Free GIMP Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to GIMP for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best free Mac alternative is Krita, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to GIMP and many of them are free and available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free Mac alternatives to GIMP are Affinity, MyPaint, Sly and Photoscape.

filter to find the best alternatives

GIMP alternatives are mainly Image Editors, but if you're looking for Photo Editors or Digital Painting Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android, iPad, Linux, iPad + Free, iPhone, Android + Free and Mac. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to GIMP.
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Alternatives list

  1. Krita icon

    Krita

     1407 likes
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    Free, open-source painting software designed by artists for artists. Offers customizable UI, 9 brush engines, color management, tablet support, non-destructive editing, and privacy features. Portable and available on major platforms, supporting seamless texture creation.

    140 Krita alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android Tablet
    • KDE Plasma
    • Epic Games Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • Steam
    • F-Droid
    Main Window
     
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    17
    194
    Comments about Krita as an Alternative to GIMP
    Comment summary: Krita is praised for its ease of use, extensive features for digital painting, and strong development progress, making it a viable alternative to GIMP and even Photoshop for some users. However, many comments highlight that Krita focuses primarily on painting and lacks the image manipulation capabilities found in GIMP, limiting its functionality as a full photo editor. While it's noted for having features like Photoshop's GUI and effect layers, it may not suit those prioritizing precise editing tasks.
    Top Positive Comment
    tuva-hayabi
    3

    I disagree with most of the negative comments because you can actually do image manipulation/photo editing as well, at least the basic stuff like auto contrast, color balance, saturation, blur, sharpness, image size, canvas size and so on.

    Top Negative Comment
    Mosrod
    42

    Krita doesn't have photo editing tools and focuses on painting

    Richie Scassellati
    Positive
    2

    Krita is definitely a great alternative if you want something easier for digital art.

    Show more comments
    3 of 17 comments
    GIMP Icon
    Krita icon

    • Most users think Krita is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Krita is the most popular Windows, Mac, Linux & Android Tablet alternative to GIMP.

    • Krita is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to GIMP.

    • Krita is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  2. Affinity icon

    Affinity

     43 likes
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    Unified design solution merging advanced photo, vector, and layout tools for seamless workflow, non-destructive editing, RAW support, batch processing, AI enhancements, GPU acceleration, file compatibility, cloud asset integration, and tailored workspace options.

    64 Affinity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Affinity screenshot 1
     
  4. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     387 likes
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    MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.

    126 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
     
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    2
    35
    Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to GIMP
    Guest
    Negative
    16

    MyPaint is for drawing/painting not for any type of photo editing.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Because it is a drawing and painting program, not a photo editor, as pointed out by a guest 5 years ago.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GIMP Icon
    MyPaint icon

    • Most users think MyPaint is a great GIMP alternative.

    • MyPaint is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
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    Fotor icon
    Fotor

    Comprehensive online editor offering filters, frames, text, stickers, collage creation, graphic design, templates for social media, batch editing, photo retouching, mobile and desktop access, regular updates, and direct sharing t...

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  6. Sly icon

    Sly

     48 likes
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    Sly is a user-friendly, offline image editor requiring no expertise; adjust brightness, contrast, apply effects, and export in JPEG or PNG formats with control over metadata.

    36 Sly alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Online
    Sly screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Sly as an Alternative to GIMP
    youlk1234
    0

    Sly is like iPhone gallery photo editing: not bad but not for anything serious.

    GIMP Icon
    Sly icon
    • Sly is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  7. Photoscape icon

    Photoscape

     261 likes
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    PhotoScape is a fun and easy photo editing software that enables you to fix and enhance photos.

    194 Photoscape alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Photoscape screenshot 1
     
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    2
    20
    Comments about Photoscape as an Alternative to GIMP
    Renato Rinaldi
    Negative
    0

    GIMP is BIG because it has countless tools that make it a true photoshop rival. Photoescape has a beautiful interface but is focused on implementing effects on ONE single photo at a time. CROP functions and LAYER management very very limited. Unsuitable for complex professional creations. Good instead for amateurs and hobbyists of photography.

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Photoscape is a great program, I use it myself but won't do the more complex editing GIMP can do.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GIMP Icon
    Photoscape icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Photoscape is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Photoscape is Freemium and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  10. FireAlpaca icon

    FireAlpaca

     88 likes
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    FireAlpaca is the image editor that can be used readily and easily. We made it possible to provide the completely free download, in order for our products to be experienced by more users from all over the world. It is available for both Mac and Windows users!

    122 FireAlpaca alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    FireAlpaca screenshot 1
     
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    2
    11
    Comments about FireAlpaca as an Alternative to GIMP
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    While GIMP has a rawer drawing tool that feels more like you're drawing in Paint, FireAlpaca feels more like an alternative to Disney Create in the smoothness of drawing, but it's a little harder to fill in areas in FireAlpaca, especially the transparent areas. Fortunately you can simply choose a very large brush, colour the whole screen in one stroke and draw a shape next layer before finally some fill-in and ta-da! Transparency!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Unlike in GIMP, you can edit colours and blend very easily. With GIMP, you CAN do edits and draw and trace, but FireAlpaca feels almost like Corel Paint in blending capabilities. The colour interface doesn't save colours per se, so you have to choose new ones or use the dropper every time.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GIMP Icon
    FireAlpaca icon

    • Almost everyone thinks FireAlpaca is a great GIMP alternative.

    • FireAlpaca is Free and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  11. Polarr icon

    Polarr

     118 likes
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    Offers advanced filters, high-precision color and light tools, clarity, dehaze, batch export, watermarking, custom filter creation, touch and mouse access, infinite undo, HSL/RGB curves, blending, and workspace customization for versatile editing needs.

    139 Polarr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Polarr screenshot 1
     
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    20
  12. PhotoGIMP icon

    PhotoGIMP

     16 likes
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    A Patch for GIMP 3+ for Photoshop Users.

    8 PhotoGIMP alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    PhotoGIMP screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about PhotoGIMP as an Alternative to GIMP
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Its like gimp without the trash

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GIMP Icon
    PhotoGIMP icon
    • PhotoGIMP is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  13. LazPaint icon

    LazPaint

     45 likes
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    Raster & vector graphic editor with many tools and filters, written in Lazarus. Portable, 32bit & 64bit versions, ORA format & 16384x16384 image support. In app 3D import & rendering.

    41 LazPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Main UI
     
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    3
    6
    Comments about LazPaint as an Alternative to GIMP
    Daltro Auguso Campanher de Souza
    Negative
    1

    Bad workflow/usability. Not enough for professional use. Can't be compared to software like GIMP, Glimpse or Krita.

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Cool render features, minimal but complete UI

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    More lightweight, suitable if you have an older PC / notebook and you just want to edit some stuff on the go.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    GIMP Icon
    LazPaint icon

    • Most users think LazPaint is a great GIMP alternative.

    • LazPaint is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  14. Pixelitor icon

    Pixelitor

     28 likes
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    Pixelitor is an open source image editor with an intuitive interface and with a special emphasis on non-destructive editing.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Pixelitor screenshot 1
     
  15. Pixen icon

    Pixen

     18 likes
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    Pixen is a pixel art editor designed for working with low-resolution raster art, such as those 8-bit sprites found in old-school video games. With innovative features like a color palette system, patterns, and high-zoom support, Pixen packs all the tools pixel artists need in an...

    70 Pixen alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPad
    Pixen screenshot 1
     
12 of 34 GIMP alternatives