The field of graphic design is constantly evolving and so are the technologies that support the creation of gorgeous and modern digital graphics. While Photoshop seems to be the most preferred graphic design software among professionals today, there’s another option named GIMP that’s equally popular and comprehensive. Both of these are powerful programs that support the editing of all types of images. Both these programs come equipped with sophisticated tools, features, plug-ins, options, and certain resources that make them suitable for all types of applications. One program has better features than the other in some respect whereas they have their own set of shortcomings too. Some people prefer Photoshop while some prefer GIMP.
In this article, we have highlighted the resemblances and the variations existing between the two programs and have compared their features so that users are able to decide which software is suitable for them so that they can make sensible investments.
Read through the article to get your questions answered.
GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is an open source program supporting photo editing and it works well with major operating systems like such as OS X, Linux, Windows, etc. You can change the source code easily. It comes equipped with advanced tools and plugins that support the needs of professionals.
You can perform advanced image retouching, cropping, resizing, image manipulation, color modification, photo restoration, etc. Professionals can use this program to create icons, elements of user interface and GIMP graphic design, etc.
Photoshop is an Adobe product. Its older version was distributed as basic and advanced packages. When Photoshop CC was introduced, Photoshop decided to go with only version that comes equipped with a large number of tools and options. This software can be used to perform photo editing operations including photo retouching, creation of ghost mannequin effect, clipping path, old & damaged photo restoration, etc.
The outcomes get generated and saved in Photoshop document (PSD) format, which can be modified easily. You may often find layers, spot colors, transparency, duotone, masks, channels, text, color areas, selections, ICC profiles, clipping path arrangements, etc.
Modern businesses need diverse categories of photo editing services in order to address their specific needs. Diverse tools have unique features and they often do not come together as part of a single program. However, we have considered a few important parameters such as ease of use, resources, tools, and designers’ reviews and have drawn a comparison between the gimp and photoshop programs.
Adobe Photoshop | GIMP |
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You will find Photoshop to be a complex program and you need to see several tutorials in order to be able to master it. | This is an easy-to-use software that can be used by beginners as well. |
The program consumes 1GB for performance. | It is a much lighter program that consumes maximum 25 MB. |
The program demands large volume of RAM and hardware tools. | It does not call for use of extra hardware resources and it demands lesser amounts of RAM. |
Photoshop is proprietary and so you need to spend money to buy it. | GIMP is open source and free to use . |
Photoshop’s software update is limited only to Adobe users. | GIMP’s updates are available for people who can create and add to open source software. |
Professional designers and photographers favor Photoshop over GIMP. | GIMP is an ideal choice for hobbyists who want to use a free program to learn photo editing or to serve an immediate need. |
Photoshop is based on industry standards. | GIMP is a community-dependent graphic design program. |
Photoshop’s users are paid customers. | GIMP’s users are contributors. |
Photoshop comes with several paid tutorials. | GIMP helps users with open-source tutorials. |
Photoshop is not compatible with XCF file, which is GIMP’s original file format. | Photoshop files can be opened in Gimp as the Photoshop files can be edited in it. |
Linux users would typically prefer GIMP photoshop and they may use the lightweight software even from USB devices if there’s less space in their hard disks. Open source GIMP is an ideal substitute for those who cannot pay for expensive Photoshop or those who do not want to use the pirated version. GIMP is easy to use and it offers free upgrades to users while Photoshop upgrades will cost users money. GIMP is an option for those who system has a capacity lesser than 16 bits.
Photoshop comes at a premium price and it is pricier than rest of the photo editing software available in the market. It is available in different packages with monthly charges falling in the $9 - $79 range. If you are not a professional and if you are still learning photo editing techniques and have a tight budget, then you may consider using GIMP program.
Photoshop features high-end and multi-use tools that can be used well by professionals. If you are a professional photo editor, your clients would send you files in PSD formats and so you will definitely need Photoshop to process these image files.
GIMP has sophisticated features compared to different free photo editing software. If you need to use photo editing software occasionally, then you may consider using GIMP, which will definitely allow you to perform a higher level of editing compared to other free apps that would allow you to perform just basic editing that would generate less-than-perfect outcomes.
GIMP works well with Linux OS and most other commonly used operating systems. No wonder why it has a greater accessibility. It is compatible with an operating system with 8 bits capacity.
Photoshop is compatible with only Windows and Mac OS, but it does not work with Linux. The system should have higher than 16 bits capacity to be able to support heavyweight Photoshop. With Photoshop CS5, you would need 1GB of hard disk space, which can slow down your computer.
Things to do with GIMP
Things that You can do with Photoshop
Activities that both the programs support
You can do simple photo editing works with both. This may include image resizing, rotation, cropping, color change, unwanted object removal, fixing of blemishes, and restoration of damaged photos.
You can easily decide whether you need Photoshop or GIMP if you know the purpose for which you are looking to use a photo editing program. You need Photoshop if you are a professional and you need to instill special effects. If you an amateur and if you have a low budget, you can go for GIMP. It’s up to you to decide and we hope that this article provided you with valuable decision-making inputs.