GIMP vs Photoshop, Krita, Inkscape and Paint.NET: Which to Choose
Choosing the right image editor depends on what you actually need to create. GIMP is a powerful, completely free, open-source raster image editor - but "free" and "best" aren't always the same thing. This hub gives you honest, side-by-side comparisons of GIMP against the most popular alternatives, so you can make an informed decision without wading through marketing copy.
The core questions every comparison answers: Is GIMP free versus paid? Does raster or vector better suit your work? Is the tool aimed at beginners or professionals? Each comparison below covers those questions directly, with feature tables and clear verdicts. You can also explore GIMP tutorials and the plugins library to see how far GIMP can be extended once you've chosen it.
Pick Your Comparison
GIMP vs Photoshop
Free vs $20.99/month
The classic face-off. Adobe's industry standard against the world's most powerful free image editor.
GIMP strengths:
- ✓Completely free forever
- ✓Runs on Linux
Photoshop strengths:
- ✓Native CMYK & AI tools
- ✓Smart Objects (NDR)
GIMP vs Krita
Photo editing vs digital painting
Both free and open source - but they serve very different creative disciplines. Which one is right for your workflow?
GIMP strengths:
- ✓Photo correction tools
- ✓Script automation
Krita strengths:
- ✓Superior brush engine
- ✓Animation timeline
GIMP vs Inkscape
Raster pixels vs vector paths
Not really competitors - they do different things. Understand raster vs vector so you can pick the right tool (or use both).
GIMP strengths:
- ✓Photo manipulation
- ✓Pixel-level control
Inkscape strengths:
- ✓Infinite scalability
- ✓Logo & icon design
GIMP vs Paint.NET
Power user vs easy beginner
Paint.NET is simpler and faster to learn. GIMP is more capable. Which free editor should you install first?
GIMP strengths:
- ✓Cross-platform (Linux)
- ✓Far more features
Paint.NET strengths:
- ✓Much faster to learn
- ✓Snappier performance
Quick Verdict: All Tools at a Glance
| Software | Price | Best For | Key Formats | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Free | Photo editing, web graphics, scripting | XCF, PNG, JPG, WebP, PSD, TIFF | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Photoshop | $20.99-$54.99/mo | Professional print, commercial design, AI editing | PSD, PSB, PDF, TIFF, CMYK | Windows, macOS |
| Krita | Free | Digital painting, illustration, animation | KRA, PNG, PSD, ORA, TIFF | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Inkscape | Free | Logos, icons, SVG, vector illustrations | SVG, PDF, EPS, PNG (export) | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Paint.NET | Free | Beginner photo touch-ups, quick edits | PDN, PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP | Windows only |
How to Choose the Right Free Image Editor
Before picking a tool, answer these questions:
Editing photos or creating illustrations?
Photo editing and retouching is GIMP's strength. Digital painting and concept art is Krita's strength. If you do both, use both — they are both free.
Do you need vector graphics at any point?
GIMP is raster-only. For logos, icons, or any scalable graphics, use Inkscape alongside GIMP. Both are free and complement each other well.
Is ease of use the priority?
Paint.NET has the gentlest learning curve and runs only on Windows. GIMP has a steeper curve but runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is far more powerful.
Is cost a factor?
GIMP, Krita, Inkscape, and Paint.NET are all completely free and open source. Photoshop costs from $20.99/month. Every tool on this page costs $0.
Searchable database of 100+ Photoshop features - find the GIMP equivalent or workaround for each.
Interactive timeline of every major GIMP release since 1996 with key features per version.