As web designers, we have all likely experimented with Photoshop, but what are our thoughts on GIMP? Despite being free, it's surprisingly robust and powerful.
Has anyone in this group used it? In my experience, while it may lack some of the advanced capabilities of Photoshop, it's still very impressive and serves as an ideal starting point for those unable to invest in PS.
If I recall correctly, GIMP is an open-source platform. I gave it a try last year when I was just getting into Photoshop, and while it's not terrible, it does lag behind in significant ways. While GIMP accommodates layers and includes many of the same features as Photoshop, it's still considered a non-professional alternative, despite its vast selection of plugins.
Therefore, while I appreciate GIMP, I must concede that it's best to utilize Photoshop from the outset since it's the only platform most web designers consider a professional-grade tool.
GIMP is an image editing software that is available free of charge, while Photoshop must be purchased. Unlike Photoshop, GIMP has fewer tools at its disposal.
Furthermore, GIMP cannot be used to edit photos on a smartphone, while Photoshop can perform this task with ease.
I have been using GIMP for two years, really good option. I'd say it's cheap and cheerful. Somewhere around 90% of all tasks are performed calmly. Later I switched to FS, because there were more professional orders.
From my own experience of using it, I learned that Photoshop cannot be replaced by Gimp. I liked it, but after working seriously in Photoshop, you will never switch to Gimp. This is the reality - Gimp for beginners and ... housewives. ;)
In terms of speed, GIMP is faster than Photoshop. When it comes to the speed of image processing and filtering, GIMP loses a lot.
GIMP is just a photo editor, Photoshop covers many design aspects and more.
GIMP doesn't have mobile apps like Photoshop does.
Photoshop is a professional tool, so it is expensive. GIMP, on the other hand, is free and available for download.
GIMP is a very good photo editor, but loses to Photoshop in many ways, namely in features and capabilities. If you are an amateur, then you should use GIMP.
If in my opinion Photoshop is more convenient than GIMP. And in terms of interface, I like it more. Especially a very old program, but reliable and effective. I'm talking about Photoshop of course. That doesn't mean GIMP is bad, it's just that I would choose Photoshop!
Depends on what you need a photo editor for. Photoshop will always remain my favorite. Huge functionality, comfortable management. GIMP is simpler and more suitable for a beginner.
Oh, yes, I totally agree about the power. GIMP has faster processing and better customizability. The only negative for me is the lack of an application. This is inconvenient, but not critical.
I don't like GIMP at all since there are less options and it kinda old-fashioned in my opinion, functional is too small for serious photo editing, but won't complain since it's free. For personal using or practicing if you're a newbie it's quite ok i think
In terms of functionality, GIMP is not even close to Photoshop.
How close a family van doesn't stand next to a Ferrari.
But both are machines. With its own individual consumer niche.
Correctly noted above - if you used Photoshop, then you will no longer work with GIMP.
Another issue is money. But this issue, as the surrounding reality shows, is completely solvable.
I use many years Photoshop , and I not change it :) I download Gimp and try , simply use and really application for beginners.But for professional use, I choose Photoshop.
In 1987, students John and Thomas Knoll developed the first version of Photoshop, with Adobe acquiring the program in 1990. Although the initial iteration of the software held limited functionality and was accompanied by other products, it has since undergone significant development and emerged as one of the leading graphic and web editors utilized today. A team of professional developers now contribute to Photoshop, adding new features to enhance its capabilities.
By contrast, GIMP was established as a graduation project five years later in 1995 by Peter Mathis and Spencer Kimball; the aim of developing the software was to reduce the need for commercial projects used in image editing. As the first free professional image processing program, GIMP has evolved over time and expanded its functionality, yet it remains far behind Photoshop in certain areas. However, GIMP still offers a range of tools and capabilities that make it a decent alternative to Photoshop, albeit with slightly more challenging usage.
As most designers and photographers are familiar with the Photoshop interface, it is typically viewed as simpler and more intuitive than GIMP's interface. The layout of GIMP's primary window - divided into three sections for tools, workspace, and an additional panel - has an unusual design that takes some getting used to, though aside from this arrangement, GIMP's interface is fairly straightforward. Recent versions of the software include the option to incorporate a single-window design, making the interface more familiar.
