The Best Free GIMP AlternativesTop Image Editors & Digital Painting Tools similar to GIMP

The best free alternative to GIMP is Paint.NET. 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 Krita, Photopea, darktable and MyPaint.

GIMP alternatives are mainly Image Editors but may also be Photo Editors or Digital Painting Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of GIMP.

GIMP alternatives page was last updated

GIMP

4432

Free • Open Source
Image Editor

GIMP is a free program for such photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Essentially it's the closest...

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Paint.NET
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Image Editor
Digital Painting Tool
Photo Editor
Windows
.NET Framework
163 Paint.NET alternatives
Paint.net is a free and very capable image editing software for Windows. Great alternative to Photoshop for people that do not need all the stuff PS offers.
- - Paint.NET is the most popular Windows alternative to GIMP.
- - Paint.NET is the most popular free alternative to GIMP.
Suggest and vote on features
Paint.NET Features
1. Support for LayersPaint.NET supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
2. LightweightPaint.NET consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsPaint.NET can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Dark ModePaint.NET supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. PortablePaint.NET can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Minimalistic
User friendly
Support for image plugins
Export to PNG
Community-based
Transparency
History Panel
Scan to JPEG
WEBP Support
Built-in Color picker
Comments about Paint.NET as a Alternative to GIMP
Most users think Paint.NET is a great GIMP alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Excellent Software lightweight, easy to use for fast editing.
Top positive comment•
5

zippy123
A more user friendly interface, great for simple editing jobs.
Top positive comment•
13

Guest
It is only for windows users.
Top negative comment•
2

Guest
it just has 100 times less features and is kept wayyyy too simplistic
Negative comment•
-5

Guest
ive been using paint.net for a long time. the interface is very user friendly. someone like me with limited computer knowledge will find it very easy to use. i tried gimp and PS although they are powerful, they are very complicated to use.
Positive comment•
2

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5 of 8 comments
Krita
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Digital Painting Tool
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android Tablet
Epic Games Store
PortableApps.com
Steam
144 Krita alternatives
Krita is a professional Free and open source (FOSS) painting program. It is made by artists that want to see affordable art tools for everyone within concept art, texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.
- - Krita is the most popular Mac, Linux & Android Tablet alternative to GIMP.
- - Krita is the most popular Open Source alternative to GIMP.
Suggest and vote on features
Krita Features
1. Keyframe AnimationCompositions can be keyframed in Krita, allowing you to change the parameters over time.
2. LightweightKrita consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Drawing Tablet SupportKrita supports the use of external drawing tablets as input devices.
4. Non Destructive EditingKrita allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
5. Support for LayersKrita supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
6. Custom BrushesYou can use modified/custom brushes in Krita.
7. Color PickerKrita allows you to select and copy a color property from an image, object, or shape.
8. Dark ModeKrita supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Pressure SensitivityKrita can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
Digital Drawing
Blending brushes
Drawing 2D
Advanced brush settings
Digital-painting focused
Color blending
Sketching
Texture painting
Adjustment Layers
Customizable
Comments about Krita as a Alternative to GIMP
Most users think Krita is a great GIMP alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Krita has effect layers like Photoshop and the most powerful brush engine
Top positive comment•
2

Guest
It's has Photoshop like gui.
Top positive comment•
0

FelschR
It's more of a painting tool than image editing.
Top negative comment•
7

VicQueiroz
Krita is more for painting, not photo editor
Negative comment•
2

Daltro Auguso Campanher de Souza
It is really AMAZING how this piece of software has evolved in a short time. Just a year ago, it's true: it was just kinda Illustrator alternative. But nowadays Krita incorporated a lot of features that can for sure make it a good substitute for PS or GIMP as well. A good bunch of filters, layers and styling options for layers, adjustment layers, RAW support, very nice interface (way more producer-friendly than GIMP). I'm really surprised on how this project is evolving.
Negative comment•
0

