User Reviews

The GIMP

The GIMP is an advanced image editor and image manipulation software that is often compared to Photoshop. It offers a ton of features, including advanced layer support, masks, filters, effects and ma ...

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Aug 05, 2009
For version:
2.6.6

Great piece of work

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

It just keeps getting better and better.

Review by: JimWillis (8)
Read all 8 reviews by JimWillis

Mar 26, 2009
For version:
2.6.6

A gem among picture tools

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I found this piece of software when I started using ubuntu (Linux), because it is bundled with it. I was surprised with what I found. This is one of the best photo editing tools that I have ever used. True, the learning curve is a little steep, but it is well worth learning it. Come on, learning new things does not kill anyone. The interface is a little awkward, but you will get used to it very soon. It always does what I want it to do. There are many tutorial sites out there and they are free. That is the beauty of open source computing. There are many plugins for gimp, which increases your productivity. If you download this, dont let go, because it is the best of its kind, better than Photoshop, CorelDraw, etc. Worth using and learning. I recommend this to all the people who edits photos.

Review by: crazynut (5)
Read all 5 reviews by crazynut

Feb 17, 2009
For version:
2.6.4

Amazing Photoshop replacement

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have been a dedicated PhotoShop user for years, until last month when PS started crashing upon saving, not fully loading every time, eating up all my resources and slowing my computer to a crawl. I heard a lot about the Gimp and decided to try it. I am truly amazed. This software can do everything for which I purchased PS. I'll stick with this instead of shelling out another $300 for the latest version PS.

Review by: sazhazman (17)
Read all 17 reviews by sazhazman

Dec 21, 2008
For version:
2.6.2

Say good-bye photoshop, corel,psp hello gimp

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Maybe a little harder to learn than Paint Shop Pro or even Photoshop. Gimp is a very powerful graphics/photo editing program for FREE. And because it is ported over and to other operating systems it has great support and upgrade value. Plenty of learning web sites maybe as many as Photoshop. It is really worth learning this program because that is all it cost you!

Review by: Davoid (8)
Read all 8 reviews by Davoid

Oct 25, 2008
For version:
2.6.0

Gimp is excellent and free ...

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Just about any powerful program has a learning curve and so does the GIMP. You can find many tutorials on the web and video tutorials also. Find one that will take you through the interface and you'll already have a good start. Many people have left Gimp in the early stages of learning, because of lost or closed docks. Once that happened, they couldn't get things back to normal. Once you have learned the interface and understand it, you'll be much happier with the Gimp. Here is a good way to search video tutorials or just tutorials with a search engine. Type these words with the plus sign like so -- GIMP+tutorials+video or just Gimp+tutorials. Do some of the tuts and don't do them when you are tired. Learning is not easy when you are tired and sleepy. The Gimp is the most powerful graphics+ program out there for free. Get it, figure it out and you'll be very glad you did. Excellent and Free.

Review by: TideWalker (21)
Read all 21 reviews by TideWalker

Oct 25, 2008
For version:
2.6.0

Persevere, it's worth it.

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

I tried The Gimp a while back and (like many others I suspect) gave up on it as I thought it "awkward". On my second try of The Gimp, I persevered and the results were excellent. It is extremely powerful and once you put in a little effort to understand how to use it you will be well rewarded. The documentation is downloadable but not straightforward to find. There are also some good tutorials to be found that can teach you the basics to get you going.

Review by: Rustyboy (25)
Read all 25 reviews by Rustyboy

Sep 06, 2008
For version:
2.4.7

Gimp knows best

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I have read some users' replies in forums and sites etc. on Gimp and think there may be a misunderstanding, Gimp is not Xnview, or anything like, it's not supposed to be like them, see, those like Xnview are simple editors, Gimp is a FULL Blown editor and creator and while can be used for simple things, is too powerful to rate with simple editors. It's excellent for what it does. The steep learning curve is ONLY how deep you get into using it of course but it's fairly UNLIMITED when you do get to know it. Once again, if it's too powerful for some users,simple editors will do but if you want an all out application, Gimp will do just about anything. I have personally created numerous beginner tuts and when people understood, they were more than happy with Gimp. For what it does, it's hard to believe it's FREE!

Review by: gimpguy (370)
Read all 370 reviews by gimpguy

Jan 16, 2008
For version:
2.4.1

My favorite!