Given the higher number of professionals using Photoshop, dоcumentation and training materials for the software are more abundant and widespread compared to GIMP's resources. While there have been recent efforts to create tutorials and books for GIMP, Photoshop continues to dominate in this area. Additionally, Adobe offers customer support teams to assist users with their needs, making it a more professional tool overall, despite its high cost.
It would seem that GIMP is not overloaded with unnecessary tools and takes 20 times less than Photoshop, and it starts faster. But when it comes to image processing speed and the use of filters, GIMP loses a lot. The guys from Adobe were really able to optimize the application to make everything work faster.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is indeed a popular and powerful free alternative to Photoshop. Many web designers use GIMP as it offers a wide range of features and tools for image editing and manipulation. While it may not have all the advanced capabilities of Photoshop, it can still be a great starting point, especially for those who are unable to invest in Photoshop or prefer open-source software. Ultimately, the choice between GIMP and Photoshop depends on individual preferences, specific project requirements, and familiarity with the software.
GIMP is well-regarded for its extensive feature set, which includes tools for image retouching, color correction, cropping, resizing, and more. It also supports layers, masks, and a variety of filters and effects. GIMP has a customizable workspace, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences.
One advantage of GIMP being open-source is that it has a large community of users and developers who contribute to its continuous improvement. This means that there are plenty of tutorials, forums, and resources available for learning and troubleshooting.
However, as you mentioned, Photoshop does have some advanced capabilities that GIMP may lack, such as specific tools for professional photo editing or integration with other Adobe products. Additionally, Photoshop is considered the industry standard in many design fields and is often used by professionals in graphic design, photography, and digital art.
In addition to its core image editing features, GIMP also supports a wide range of file formats, including popular formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF. It also has support for RAW files, which is convenient for photographers.
GIMP provides advanced selection tools, such as the path tool, which allows for precise and editable selections. It also has various painting tools, including brushes, pencils, and airbrushes, that can be customized to achieve different effects. Additionally, GIMP offers layer styles, blending modes, and masks for non-destructive editing and compositing.
One notable feature of GIMP is its scripting capabilities. Users can create and execute scripted actions, automate tasks, and even extend the functionality of the software using various scripting languages, including Python.
While GIMP may not have all the advanced features and integration options of Photoshop, it still offers a robust set of tools for web designers. It can handle most common design tasks, whether it's creating website mock-ups, resizing and optimizing images, or editing graphics for web interfaces.
Photoshop and GIMP are both powerful image editing software, but there are some key differences between them.
1. Cost: One of the most significant distinctions is the cost. Photoshop is a commercial software that requires a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which can be expensive. On the other hand, GIMP is free and open-source, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
2. User Interface: The user interface of Photoshop is known for its intuitive and polished design. It offers a comprehensive workspace with multiple panels, customizable menus, and a streamlined workflow. GIMP, while functional, has a less refined interface that may take some time to get used to, especially for those transitioning from Photoshop.
3. Features and Tools: Photoshop is often considered the industry standard and offers a wide range of advanced features and tools for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital art. It has extensive support for color management, advanced retouching, 3D editing, video editing, and seamless integration with other Adobe products. GIMP, while powerful, may not have all the same capabilities as Photoshop. It lacks some advanced features like non-destructive editing, content-aware fill, and certain specialized tools.
4. Plug-ins and Extensions: Photoshop has a vast ecosystem of plug-ins, extensions, and third-party integrations. This allows users to extend its functionality further and access various specialized tools and effects. GIMP has a smaller collection of plug-ins and extensions available, though it does offer support for some popular ones.
5. Learning Resources and Community: As the industry standard, Photoshop has a vast amount of learning resources, tutorials, and community support available. Many professionals use Photoshop, so finding help or guidance is relatively easy. GIMP, while having a dedicated community, may not have the same level of resources and tutorials available, though there are still many available for beginners.
6. Performance and Resource Usage: While both software can handle image editing tasks, Photoshop is known for its optimized performance and efficient use of system resources. It generally runs smoother and handles large files more efficiently. GIMP, on the other hand, can be slightly slower and may consume more resources when working with complex or high-resolution images.
