GIMP Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to GIMP for Linux if you are looking for a replacement. The best Linux alternative 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 many of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to GIMP are MyPaint, Sly, PixiEditor and FireAlpaca.

filter to find the best alternatives

GIMP alternatives are mainly Image Editors, but if you're looking for Digital Painting Tools or Photo Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android, iPad, iPad + Free, Linux, 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

     1410 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.

    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
    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. 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
  4. Sly icon

    Sly

     50 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
  5. PixiEditor icon

    PixiEditor

     18 likes
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    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...

    36 PixiEditor alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

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

    FireAlpaca

     89 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!

    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
  7. Glimpse Image Editor icon

    Glimpse Image Editor

     34 likes
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    Glimpse is an open source image editor based on the GNU Image Manipulation Program. The goal is to experiment with new ideas and expand the use of free software.

    163 Glimpse Image Editor alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Glimpse Image Editor screenshot 1
     
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    1
    13
    Comments about Glimpse Image Editor as an Alternative to GIMP
    shi_tsu
    Positive
    -1

    If GIMP was remade in $currentYear

    GIMP Icon
    Glimpse Image Editor icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Glimpse Image Editor is a great GIMP alternative.

    • Glimpse Image Editor is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  9. PhotoGIMP icon

    PhotoGIMP

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

    14 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
  10. 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
  11. miniPaint icon

    miniPaint

     30 likes
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    miniPaint is free online image editor using HTML5. Edit, adjust your images, add effects online in your browser without installing anything. You can use the Electron based version of the editor if you like.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    miniPaint screenshot 1
     

    • miniPaint is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to GIMP.

    • miniPaint is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
  12. 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
     
  13. Paintstorm icon

    Paintstorm

     22 likes
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    Paintstorm Studio is created for professional digital painting. And a major role in this program play the brushes. We did our best so that you can easily and quickly adjust the brushes suitable for your painting style.

    40 Paintstorm alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPad
    PC version
     
  14. AzPainter icon

    AzPainter

     22 likes
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    AzPainter is a full color painting program for Linux. It's a lightweight tool with tablet pressure support, and provides basic functions such as selection, layers, filters. you can use it for painting, image editing, or pixel art making.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    AzPainter screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about AzPainter as an Alternative to GIMP
    ADRIANO DUARTE
    Positive
    0

    Lightweight, powerful and simple.

    GIMP Icon
    AzPainter icon
    • AzPainter is Free and Open SourceGIMP is also Free and Open Source
12 of 27 GIMP alternatives