GIMP vs Photoshop

A detailed comparison of features, capabilities, and value

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	GIMP	Photoshop
Price	Free & Open Source	$20.99/month (subscription)
Platform Support	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
File Format Support	PSD, XCF, JPEG, PNG, etc.	PSD, JPEG, PNG, etc.
Learning Curve	Moderate	Steep
Updates	Free, Community-Driven	Regular, Subscription-Based

Detailed Feature Comparison

Image Editing Tools

GIMP

Layer Management
Basic and Advanced Selection Tools
Filters and Effects
Text Tools
Brush Tools

Photoshop

Advanced Layer Management
Smart Objects
Advanced Selection Tools
More Filters and Effects
Advanced Typography

Performance & Resources

GIMP

Lighter System Requirements
Faster Startup
Lower RAM Usage
No Cloud Requirements

Photoshop

Higher System Requirements
Cloud Storage Integration
Higher RAM Usage
Internet Connection Required

Why Choose GIMP?

Cost-Effective

Save thousands annually compared to Photoshop subscription fees

Open Source

Community-driven development and transparent code base

Cross-Platform

Works on all major operating systems including Linux

Active Community

Large community for support, plugins, and tutorials

Ready to Try GIMP?

Experience professional photo editing without the cost

Download GIMP