7. File Compatibility: Photoshop has excellent compatibility with a wide range of file formats, including proprietary formats like PSD and Adobe's Creative Cloud Library. This makes it easier to collaborate with other designers and work within an Adobe-centric workflow. GIMP supports many standard file formats but may have limitations with more specialized formats or features specific to Photoshop.
8. Vector Graphics Handling: Photoshop primarily focuses on raster image editing, while GIMP also supports vector graphics manipulation. GIMP has built-in tools for creating and editing vector graphics, such as paths and shapes, which can be useful for creating logos, illustrations, or scalable designs.
9. Third-Party Integration: Since Photoshop is widely used in the design industry, it has better integration with other industry-standard software and tools. Many popular design applications offer seamless integration with Photoshop, allowing for efficient workflows. While GIMP does have some integration options, they may not be as extensive or as widely supported as those for Photoshop.
10. User Base and Industry Recognition: Photoshop has a long-standing reputation and widespread adoption in the creative industry. It is often considered the go-to software for professional designers, photographers, and artists. GIMP, while gaining popularity, may not have the same level of industry recognition or acceptance, which can be a factor when seeking employment or collaborating with others in the field.
11. Workflow Integration: Photoshop is known for its seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. This makes it easier to transfer files, assets, and projects between different software within the Adobe ecosystem. GIMP, being an open-source software, may have more limitations when it comes to workflow integration with proprietary software.
12. Advanced Image Editing: Photoshop offers advanced features like advanced retouching tools, content-aware fill, HDR imaging, and advanced masking capabilities. These features make Photoshop the preferred choice for professional photographers and those working extensively on high-end image editing and manipulation. While GIMP does offer some similar features, it may not have the same level of refinement or advanced capabilities found in Photoshop.
13. Extensibility: Both Photoshop and GIMP support plugins and extensions to enhance their functionality. However, Photoshop has a larger ecosystem of third-party plugins and extensions developed by both Adobe and independent developers. This allows users to access specialized tools and effects that may not be available in the core software. GIMP, while having a smaller collection of plugins, still offers some useful extensions to extend its capabilities.
14. Support and dоcumentation: Photoshop benefits from extensive official dоcumentation, online tutorials, user forums, and a large community of designers and artists. This means finding resources or help for troubleshooting or learning new techniques is relatively easy. GIMP, while having a dedicated community, may not have the same level of resources or support available.
15. Platform Support: Photoshop is available for both macOS and Windows operating systems, offering consistent performance and features across platforms. GIMP, being an open-source software, is also available on various platforms, including Linux, making it a versatile choice for users across different operating systems.
16. User Support and Community: As a widely used software, Photoshop has a large user base and a vast community that provides support, tutorials, and resources. You can easily find online forums, YouTube tutorials, and extensive dоcumentation for almost any Photoshop-related topic. GIMP also has an active community, although it may not have the same breadth of resources available as Photoshop.
17. Presets and Templates: Photoshop offers a wide range of pre-designed templates, presets, and brushes that can speed up your workflow and help achieve specific effects or styles. These resources are often created by professionals and can significantly enhance your creative process. GIMP also provides some presets and templates, but they may not be as abundant or as high-quality as those in Photoshop.
18. Mobile App: Adobe offers Photoshop as a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. This allows users to edit images on the go and sync their work with the desktop version seamlessly. GIMP, being primarily desktop-focused, does not have an official mobile app, which may be a disadvantage if mobile editing is an important aspect of your workflow.
19. Learning Curve: Photoshop can have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and professional-grade capabilities. It may take some time to become proficient in using all its tools and functionalities effectively. GIMP, being a less complex software, generally has a shallower learning curve and can be more accessible to beginners or those new to image editing.
20. Commercial Use: Photoshop is commonly used for commercial purposes, and many professionals rely on it for their design projects. Its widespread acceptance and recognition in the industry make it easier to collaborate with clients and other professionals. GIMP, although capable, may not have the same level of recognition or acceptance for commercial use, which could be a consideration for professional designers.
