Graphic Design Software

GIMP vs Penpot

Both are graphic design software. The short answer: choose GIMP if you are free, open-source photo editing; choose Penpot if you are open-source UI design and prototyping.

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GIMP logo GIMPPenpot logo Penpot
Best forFree, open-source photo editingOpen-source UI design and prototyping
Free planYesYes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesGraphic Design SoftwareGraphic Design Software
Strengths
  • Completely free
  • Powerful
  • Free and open source
  • Self-hostable
Watch out for
  • Interface differs from Photoshop
  • Smaller plugin ecosystem than Figma
Visit GIMPVisit Penpot

Which should you choose?

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

Penpot: Open-source design and prototyping platform.

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.