GIMP

GIMP, short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a free and open-source desktop application for creating and editing raster images. Common uses include photo retouching, image composition, digital painting, graphic design, batch processing and file conversion.

The project began in 1995, with its first public 0.54 release arriving in January 1996. GIMP is developed by a distributed volunteer community rather than a conventional software company.

The application runs on Windows, macOS and multiple Unix-like systems. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 or later and can be used commercially.

GIMP includes layers, channels, alpha transparency, selections, masks, paths, transformation tools, painting tools, filters and multiple undo levels. It supports widely used formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, PSD, PDF and SVG imports.

The application supports plug-ins and extensions for additional formats, effects and workflows. Its procedural database and scripting interfaces support automation, batch processing and custom tools.

GIMP 3 provides a documented libgimp API and Python 3 plug-in support. Developers can also work with related GEGL and babl libraries used in image processing and pixel-format conversion.

GIMP is available at no cost from the official project website. There are no paid subscription tiers, license fees or official trial plans because the complete application is distributed as free software.

Optional donations help fund project infrastructure and individual contributors. Third-party stores or bundled distributions may charge for packaging or support, but those charges are not official GIMP pricing.

Pros: GIMP has no license cost, supports commercial use, runs across major desktop operating systems and offers extensive editing, scripting and plug-in capabilities.

Cons: It is desktop software rather than a browser application. Its interface and workflow can require more learning than simpler editors, and official mobile versions for Android and iOS are not currently provided.

Adobe Photoshop is a commercial raster editor with extensive professional workflows and subscription pricing. Affinity Photo is a paid desktop alternative focused on professional photo editing.

Krita is a free, open-source application centered on digital painting and illustration. Photopea is a browser-based editor with support for common layered image formats. darktable is an open-source tool focused on raw photo development and catalog management.

Is GIMP free?
Yes. GIMP is free software distributed under GPLv3 or later, and users can use it for personal or commercial work.

Does GIMP have an API?
Yes. GIMP provides the libgimp 3.0 API, a procedural database and plug-in interfaces. GIMP 3 also documents Python 3 plug-in development.

Does GIMP offer integrations?
GIMP does not advertise a conventional SaaS integration marketplace. Its primary extensibility model uses plug-ins, scripts, external procedures and image-format support.

Is GIMP available online?
No official browser version is listed by the project. GIMP is distributed as locally installed desktop software.

Is there a GIMP mobile app?
The official FAQ states that the project focuses on desktop users and does not currently provide official Android or iOS releases.

Does GIMP offer a free trial?
No trial is needed. The complete official application is free to download and use.