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Home / Software & Apps / Photo Editing Software / GIMP
5.4 Tested Aug 19, 2026 by Team RankingRight

GIMP (GIMP 3) review 2026

The free, open-source layer editor: capable of most Photoshop tasks if you are willing to work for them

PriceFrom $0 · checked Sep 11, 2026
3-year cost0 $
200 RAW export—

Is the GIMP Worth It?

Best free photo editor. GIMP can do the portrait retouch; it took our editor twice as long as Affinity and three times as long as Photoshop. For zero dollars that is a fair trade for some people. Pair it with darktable for RAW.

GIMP Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free, open source, on every platform
  • GIMP 3 finally adds non-destructive layer effects
  • Scriptable and extensible
  • Handles our retouch tasks, slowly
Cons
  • No RAW development without a separate program
  • Interface and tool behaviour differ from every commercial editor
  • No AI selection or generative tools

GIMP at a Glance

5.4 Editor Score
RAW processingDemosaicing quality, noise reduction, lens corrections and camera support on our three-brand test set.
8/25
Editing toolsMasking, layers, retouching, AI selections and generative tools, and how far a portrait and a landscape could be taken.
16/25
OrganisationCataloguing, culling speed, keywords, face and subject search, cloud sync.
3/15
Ease of useTime for a beginner to finish an edit; presets and guided tools.
7/15
ValuePrice over three years; one-time licence or subscription.
20/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: RAW processing 25 · Editing tools 25 · Organisation 15 · Ease of use 15 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

GIMP — $0

Best priceVisit Site

GIMP specifications

PriceFree
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux
Free versionYes
One-time licenceYes (free)
RAW supportVia darktable or RawTherapee plugin
LayersYes (non-destructive in GIMP 3)
AI toolsNone built in
Catalogue / DAMNo

Why it scored 5.4

GIMP can do the portrait retouch; it took our editor twice as long as Affinity and three times as long as Photoshop. For zero dollars that is a fair trade for some people. Pair it with darktable for RAW.

Where it loses

RAW processing, organisation, ease.

Still the right pick for

Linux users and anyone on no budget.

GIMP5.4 · $0
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