GIMP alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave GIMP: interface and terms differ a lot from Photoshop, and limited CMYK and print-production support. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces GIMP, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Paint.NET currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best GIMP alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best GIMP alternative for most people
Paint.NETSimpler free Windows editor with layers that is quicker to learn for everyday edits.
Best GIMP alternative for a free option
PintaLightweight open-source editor for basic layered edits on Linux, Mac and Windows.
Best GIMP alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
PhotopeaFree in the browser with a Photoshop-style layout and better PSD handling.
Best GIMP alternative for open source
KritaAlso free and open source, with a much stronger brush engine for painting.
Best GIMP alternative for Mac
Adobe PhotoshopThe professional standard, with deeper tools and AI features if you can pay the subscription.
Best GIMP alternative for Windows
AffinityFree for individuals with a more polished, Photoshop-like interface, on Mac and Windows.
Best GIMP alternative for Linux
PintaLightweight open-source editor for basic layered edits on Linux, Mac and Windows.
Best GIMP alternative for iPhone and Android
Adobe PhotoshopThe professional standard, with deeper tools and AI features if you can pay the subscription.
Best GIMP alternative for working in the browser
Adobe PhotoshopThe professional standard, with deeper tools and AI features if you can pay the subscription.
GIMP alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to GIMP?
Paint.NET ranks first right now. Simpler free Windows editor with layers that is quicker to learn for everyday edits. Pinta and Krita follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to GIMP?
Yes. Paint.NET (free), Pinta (open source), Krita (open source) and Photopea (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to GIMP?
Yes: Pinta and Krita.
Which GIMP alternatives work on Linux?
Pinta and Krita run on Linux.
Why do people switch from GIMP?
The complaints we hear most: interface and terms differ a lot from Photoshop; limited CMYK and print-production support; fewer AI-assisted tools than commercial editors.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces GIMP, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.