--- title: GIMP canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/gimp/ category: Photo Editing Software points: 55 rank: 6 of 9 facts_checked: 2026-10-09 --- # GIMP Free, open-source image editor with layers, masks and non-destructive filters for Windows, macOS and Linux. 55 points out of 100. #6 of 9 photo editors. Vendor: GIMP team. Website: https://www.gimp.org/ - GIMP is a freely distributed program, and the downloads page lists no paid edition [2][3]. - Official downloads cover Windows, macOS and Linux [2]. - The source code is public under GPL-3.0-or-later [6]. - GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters that stay editable after they are applied [4]. - Layer masks define which parts of a layer are opaque or transparent [8]. Verdict: GIMP suits people who want a free, open-source editor with layers, masks and editable filters [1][4][6][8]. It also lists soft-proofing options for print work [4][7]. The catch: raw files go through plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART, and GIMP's release notes do not list a photo library, HDR or panorama merging, or generally available AI tools [4][5]. Best for: People who want a free layered editor and can do without a built-in library or raw developer. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | Systems | Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux | 6/12 | Downloads page lists Windows, macOS and Linux installers [2]. | | Editing tools | Camera raw editing | Not published | 0/10 | Release notes mention plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART; they do not say raw files open without them [5]. | | Editing tools | Layers and masks | Yes | 8/8 | Layers are documented, with layer masks that set which parts of a layer are visible [4][8]. | | Editing tools | Non-destructive editing | Yes | 6/6 | GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters that stay active once committed [4]. | | Editing tools | Local adjustments | Yes | 5/5 | The Dodge/Burn tool uses the current brush to lighten or darken colours in part of an image [10]. | | Editing tools | Opens and saves PSD | Not published | 0/3 | Release notes mention improved PSD import and export; whether layers are kept is not stated [4]. | | Editing tools | HDR and panorama merge | Not published | 0/2 | Not published on the vendor's release notes pages [4][5]. | | AI tools | AI subject and sky selection | Not published | 0/5 | Paint Select is experimental and only in development builds, so it earns nothing [5]. | | AI tools | AI object removal | Not published | 0/5 | Heal tool removes small defects; the manual does not describe AI object removal [9]. | | AI tools | AI noise reduction or upscaling | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's release notes pages [4][5]. | | Workflow | Built-in photo library | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's release notes pages [4][5]. | | Workflow | Batch editing and export | Not published | 0/4 | Not published on the vendor's pages [4][7]. | | Workflow | Soft proofing | Yes | 2/2 | Manual lists Proof Colors and a Soft-Proof Profile; release notes mention soft-proofing options [4][7]. | | Price and licence | Open source | Yes | 3/3 | GitLab repository shows GPL v3.0 or later; the site says GIMP is developed under the GNU General Public License [3][6]. | | Price and licence | Free trial | Not published | 0/2 | Not published; the downloads page lists no paid edition [2]. | | Price and licence | Free version | Yes | 8/8 | Described as a freely distributed program; the downloads page lists no price or paid edition [2][3]. | | Price and licence | No subscription needed | Yes | 5/5 | Freely distributed; the site shows only a donation link and no paid edition [2][3]. | | Price and licence | Price per month | $0 | 12/12 | Described as a freely distributed program; no price or paid edition on the downloads page [2][3]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | GIMP | Free [2][3] | $0 | ## Strengths - Free to use, with the source under GPL-3.0-or-later [3][6]. - Official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux [2]. - Non-destructive filters since GIMP 3.0 [4]. - Layer masks and soft-proofing options are documented [4][7][8]. - The Dodge/Burn brush lightens or darkens parts of an image [10]. ## Limits - Raw editing is offered through plug-ins for darktable, RawTherapee and ART [5]. - Paint Select, its brush-based selection tool, is experimental and available only in development builds [5]. - No built-in photo library is listed [4][5]. - The release notes do not list AI object removal or noise reduction [4][5]. ## Sources 1. [GIMP](https://www.gimp.org/), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 2. [Downloads](https://www.gimp.org/downloads/), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 3. [About GIMP](https://www.gimp.org/about/), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 4. [GIMP 3.0 release notes](https://www.gimp.org/release-notes/gimp-3.0.html), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 5. [GIMP 3.2 release notes](https://www.gimp.org/release-notes/gimp-3.2.html), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 6. [GNOME/gimp](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp), GNOME GitLab, accessed 2026-10-08 7. [GIMP 3.0 user manual](https://docs.gimp.org/3.0/en/), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 8. [Add Layer Masks](https://docs.gimp.org/3.0/en/gimp-layer-mask-add.html), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 9. [Heal tool](https://docs.gimp.org/3.0/en/gimp-tool-heal.html), GIMP, accessed 2026-10-08 10. [Dodge/Burn tool](https://docs.gimp.org/3.0/en/gimp-tool-dodge-burn.html), GIMP documentation, accessed 2026-10-09