The Best Free GIMP AlternativesTop Image Editors & Digital Painting Tools like GIMP

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

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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 + Free, iPad, Linux, Android + Free, Mac and iPhone. 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

     1412 likes

    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.

    142 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
    43

    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

     1653 likes

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

    165 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

    Show more comments
    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 icon

    Affinity

     55 likes

    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.

    67 Affinity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Affinity screenshot 1
     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Adobe Photoshop Express icon
    Adobe Photoshop Express

    Adobe's mobile photo-editing app lets you edit, share, and upload photos across devices. With features like free 2 GB storage, original size backup, and extra tools for advanced editing, it enhances your images for social med...

    https://www.adobe.com
    Learn More
  6. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     336 likes

    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.

    111 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
  7. Sly icon

    Sly

     51 likes

    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

    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
  8. Pixlr icon

    Pixlr

     389 likes

    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.

    227 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.

    Show more comments
    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
  10. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     387 likes

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

    127 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    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
  11. Graphite icon

    Graphite

     92 likes

    Graphite is a free, open source vector graphics editor and animation engine, available now in alpha. Get creative with a fully nondestructive editing workflow that combines layer-based compositing with node-based generative design.

    60 Graphite alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    Made using nondestructive boolean operations and procedural polka dot patterns
     
  12. Photoscape icon

    Photoscape

     262 likes

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

    195 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
  13. PixiEditor icon

    PixiEditor

     18 likes

    PixiEditor is a free and open-source universal 2D editor. Create clean pixel-perfect sprites, paint with raster tools, or design crisp vector graphics — all on one canvas. Animate frame-by-frame or use the powerful Node Graph to build fully non-destructive visuals and custom...

    37 PixiEditor alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Steam
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    PixiEditor screenshot 1
     
  15. FireAlpaca icon

    FireAlpaca

     89 likes

    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!

    123 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
12 of 131 GIMP alternatives