GIMP AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Digital Painting Tools

The best Digital Painting alternative to GIMP is Krita, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to GIMP and loads of them are Digital Painting Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Digital Painting Tool alternatives to GIMP are Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Adobe Photoshop and Photopea.

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GIMP alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools, but if you're looking for Image Editors or Photo Editors 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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    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. Paint.NET icon

    Paint.NET

     1647 likes
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    Free Windows image editor with support for layers, plugins, and special effects. Offers intuitive interface, works offline, ad-free, and portable, consuming fewer resources.

    163 Paint.NET alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • .NET Framework
    Paint.NET screenshot 1
     
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    10
    124
    Comments about Paint.NET as an Alternative to GIMP
    Comment summary: Many users find Paint.NET's interface more intuitive and user-friendly compared to GIMP, which is considered complex. Paint.NET is praised for being lightweight and easy to use, suitable for simple image editing tasks. However, some critique it for lacking features and being overly simplistic. The software is also noted for being proprietary and Windows-only.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    18

    Much simpler to master for the occasional user

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Duplicake
    2

    Proprietary and Windows only

    ichimitch
    Positive
    1

    Paint.net has a much more intuitive UI than GIMP and can be used in a pinch to do many of the same tasks but it also feels kind of sloppy and under-developed. The way it handles palettes, for example, is really hacky. I would choose Paint.net over GIMP; but I would choose Krita over Paint.net

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    3 of 10 comments
    GIMP Icon
    Paint.NET icon

    • Most users think Paint.NET is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Paint.NET is Free and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
    • Paint.NET is MinimalisticGIMP is not according to our users
  4. Affinity Photo icon

    Affinity Photo

     553 likes
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    Real-time image editing software supporting extensive colour spaces, unlimited layers, non-destructive edits, and a streamlined workspace for complex tasks on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    98 Affinity Photo alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Affinity Photo screenshot 1
     
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    5
    56
    Comments about Affinity Photo as an Alternative to GIMP
    Top Positive Comment
    Wonder Warthog
    11

    Well it's not free, but for 50 bucks it's still a steal. And no subscription nonsense like "that other photo editing app"…

    Guest
    Positive
    9

    GIMP is free and Affinity is not, however, Affinity photo isn't expensive and it has non-destructive editing and superb capacity for making selections. GIMP doesn't have these features yet. For me, GIMP is straight forward and a great workhorse, but I find myself using Affinity Photo more and more.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Mosrod
    Positive
    4

    Very similar to Photoshop and a great photo editing program for only $50

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    3 of 5 comments
    GIMP Icon
    Affinity Photo icon

    • Most users think Affinity Photo is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Affinity Photo is the most popular iPad alternative to GIMP.

    • Affinity Photo is the most popular commercial alternative to GIMP.

    • Affinity Photo is Paid and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Corel Painter icon
    Corel Painter

    Corel Painter offers realistic traditional media simulation with features like customizable brushes, extensive format support, layering, blending tools, and more, tailored for professional artists working in drawing, painting, an...

    https://www.painterartist.com
    Learn More
  6. Adobe Photoshop icon

    Adobe Photoshop

     2415 likes
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    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Extensible via plug-ins.

    224 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once or Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Wine
    • ReactOS
    • Google Chrome
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 1
     
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    130
    Comments about Adobe Photoshop as an Alternative to GIMP
    Top Positive Comment
    Daan Balman
    5

    Generally - photoshop is a very good tool, with a lot of staff inside. It's a quite good alternative if a pricing is not a question.

    Top Negative Comment
    Duplicake
    -1

    Gimp is an alternative to photoshop, not the other way round

    nayote
    Positive
    0

    Photoshop is the default tool for design, but having a high learning curve and being a paid tool makes it difficult for those of us who only use it for small things.

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    3 of 10 comments
    GIMP Icon
    Adobe Photoshop icon

    • Most users think Adobe Photoshop is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular Web-based, Android & iPhone alternative to GIMP.

    • Adobe Photoshop is Paid and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  7. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     330 likes
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    Browser-based image editing supports PSD, XCF, Sketch formats, advanced layers, vector tools, RAW photo support, and exports in 40+ formats. Fully client-side with AI background removal, content-aware tools, and privacy as files never leave your device.

    110 Photopea alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Photopea screenshot 1
     
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    1
    15
    Comments about Photopea as an Alternative to GIMP
    Guest
    Positive
    3

    It opens correctly all my PSD files.

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

    • Most users think Photopea is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Photopea is the most popular SaaS alternative to GIMP.

    • Photopea is Freemium and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  8. 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
  10. Pixlr icon

    Pixlr

     388 likes
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    Web-based editor with AI image generation, quick fixes, overlays, intricate lighting and texture adjustments, customizable templates, advanced filters, support for layers, high-res export, and ad-free premium features for accessible image and design editing.

    224 Pixlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Pixlr screenshot 1
    Promotion 😀

    Get a 30% discount on Pixlr Premium Plans with AlternativeTo, use code AW30OFF

     
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    7
    37
    Comments about Pixlr as an Alternative to GIMP
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    -2

    Similar interface and similar tools.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    6

    Nothing like Gimp it's a really minimal toned town bad vertion to photoshop and gimp

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Hank_Scorpio
    Negative
    2

    Missing loads of features gimp has. Can’t make layers. Selection tools are basically nonexistent. Disappointing.

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    3 of 7 comments
    GIMP Icon
    Pixlr icon

    • Most users think Pixlr is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Pixlr is Freemium and ProprietaryGIMP is Free and Open Source
  11. Pixelmator icon

    Pixelmator

     421 likes
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    Image editing software for macOS and iOS, offering nondestructive, GPU-powered editing with machine learning features, RAW support, custom brushes, and seamless macOS integration for touch-ups, painting, and creative compositions.

    153 Pixelmator alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Pixelmator screenshot 1
     
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    25
  12. Procreate icon

    Procreate

     164 likes
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    Procreate is a versatile, award-winning app for creative digital drawing and painting on iOS. It delivers a robust, professional toolset with hundreds of configurable brushes, a powerful layering system, vector graphic tools, and comprehensive design capabilities, ensuring desktop-level flexibility and power.

    62 Procreate alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Procreate screenshot 1
     
  14. 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
  15. Fossify Paint icon

    Fossify Paint

     14 likes
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    Privacy-centric digital drawing tool perfect for all skill levels. Create, customize, and share art with adjustable brushes, canvas colors, and versatile format support via PNG, JPG, and SVG without compromising your privacy—fully open-source.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • Android Tablet
    Fossify Paint screenshot 1
    Fossify Paint screenshot 2
    Fossify Paint screenshot 3
     
12 of 60 GIMP alternatives