Top 10 Free Alternatives to GIMP in 2025

As we approach 2025, GIMP continues to be a strong contender in the world of free image editing software. However, there are several robust alternatives that cater to various needs and preferences. This article explores the top 10 free alternatives to GIMP, detailing their key features and platforms.

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1. Paint.NET

Description: A simple and user-friendly image and photo editor developed for Windows users, but offers powerful capabilities akin to more advanced software.
Key Features:
Supports layers with blending modes.
Unlimited history.
Special effects such as blurring, red-eye removal, noise, and sharpening.
Tools for drawing shapes, splines, and Bezier curves.
Includes selection tools, clone stamp, and gradient tools.
Platforms: Windows Learn more about Paint.NET

2. Krita

Description: A free, open-source application designed primarily for digital painting and sketching.
Key Features:
Tailored for digital art creation.
Compatible with many drawing tablets, including Wacom and Huion.
Extensive range of brushes and painting tools.
Strong focus on painting and sketching capabilities rather than photo editing.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Explore Krita

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3. Pixlr X/E

Description: A versatile browser-based photo editor offering a quick and easy Pixlr X and a more advanced Pixlr E.
Key Features:
Accessible online without needing downloads.
Cross-platform functionality (macOS, Windows, Linux, tablets, smartphones).
User-friendly with a variety of useful tools similar to GIMP.
Incorporates AI features.
Platforms: Browser-based (cross-platform) Discover Pixlr

4. Photopea

Description: A robust, browser-based photo editor supporting numerous file formats, enhancing its versatility.
Key Features:
Compatible with PSD, AI, and other file formats.
Merges raster and vector graphics editing.
Facilitates complex designs, including web mockups.
Offers features comparable to GIMP for image editing.
Platforms: Browser-based Learn more about Photopea

5. Canva

Description: A user-friendly, browser-based tool perfect for quick graphic and layout creations using templates.
Key Features:
Provides pre-designed templates, stock photos, and graphics.
Excellent for social media graphics, invitations, and creative projects.
Includes basic photo editing capabilities.
AI-powered features enhance usability.
Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android Explore Canva

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6. Fotor

Description: An intuitive photo editor known for its straightforward one-click enhancements.
Key Features:
Simple one-click photo enhancements.
High-quality filters and effects.
Easy-to-remove objects from photos.
AI-powered editing tools.
Suitable for basic to intermediate editing needs.
Platforms: Web-based, Windows Discover Fotor

7. Sumopaint

Description: A web-based image editor offering essential tools for fundamental editing tasks.
Key Features:
Online tool accessible from any platform.
Supports layers, layer effects, and blending modes.
Over 300 brushes for creative endeavors.
Ideal for basic to intermediate projects.
Platforms: Browser-based Learn more about Sumopaint

8. Glimpse Image Editor

Description: An open-source image editor forked from GIMP, with a focus on usability and security.
Key Features:
Clean user interface while retaining many features of GIMP.
Emphasizes stability and security improvements.
Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS Explore Glimpse Image Editor

9. Raw Therapee

Description: Specialized software for editing RAW photos, ideal for photographers seeking advanced tools.
Key Features:
Dedicated to RAW image processing.
Comprehensive tools for adjustments and corrections.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Discover Raw Therapee

10. PhotoScape X

Description: An all-in-one photo editing software suitable for both beginners and more advanced users.
Key Features:
Efficient RAW image conversion and batch processing.
Combines photo editing, collage creation, and more.
Easy-to-use interface.
Platforms: Windows, macOS Learn more about PhotoScape X

These free alternatives to GIMP provide a variety of features and platforms to suit different image editing needs. Explore the right tool for your projects through the provided links.

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FAQ

1. What is the best alternative to GIMP for quick, simple photo editing?

For quick and simple photo editing, Fotor is an excellent choice with its one-click enhancements and beginner-friendly interface. Discover Fotor

2. Is there a good GIMP alternative for digital painting and sketching?

Krita is a free, open-source application specifically designed for digital painting and sketching. Learn more about Krita

3. Can I use any GIMP alternatives directly in my browser?

Yes, Photopea is a robust online photo editor that works directly in your browser. Explore Photopea | Try Pixlr

4. What is a good GIMP alternative for Windows users?

Paint.NET is a user-friendly, free image and photo editor designed for Windows users. Check out Paint.NET

5. Are there any free GIMP alternatives that support RAW image processing?

Raw Therapee is a free photo editor specifically designed for RAW image processing. Discover Raw Therapee

6. Which browser-based photo editor offers AI-powered tools?

Pixlr offers many AI-powered tools and is a powerful web-based photo editor. Try Pixlr

7. What GIMP alternative is best for creating social media graphics and layouts?

Canva is perfect for creating social media graphics and layouts using pre-designed templates. Explore Canva

8. Is there a GIMP alternative that supports both raster and vector graphics?

Photopea supports both raster and vector graphics, making it a versatile choice. Explore Photopea

9. What is a user-friendly GIMP alternative for creating collages and photo editing?

PhotoScape X is an all-in-one software good for both beginners and more experienced users, ideal for creating collages and photo editing. Learn more about PhotoScape X

10. Which GIMP alternative is known for its large selection of brushes for creative work?

Sumopaint offers over 300 brushes and is a web-based tool suitable for creative projects. Discover Sumopaint

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.