A free and easy-to-use image editing tool

GIMP is a free image editing software program that comes with professional-grade features. Designed for Windows, the program can prove useful for photo retouching, image authoring, and image composition. With its help, you can create icons, images, design elements, artwork, and more. The program was initially created for Linux, but it has since evolved to be available on Mac computers as well. 

What does GIMP mean?

GNU Image Manipulation Program or GIMP is a free and open-source image editor with features that rival professional photo editing tools. Designed for Windows, this tool was only available on Linux platforms, with a reputation of being difficult to maneuver. However, it has come a long way since its early days and now features a user-friendly interface along with some great editing functions. 

With GIMP download, you get access to various features, so you can edit images or create designs from scratch. The program comes with automatic enhancement tools, color adjustment, noise reductions, cropping, and resizing, as well as a range of filters. Since the free app also supports third-party plugins, you can easily configure the photo editor to suit your requirements. 

Customizable interface

When you download GIMP software on your PC, you get access to a clean and simple interface. Apart from being user-friendly, the program also offers improved performance as compared to its previous versions. The primary window of the program is divided into three parts: one section is reserved for editing, and the other two contain different toolboxes, menus, and channels.

The great aspect of using GIMP for editing photographs and pictures is its ability to let you customize the layout as you’d like. You can remove all the panels and tools from the workflow, such that you’re left with a single element with which you intended to work. Moreover, you even have an option to quickly hide menus and panels to see your image in full-screen mode. 

Advanced features

The image editing features included in GIMP are parallel to its paid counterpart, Photoshop. With the help of the primary menu of the application, you can select and upload files, access editing tools, preview different versions, and change image composition. This section also includes the Help category, so you can access various GIMP tutorials and guideline documents. 

Apart from menus, the image editing software consists of a Tools and Colors menu. The former includes various editing options such as crop, resize, add overlays, and more. With the help of the Colors menu, you can retouch photographs, adjust color composition, customize brush strokes, change gradients, get rid of unwanted objects, and add different effects. 

You can even use GIMP to fix distorted images, turn colored images into black and white pictures, and add various effects to enhance the final output. That said, you may not find GIMP to be as comprehensive as other commercial image editors. However, it does include all the necessary features you would need to edit or retouch a photograph. 

Full-screen mode

When editing images using GIMP, you can easily switch to a full-screen mode to preview images. You can employ a few basic editing tools to make changes once there. This way, most of your display only includes the image, so you have a better perspective on overall changes. In case you want to switch back to the editing window, you can do that with a click of a button.

Offers plugin support

Since GIMP download is an open-source software, it is easy to extend. You can use a range of extensions and plugins to customize the program to your requirements. In fact, when you download the program, you will find many plugins pre-installed to provide a better experience to users. The software also has an active community that has developed a range of plugins that you may find useful. 

Supports all file formats

The photo retouching program is designed such that it can easily work with a range of file formats. It doesn’t matter if you import a file in RAW, JPEG, or PSD format. The software will automatically detect it, and you’ll be able to continue working. That said, if you intend to use GIMP alongside Photoshop, you should note that the latter doesn’t support GIMP or XCF files. 

Is GIMP download safe?

Yes, if you intend to download GIMP on your PC, you should know that the tool is safe to use and free from any virus or malware. The open-source program has been thoroughly checked and won’t harm your computer or digital files in any way. 

Do professionals use GIMP?

While GIMP has a lot of features that make it stand apart from other photo editing and paint programs, it does have its limitations. The software has a few bugs that make editing a little time-consuming. For instance, when saving an image, the tool sometimes stops responding. Users have also noticed click delays as well as sight hovering. Though some professionals use the software, its popularity is mostly due to individual preference.

Are there any alternatives?

Since there are many photo editing tools available in the market, GIMP has competition. However, as a free product, GIMP for PC is one of the best editing tools. Nevertheless, if you would like to check out alternatives, you should explore Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, InPixio Free Photo Editor, and Affinity Photo. 

Should I download GIMP?

If you’re looking for a free and easy-to-use photo editing tool with professional features, you should download GIMP. 

With the help of the open-source program, you can complete such projects as photo retouching, image authoring, and image composition. Designers and photographers can use the app to create different design elements, images, and icons. Since the application supports third-party plugins, you can customize it as per your unique requirements.