Adobe Photoshop vs GIMP

Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial

Adobe Photoshop

The industry-standard raster editor for retouching, compositing and image manipulation.

Paid

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GIMP

The long-running free and open-source raster image editor for Linux, Windows and macOS.

Open source

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The short answer

Photoshop and GIMP are both layered image editors for retouching, compositing and painting. Photoshop is the professional standard, with the deepest toolset, built-in generative AI and native PSD files, but it is subscription only. GIMP is free and open source, runs on Linux as well as Windows and macOS, and covers most editing needs for people who can adapt to its different workflow and do without full print-production support.

Adobe Photoshop or GIMP: our take

Photoshop's strengths are depth and ecosystem. Layers, masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, brushes and selections are all mature, and Generative Fill and Generative Expand add or remove content from a text prompt inside the normal workflow. PSD is the de facto exchange format for layered images, and there is a huge pool of plug-ins, tutorials and trained users. GIMP offers layers, masks, selections, filters, colour tools and a scripting and plug-in system, and its 3.x series added non-destructive filters, better colour management and a refreshed interface. It opens PSD files, though complex layered documents may not survive the round trip perfectly, and its CMYK and print-production support is limited. It also has fewer AI-assisted tools.

The cost models could not be more different. Photoshop is sold only through Creative Cloud, alone or bundled with Lightroom or the full suite, with a 7-day free trial and no perpetual licence. GIMP is free under the GNU GPL, including for commercial use, with no account required. Photoshop runs on Windows, macOS, the web and mobile, with a free mobile version that has paid premium features; GIMP is desktop only, on Linux, Windows and macOS.

Choose Photoshop if you retouch or composite professionally, exchange PSD files with clients or agencies, prepare work for print, or want generative tools built in. Choose GIMP if you want a capable editor without a subscription, work on Linux, or edit images occasionally and are willing to learn its terminology. Expect a real adjustment period switching in either direction, since the two apps name and organise tools differently.

Choose Adobe Photoshop if…

Professionals who need the standard retouching and compositing tool and PSD compatibility
You need Web, iOS and Android, which GIMP doesn't list
Deepest retouching, masking and compositing toolset available
PSD is the de facto exchange format for layered images

Choose GIMP if…

Anyone who wants a capable layered image editor at no cost, especially on Linux
You want open-source software
You want a free option (Adobe Photoshop is paid only)
You need Linux, which Adobe Photoshop doesn't list
Free and open source with no account or licence fees

What is Adobe Photoshop?

Photoshop is the image editor most professional retouchers, designers and photographers learn first, and the PSD file it saves is the format almost every other editor tries to open. It handles layers, masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, brushes, selections and a huge plug-in ecosystem, and recent versions add Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and Generative Expand that add or remove content from a text prompt. It is far deeper than most people need for simple photo fixes, which is why many casual users move to lighter or cheaper editors. Photoshop is sold only by subscription through Creative Cloud, either on its own or bundled with Lightroom or the full app suite; there is no one-time purchase, only a short free trial. The desktop app runs on Windows and macOS, and there are also web and mobile versions, with a free tier of the mobile app.

What is GIMP?

GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, is the best-known free alternative to Photoshop. It covers retouching, compositing, painting and image authoring with layers, masks, selections, filters, colour tools and a scripting and plug-in system, and the 3.x series brought non-destructive filters, better colour management and a refreshed interface. Its workflow and terminology differ from Photoshop's, so people switching need time to adjust, and some professional features, such as full CMYK print workflows, are still limited compared with commercial tools. It opens PSD files, though complex layered documents may not survive the round trip perfectly. GIMP is developed by volunteers under the GNU GPL and costs nothing to download or use commercially. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, and is often paired with other free tools such as Inkscape and Scribus.

Side by side

Attribute	Adobe Photoshop	GIMP
Pricing	Paid	Open source
Open source	No	Yes
Self-hostable	No	No
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for	Professionals who need the standard retouching and compositing tool and PSD compatibility	Anyone who wants a capable layered image editor at no cost, especially on Linux
Status	Active	Active