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

The Gimp has many different developments in the fact that so many programmers take an active role in producing it. The first time you use it you will get annoyed and then come back and you will see why so many of us love to use the Gimp. So much function, scripts, and flexible. The Gimp is the best 2D artist tool available on the internet and you can't beat the price!

Review by: jabhacksoul
First post

Nov 25, 2007
For version:
2.4.1

Just what we needed

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

You should have called this "photoshop 2"!! the price/value rivals any commercial software already on the market. GIMP does the basics of what we need very well, and has enough features that it takes some time to learn, but so does all other good software...

Review by: JSoftInc (6)
Read all 6 reviews by JSoftInc

Jan 30, 2007
For version:
2.2.13

Very good program . . .

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

This program is very good. It is a bit overwhelming at the beginning, but after a few hours it begins to smooth out. It works a lot like most other paint programs except it does it in a big way. JMM

Review by: JMMannion (19)
Read all 19 reviews by JMMannion

Jan 23, 2007
For version:
2.2.13

It's good!

Interface: 2
Features: 4
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

. . . but it's a little different. When I first used Gimp it was doing exactly what I wanted it to do, but I didn't know it because I wasn't used to the interface, but now that I'm used to it I'm finding more and more useful features. If this is your first image processing software you might look for something a little less elaborate, but if not, I'd recommend it. It saved me from spending $100+ on a commercial product. I seem to recall that I had some trouble downloading the documentation, but so far I haven't needed it.

Review by: MrJaw69 (12)
Read all 12 reviews by MrJaw69

Oct 08, 2006
For version:
2.2.12

Wonderful!

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I've used the Gimp for a good while now, and when I first got it, I figured out things SOO easily! It is very easy to use, plus has wonderful features. Rounded button, beveled buttons, "Glowing" text, ect. Plus people have made more plugins to enhance the way GIMP works! The best part is that is it totally FREE!

Review by: FirefoxWiz (5)
Read all 5 reviews by FirefoxWiz

Aug 14, 2006
For version:
2.2.11

One of the best

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

One of the best photo editing software. You can do everything with GIMP. I think it's equivalent to other commercial products. (Since GIMP is free, it is much better) It may be difficult for the new so I recommend you get a good tutorial book to get start. If you only want to correct your images you took, then Photofiltre or Faststone image viewer would be much better for you, it's quick and easy.

Review by: shimpoo (7)
Read all 7 reviews by shimpoo

Aug 14, 2006
For version:
2.2.11

Great software!

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I'm amazed by this freeware! I've used other programs before and always got frustrated with them because of how my images turned out and they were quite difficult to use too. I had expected the GIMP to be the same, but since it's free, I downloaded it anyway and I'm glad I did. It's easy to install (i'm not sure why people have problems with it but i got the software from the official GIMP website) I'm not quite sure what people meant by "steep learning curve" because I don't think it's all that difficult to use. I thought it was quite easy to use and I learned it in a few hours time. The cons are that 1) the program opens up as individual windows, which can be rather annoying if you're not used to it. 2) It has crashed on me a few times while I was working on some images. It doesn't happen very often, but just save your work often to be on the safe side.

Review by: calafair
First post

Jun 19, 2006
For version:
2.2.11

Gave me a headache

Interface: 5
Features: 3
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

O.O Sooo may features to much to much! AHH! *runs away* After finally buckling down ad fiddling with it it did what I wanted converted my BMP pics to gif (I like GIFs they fast and keeps quality when colors are reduced) But it doesn't have a smoothing feature. Thats need to make the GIFs crisp and clean. It didn't have a reduce nice feature eater and that is why in the end (even with the 5000 awesome and really cool filters and such) I took it out. I like XmView more it's simpler and at least has a reduce nose filter. (I want a simple smooth option very subtle, non-smearing) I'll try this program again in a few months and see if any new options are added. Oh I also ask please its to much like AOL everything in pop up windows. x.x don't like! how about an option for having it all in one window? thanks.

Review by: darkocean (28)
Read all 28 reviews by darkocean

Jun 10, 2006
For version:
2.2.11

The gimp has layers, onions have layers!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

Ya know, there are like 800,000 free image editors. Most image viewers have image editing features, like cropping, rotation, sharpness, gamma, etc. The GIMP blows all those out of the water. Layers, transparency, dodge / burn, clone tool, customizable brushes, select-by-color -- the price of this program severely belies its functionality. Use IrfanView or cPicture for minor modifications like brightening, cropping, etc. However, if you are interested in "photochopping," the GIMP has just about all of the functionality of Adobe Photoshop. Don't get discouraged by the learning curve. After all, like Photoshop, I bet most people who use the GIMP regularly only use around 25% of its features.

