GIMP vs Photoshop: Is GIMP Good Enough?
GIMP vs Photoshop compared: price, layers, RAW handling, CMYK and tablet support. GIMP handles most work for free; Photoshop wins on CMYK and pro workflow.
Last updated 2026-10-17 · both projects are free and open source unless stated
Quick answer
GIMP is good enough for the overwhelming majority of photo and graphic work — retouching, compositing, layers, masks and text. Photoshop still wins on CMYK colour, raw camera files, and a smoother professional workflow.
GIMP vs Photoshop: the differences
| Feature | GIMP | Photoshop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | Subscription, roughly $20 per month |
| Layers and masks | Full layer stack, masks, blend modes, alpha channels | Same, plus more advanced options |
| RAW camera files | Yes, via bundled raw handling | Yes, and the best raw engine on the market |
| CMYK colour | No | Yes, plus soft proofing and prepress tools |
| Text on a path | Yes | Yes, with far more control |
| Tablet pressure support | Yes | Yes, and better calibrated |
| Scripting | Python-Fu, Script-Fu | JavaScript, UXP, actions, extensive API |
| Plugins and presets | Thousands, but a mixed bag | Massive, curated ecosystem |
The verdict
GIMP has crossed the line where most people no longer need Photoshop. Layers, masks, curves, and batch scripting are all there. Choose Photoshop for print work, CMYK, and professional retouching pipelines; choose GIMP for everything else and keep the money.
Choose GIMP if Choose GIMP if you edit photos, make graphics, cut out backgrounds or need a batch script — and you would rather not pay a subscription.
Choose Photoshop if Choose Photoshop if you prepare files for commercial print, work with CMYK, or need the raw camera pipeline and professional colour proofing.
Where to get them
- GIMP (Free, open source) — official site · our full review
- Photoshop (Paid subscription) — official site
Common questions
Can GIMP do everything Photoshop does?
No. CMYK colour, professional print preparation and some advanced text and colour tools are missing. For everyday retouching, compositing and design work, the difference is smaller than most comparisons suggest.
How do I make a background transparent in GIMP?
Add the image as a layer, use Select by Colour or the Fuzzy Select tool on the background, then invert the selection and press Delete. For a clean edge on hair, use the Channels tab and delete the blue channel manually.
Can GIMP open and save Photoshop files?
Yes, it reads and writes layered PSD natively. Files using Photoshop-specific effects, smart objects or CMYK may not round-trip perfectly, which matters if you exchange work with people using Adobe tools.
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