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5 of 14 comments
Photopea
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Image Editor
Digital Painting Tool
Photo Editor
Online
106 Photopea alternatives
Online photo editor, which can work with PSD, XCF and Sketch files (Photoshop, Gimp and Sketch App). Convert between PSD, XCF, JPG, PNG and many other formats.
Suggest and vote on features
Photopea Features
1. Support for LayersPhotopea supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
Web-Based
Open PSD files
Vectorize raster images
Sketch to PSD
Photoshop-like
Import from Sketch
Text tool
Realtime magic wand tool
Free API
Browser-based
Comments about Photopea as a Alternative to GIMP
Most users think Photopea is a great GIMP alternative.
Guest
It opens correctly all my PSD files.
Positive comment•
2
darktable
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Raw Photo Editors
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
55 darktable alternatives
darktable is a virtual lighttable and darkroom for photographers: it manages your digital negatives in a database and lets you view them through a zoomable lighttable. it also enables you to develop raw images and enhance them.
Suggest and vote on features
darktable Features
1. No Coding Requireddarktable can be used without an coding or programming skills.
2. Non Destructive Editingdarktable can make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
3. Support for scriptingdarktable supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
4. Works Offlinedarktable can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Extensible by Plugins/Extensionsdarktable can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Batch Editingdarktable allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
7. Built-in viewerdarktable shows you a quick preview of an image, page or file in supported formats.
8. Dark Modedarktable supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in darktable without registration.
Advanced retouching
Watermark images
Geotagged Photos
Multiple languages
Photographic filters
Lua scripting
Hardware Accelerated
Ad-free
Command line interface
MyPaint
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Digital Painting Tool
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
127 MyPaint alternatives
MyPaint is a fast painting program with an emphasis on full-screen use. It lets you focus on the art instead of the program. You work on your canvas with minimum distractions, bringing up the interface only when you need it.
Suggest and vote on features
MyPaint Features
1. Support for LayersMyPaint supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
2. Distraction-freeMyPaint has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
3. Drawing Tablet SupportMyPaint supports the use of external drawing tablets as input devices.
4. PortableMyPaint can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Custom BrushesYou can use modified/custom brushes in MyPaint.
6. Ad-freeMyPaint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Sketching
Infinite canvas
Fullscreen support
Color blending
Comments about MyPaint as a Alternative to GIMP
Most users think MyPaint is a great GIMP alternative.
Guest
MyPaint is for drawing/painting not for any type of photo editing.
Negative comment•
15
Pixlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Digital Painting Tool
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
210 Pixlr alternatives
Pixlr® makes it easy to transform everyday images into stunning works of art. Whether you’re applying a quick fix to your photos or adding your personal touch with effects, overlays, or borders, Pixlr has everything you need to make your moments beautiful.
- - Pixlr is the most popular Android & iPhone alternative to GIMP.
Suggest and vote on features
Pixlr Features
1. Support for LayersPixlr supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
2. LightweightPixlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Dark ModePixlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Custom overlaysPixlr allows you to add custom images or videos on top of your composition.
Web-Based
Retouch photos
Gradients
Open PSD files
Multiple languages
Photo effects
Correct Red Eyes
Comments about Pixlr as a Alternative to GIMP
Most users think Pixlr is a great GIMP alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Similar interface and similar tools.
Top positive comment•
-2

Guest
Nothing like Gimp it's a really minimal toned town bad vertion to photoshop and gimp
Top negative comment•
4

Hank_Scorpio
Missing loads of features gimp has. Can’t make layers. Selection tools are basically nonexistent. Disappointing.
Negative comment•
2

Guest
Pixlr E has a lot of the same features that GIMP has and Pixlr X allows to make minor edits to photos quickly. Both run in a browser without any need to be installed. And yeah, both are free to use :)
Positive comment•
-6

Guest
Manipulation tools similar to GIMP
Positive comment•
-6

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5 of 7 comments
Photoscape
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Mac
Windows
188 Photoscape alternatives
PhotoScape is a fun and easy photo editing software that enables you to fix and enhance photos.
Suggest and vote on features
Photoscape Features
1. Batch EditingPhotoscape allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
Color correction
Custom Backgrounds
Lossless quality
Collage
Batch processing
Image Combining
Retouch photos
Crop video
Image Morphing
Merge photos
Comments about Photoscape as a Alternative to GIMP
Almost everyone thinks Photoscape is a great GIMP alternative.
Renato Rinaldi
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.
Negative comment•
1

Guest
Photoscape is a great program, I use it myself but won't do the more complex editing GIMP can do.
Positive comment•
-1