Review by: calraith (2)
Read all 2 reviews by calraith

Feb 20, 2006
For version:
2.2.10

Although...

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

Although a steep learning curve, and a cluttered worksapce sometimes, the Gimp is an excellent image and graphics editor. I used PhotoImpact but Gimp offers me exactly the same features and a lot more and in some features, is much easier and user friendly to use than PI.And it offers the same power as Photoshop. And it's free. First users may be detracted for the hard learning curve it offers but should give it a try, as it has a very good on line tutorial as well as help files. It's worth it.

Review by: ArturN (34)
Read all 34 reviews by ArturN

Feb 05, 2006
For version:
2.2.10

A bab interface

Interface: 2
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 4
Overall:

GIMP is a very powerful program, one of the most powerful ones i have seen, though it has a very poor interface. The way GIMP is set up is that everything opens in new windows, like MAC Operating Systems, which can be annoying. A Powerful editor with a bad interface

Review by: ferrija1 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by ferrija1

Feb 04, 2006
For version:
2.2.10

Great program!!!!!!!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I had used photoshop, paint shop pro, photoimpact, and most other free ones. The GIMP is the best ones I tried and its free

Review by: nld1205
First post

Dec 06, 2005
For version:
2.29

I love open source!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I used photoshop a while back it was hard but i got used to it, so now i'm using the gimp, which is just as powerful, also the learning curve isn't bad for me unlike other tools, nice. i love open source, free, open to everyone to make better open source is so much better than priority. much better.

Review by: Ghost_grey (56)
Read all 56 reviews by Ghost_grey

Oct 16, 2005
For version:
2.27

The learning curve is worth effort

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

I find The Gimp to be a refreshing type of challenge. With a little effort, you'll find yourself learning its functions with more ease than you might think. The installation is actually not that difficult, and it does so much. I have it for both my XP and Linux machines - greatest freeware graphics editor yet.

Review by: guitarwizard55
First post

Aug 07, 2005
For version:
2.27

The open source photoshop!!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Please ignore reviewers slating The GIMP! If you have used JASC paintshop pro or Adobe PhotoShop you will get on fine with it. It uses a multi windowed environment much like Macromedia uses in their professional software providing an uncluttered canvas. It's hard to believe how the competition can price their software so high when OpenSource software is being created at this standard. OK so you have to download and install the GTK+ environment before the GIMP will install, but it provides a link and a fast download! Installation is as simple as any other Windows installer. Just be glad you're not trying to get it running on a homebrewed Linux box! BTW. If you're running illegitimate software on your Windows boxes because of high pricing you should check out Open Source. Take a look at the software Linux users are running and see if there are any Windows ports. There's some very nice software being ported from the Linux world and it's free and legal.

Review by: subcriminal
First post

Jul 25, 2005
For version:
2.27

Stick with it !!!

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

I've only just started using The Gimp but you can tell its got vast a vast depth of features to it. It can be a little frustrating if you just want a pick up and use program,but stick with it and the benefits will reveal themselves.Far outdoes many of the programs out there that you pay a premium for.I dont see the point of paying for programs that are probably half as useful as this.Whoever made this knew what they were doing....

Review by: kelv23
First post

May 04, 2005
For version:
2.05

Gimp is not for the weak of heart

Interface: 4
Features: 4
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

There is a review farther down in this list that requests GIMP be taken off this list. I can sympathize. The first two times I tried to get this program running, it crashed. I had all but given up on it until I read review after review touting it as one of twenty or so "must have" programs for bloggers. Determined to discover the cause of this praise, I buckled down on the FM and found the glitch in the set-up for my computer. Now it's working like a charm, is much easier to understand than that other Adobe program and is free. When I say it is not for the weak of heart, I mean not for the wimps who think any software that doesn't do all the work during installation is worth their trouble. I feel this one is.

Review by: sgtret (18)
Read all 18 reviews by sgtret

Apr 04, 2005
For version:
2.05

Must-get utility for any proffesional.

Interface: 5
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

This program is wonderful and feature-packed. I find that using GIMP along with Photoshop can bring even greater results. Interface may not be ideal for beginners but can be learned. I've had a few undoubtedly fixable bugs, especially with text, but they were very minor. File-type and compression options are almost perfect. I cannot believe that GIMP is free, that is the best part of this program, anyone can get it. Anyone who doesn't like this program hasn't taken the time to learn its functions or doesn't know its possibilities.

