GIMP

Software Overview

GIMP, short for "GNU Image Manipulation Program," is a free and open-source graphics editor that allows users to retouch photos, compose images, and convert file formats. Photographers, designers, and artists often choose GIMP when they need a powerful image editing tool without paying for a commercial license.

GIMP is a layer-based editor with a flexible interface that resembles programs like Adobe Photoshop. Users can perform detailed photo edits, batch process images, convert between file formats, and apply complex visual effects. GIMP includes a wide set of painting and editing tools, such as the Airbrush, Pencil, Clone, Heal, and various Brush tools. It supports non-destructive editing with layer masks, adjustment layers, and transformable vector paths. GIMP also offers editable text layers, filter previews, QuickMask mode, and alpha channel support for transparency.

GIMP 3 introduced a more modern, responsive interface built on the GTK 3 toolkit, improved performance, and better support for HiDPI displays. It includes expanded color management features, enhanced GEGL-based processing, and better support for multithreading. GIMP can open and export to various image formats, including .JPEG, .PNG, .PSD, .PDF, .TIFF, .BMP, and .WEBP. Its native project format is .XCF, which preserves layers, masks, and other editing data. Users can customize their workflows with templates, scripted automation (via Script-Fu or Python), and a large collection of third-party plugins.

Summary

GIMP is a powerful and flexible image editor that offers an array of tools for photo editing, painting, and file conversion. It supports many common image formats, provides a familiar interface for users of other editing software, and includes advanced features like layers, filters, and plugin support. Best of all, GIMP is completely free, making it a strong alternative to commercial image editors like Adobe Photoshop.

Primary File Type

.XCFGIMP Image

Supported File Types

Additional Related File Types