GIMP review

GIMP is the long-standing free option for people who want a layer-based editor in the style of Photoshop. The project's site calls it the free and open source image editor and says it runs on GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and other systems, with version 3.2.8 on the download page. It is free software, so you can change its source code and share your changes, and it targets graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and scientists. It handles layered retouching and compositing, which Apple Photos cannot do. It drops to last place here for Mac users because Affinity is now also free and offers RAW editing, macros and a more Mac-like interface, while GIMP has no photo library and no machine learning tools to match Pixelmator Pro or Lightroom. It remains a good choice if you want open source software with no account requirement. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

budget users who want a free Photoshop-style layer editor

Price

Free and open source.

The Free & Open Source Image Editor
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Layered raster editing for retouching and compositing
• Runs on GNU/Linux, macOS and Windows
• Free software you can modify and redistribute
• Version 3.2.8 listed on the download page
• Layer-based workflow familiar to Photoshop users

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free with no account required
• Strength: Source code is open
• Strength: Targets designers, photographers, illustrators and scientists
• Weakness: No built-in photo library
• Weakness: Interface differs from Mac conventions
• Weakness: No machine learning tools comparable to Pixelmator Pro or Lightroom

Key facts

• Price: Free
• License: Free software
• Version listed: 3.2.8
• Platforms: GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows

Where it ranks

GIMP is No. 10 in our Best Photo Editing Apps for Mac verdict.