Graphic Design Software

Adobe Photoshop vs GIMP

Both are graphic design software. The short answer: choose Adobe Photoshop if you are professional photo editing and compositing; choose GIMP if you are free, open-source photo editing.

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Adobe Photoshop logo Adobe PhotoshopGIMP logo GIMP
Best forProfessional photo editing and compositingFree, open-source photo editing
Free planNo (trial may exist)Yes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesAI Photo Editing Tools, Graphic Design SoftwareGraphic Design Software
Strengths
  • Industry standard
  • Generative Fill
  • Completely free
  • Powerful
Watch out for
  • Subscription cost
  • Learning curve
  • Interface differs from Photoshop
Visit Adobe PhotoshopVisit GIMP

Which should you choose?

Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard image editor with generative AI features.

GIMP: Open-source raster image editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all graphic design software compared.