you use GIMP daily, keyboard shortcuts are the “secret highway” through the app. In our test, routine tasks were nearly twice as fast when using shortcuts:
– Ctrl + Z: Undo
– Ctrl + Shift + E: Export file
– M: Selection tool
– Ctrl + L: Open the Layers panel
You can customize shortcuts under Edit > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts, which is useful if you’re switching from Photoshop and want the same flow.
Extend GIMP with the best plugins
GIMP can do far more than you might think—especially when you add plugins. Many users rely on it for hobby photography, and plugins are a huge help. Our top picks in testing were:
– G’MIC: Advanced filters, blur effects, and color grading
– Resynthesizer: A must‑have for removing objects
– DarkTable integration: Makes RAW import significantly better
Install plugins by placing the files in GIMP’s plugins folder and restarting the app. It’s a huge quality boost for free.
Save different workspaces for different projects
We quickly noticed that GIMP can get crowded with panels if you work on several types of projects. That’s why it’s great that you can save different workspaces:
– One layout for photo editing
– One for illustration
– One for social media graphics
Go to Windows > Save Workspace As.
Switch between setups with a couple of clicks—a luxury you usually find in pricier apps.
Use the Healing Tool for fast, easy retouching
GIMP’s Healing Tool is surprisingly powerful. We used it for:
– Removing dust from the camera sensor
– Fixing minor skin imperfections
– Repairing old photosHere’s how:
Press H → Ctrl‑click to choose a source → paint over the area.
The result is often as good as in Photoshop, and you avoid complex layer work for small fixes.
GIMP FAQ
Yes. GIMP is completely free and open source. No hidden payments, no subscriptions, and no feature limitations.
Yes, GIMP is available in English (and many other languages). In our test, the translation was thorough and made the tools easier to understand for beginners.
GIMP can open most PSD files without issues. Very complex effects and Smart Objects may behave differently than in Photoshop.
Yes. GIMP runs on all three platforms, and you can move projects between them without compatibility problems if you save in the XCF format.
For most users, yes. GIMP offers layers, masks, brushes, and professional tools for free. Print professionals may miss full CMYK support.