Review by: DollarF
First post

Mar 23, 2005
For version:
2.05

Awesome graphics editor

Interface: 2
Features: 5
Ease of use: 3
Value: 5
Overall:

Sure this program is not easy to learn, but it rewards you with a ton of useful features. My first impression was also 'Man what a stupid program'. But then I checked out all the online tutorials available in the Internet and took the time to learn it. And now it is my favorite graphic tool. (I'm writing about the Windows version, for Linux there is anyway no alternative available)

Review by: aschrage (4)
Read all 4 reviews by aschrage

Mar 05, 2005
For version:
2.05

Unbelievably hard to download and use

Interface: 1
Features: 1
Ease of use: 1
Value: 1
Overall:

This program should be removed from this website and and not put up again. The creator of this program should be ashamed of himself for making such a complicated program that is hard to download and use! 20 thumbs down! Just telling it like it is!

Review by: tompsherodantmsncom
First post

Oct 23, 2004
For version:
2.02

Linux, who needs linux...

Interface: 5
Features: 4
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

This was the whole reason why i wanted to try linux, it is such a powerful tool that i cant say enough about it. I failed in each attempt at linux but now i have gimp for windows, nothing can stop me now :)

Review by: Scorpion (6)
Read all 6 reviews by Scorpion

Oct 06, 2004
For version:
2.02

The gimp. powerful graphics program. comments

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 5
Value: 5
Overall:

Hello, The GIMP is top-notch FREE graphics program. I'm referring to the GIMP for Windows, which is what I use. (Win-Gimp) Free Download. It has plugin, layers and mask support. It has just about any feature you can think of. Like all powerful programs, it also has quite a learning curve. If you don't have the funds for one of those large Commercial products, then try the GIMP. There are plenty of web sites out there with tutorials, tips and tricks. Don't expect to learn the GIMP overnight, as it is feature packed and the tools section takes getting used to. There is a few other packages you will need to download as well as GIMP. You can find out much more at the gimp (dot) org. You will need the GTK+2 for Windows Package - (current - version 2.4.9) and GIMP Help 2 (version 0.3) If you have animation in mind, get GIMP Animation Package (version 2.0.2) Overall, the GIMP is an excellent FREE program.

Review by: TideWalker (18)
Read all 18 reviews by TideWalker

Sep 20, 2004
For version:
2.02

Excellent graphics software

Interface: 4
Features: 5
Ease of use: 4
Value: 5
Overall:

GIMP is one of the most excellent graphics manipulation programs available today, and ranks with Adobe Photoshop as far as features are concerned (unless you are a highly advanced Photoshop user). The interface may have a few bugs; for example, mine hangs for a good 20-30 seconds while loading fonts (and yes, I've tried their methods of repair), but these are VERY minor problems that will most likely be fixed in future Windows releases of GIMP. How are they able to offer it for free? The software is available under the GNU GPL (look it up), and is updated and debugged by thousands of people around the world who program as a hobby. In fact, the source code is available on gimp.org freely to anyone who thinks they can improve or add functionality to it. Also, GIMP has several packages available which implement new effects, filters, etc. If you're looking for a full-fledged, commercial-value graphics editor, look no further than GIMP.

Review by: JonathanSmith (2)
Read all 2 reviews by JonathanSmith

Jul 13, 2004
For version:
2002.0310

Gimp review- excellent program

Interface: 3
Features: 4
Ease of use: 2
Value: 5
Overall:

Well, The GIMP is an excellent FREE graphics program. It's similar to photoshop. The only problem I have with it is that it feels like it was made for left-handed people. Weird, but, it's cool. It does all the basic things Photoshop does, you can edit Photoshop PSD files and there's tons of tutorials on how to use this software all over the net! The interface is pretty good, and the best part is that The GIMP doesn't take up much memory or space on your hard drive, and I mean, c'mon!~ What's better than FREE? If you can't afford Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, then this is the ideal program for you! ~ I've already recommended it to several of my friends, and am about to post a link of where to download it on my website. It really is an awesome program! Whoever came up with that saying "you get what you pay for" is wrong in this case. This program rocks! Check it out for yourself! It's worth it! ~ Otsikheta

Review by: otsikheta
First post