GIMP: Is this free alternative to Photoshop just as good?
Photoshop is a famous editing program has become a world-class cultural icon since its creation in 1990. Absolutely everyone has heard of it. But, is there any alternative that works just as well?
Rumors say yes. Have you heard of GIMP? GIMP has been promoted as the free alternative to Photoshop, and its users claim that it is a program worthy of comparison.
Read on to discover the comparison between GIMP and Photoshop, features, pros, cons and benefits. Find the best alternative for you in editing programs.
About GIMP
GIMP is a free image editing program. With several tool options, GIMP allows you to improve photos, correct imperfections, transform colors and even apply filters.
About Photoshop
Photoshop is also an image editing program but it also serves to create any image. With options such as montages, edits and manipulations, it allows you to create high quality personalized advertising content, as well as allowing photo retouching with camera.
GIMP vs Photoshop: Similarities and differences
While in theory both programs have the same purpose and offer a range of similar tools, there are many differences between them that are also important to mention. Below you will find a comparative table where you can see detailed characteristics specific to each one.
Strengths and weaknesses of Photoshop
Strengths
One of the main strengths of Photoshop, is that it is a software that is constantly developing, so it not only adapts to new trends but also is updated to offer the latest in image editing tools and improve its performance.
Also, an added value is that it offers its Adobe Stock templates to create fast projects without further complication and mobile applications such as Photoshop Sketch to draw and create from a smartphone or Photoshop Fix to correct quickly.
With tools such as airbrush, healing, cloning and removal of objects, it is an ideal program for retouching images with professional motifs, where the demand is high and it is necessary to eliminate stains and errors. Also its layer function method allows to keep the original photo while working on it.
Weaknesses
The main weakness is the monthly subscription fee, which can represent a high expense for students and freelance professionals. Also the size of the software, because if you want to use it you must make sure you have a computer powerful enough. Also, its complexity of tools can be counterproductive when looking for a simple editing job, taking more time.
GIMP strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
GIMP, like Photoshop, uses the layer system for editing, and its tool panel is quite varied and complete. Tools like quick selection, editing, cloning and more work with the same efficiency as Photoshop, as do its image adjustment options (color, levels, etc.).
A plus point is that it has compatibility with systems beyond Windows and Mac, which gives it a great competitive advantage. It also occupies less hard disk space, so it adapts to a greater number of computers without causing problems.
Weaknesses
The main weakness is that it does have fewer tools than Photoshop, so someone used to this program can find this poor option. Also, GIMP does not support full CMYK color modes, so there may be a distortion in case of printing.
Which program should I use if I am a designer?
If you still have the doubt of which of the two options you should choose, here I give you the answer.
If you are a small business, freelance photographer or a person with little budget, GIMP is the ideal choice for you, is a good, simple and fulfils its function. Also, if you have doubts about acquiring Photoshop, you can start using this program and then decide if it is worth buying the subscription.
Now, if you’re photographer or any kind of professional who uses Adobe products or works for a large company that already has the programs, and a customer base that asks for quality jobs, Photoshop is for you.
Tell me, Which program do you prefer and why? I hope this blog has served to inform you about the two programs and with it, choose the one that is most to your liking and suits your needs.