21. Performance and Stability: Photoshop is known for its stability and optimized performance, especially when working with large files or complex projects. It utilizes hardware acceleration and takes advantage of the underlying system resources for smooth and efficient operation. GIMP, while generally stable, may not have the same level of performance optimization, especially when dealing with resource-intensive tasks.
22. Industry Standard Format: Photoshop uses the PSD file format as its native format, which is widely recognized and accepted by other design software and professionals in the industry. This compatibility can be advantageous when collaborating with others or when exchanging files with clients or colleagues. While GIMP supports various file formats, including PSD, compatibility may not be as seamless or as extensive as with Photoshop.
23. Batch Processing: Photoshop provides powerful batch processing capabilities, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and apply edits to multiple images simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful when working with large sets of images or when needing to apply the same adjustments to multiple files. GIMP also has batch processing capabilities, although it may be more limited in terms of the available options and flexibility compared to Photoshop.
24. Integration with Adobe Stock: Adobe offers integration with its stock photo service called Adobe Stock directly within Photoshop. This allows users to search, preview, license, and download high-quality images without leaving the software. GIMP, being an open-source software, does not have this direct integration with a stock photo service, although users can still manually access and use stock photos.
25. Learning and Career Opportunities: Photoshop's widespread use in the professional design industry means that proficiency in Photoshop is often sought after by employers and clients. Being proficient in Photoshop can open up more career opportunities and provide a competitive edge in the design field. GIMP, while gaining popularity, may not have the same level of recognition or demand in the job market.
26. Asset Management: Photoshop provides robust asset management features, including the ability to organize and manage libraries of design assets like colors, brushes, styles, and fonts. This makes it easier to maintain consistency across projects and access frequently used resources. GIMP, while it has some asset management capabilities, may not offer the same level of organization and accessibility for design assets.
27. Print Design: When it comes to print design, Photoshop's extensive support for CMYK color spaces, high-resolution printing, and precise control over image details make it a preferred choice for professional designers. GIMP also offers CMYK support but may have limitations in terms of color accuracy and print-specific features.
28. Non-Destructive Editing: Photoshop provides non-destructive editing capabilities through adjustment layers and smart objects. This allows you to make changes to an image without permanently altering the original pixels, making it easier to refine edits and experiment with different effects. GIMP supports limited non-destructive editing through layers and layer masks, but it may not have the same level of flexibility and convenience as Photoshop.
29. User Experience Design: Photoshop is commonly used for user experience (UX) design, offering tools for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes. It also provides support for designing mobile app interfaces and responsive web designs. While GIMP can be used for similar purposes, it may lack specialized features and dedicated workflows for UX design.
30. Cloud Storage and Collaboration: Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers have access to cloud storage and collaboration features, allowing for seamless file sharing, version control, and real-time collaboration with others. GIMP, being a standalone desktop software, does not have integrated cloud storage or collaboration options. Users would need to rely on third-party solutions for cloud storage and collaborative work.
31. Tutorials and Training: Photoshop's popularity means that there is an abundance of tutorials, training courses, and educational resources available to help users learn and master the software. These resources can be valuable for beginners and advanced users alike. While GIMP also has tutorials and resources available, they may not be as extensive or as widely recognized as those for Photoshop.
32. Animation and Video Editing: In addition to its image editing capabilities, Photoshop offers powerful tools for animation and video editing. You can create animated GIFs, design interactive web graphics, and even edit videos within the software. GIMP, while it can handle basic animation tasks, may not have the same level of sophistication or dedicated features for advanced animation or video editing.
33. 3D Design and Visualization: Photoshop includes features for 3D design and visualization, such as 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering. It allows you to work with 3D objects, textures, lighting, and materials, making it suitable for tasks like product design or architectural visualization. GIMP does not have built-in support for 3D design and visualization.
34. Customer Support: As a paid software, Photoshop offers customer support directly from Adobe. This can be helpful when you encounter technical issues or require assistance with the software. GIMP, being an open-source software, relies primarily on community support, which may not be as readily available or responsive.
35. Plugins and Actions: Photoshop has a vast library of plugins and actions created by Adobe and third-party developers. These plugins and actions can extend the functionality of the software and automate complex tasks, saving time and enhancing productivity. While GIMP does support plugins, the selection may not be as extensive or as diverse as what is available for Photoshop.