✅ 100% Free & Open Source

GIMP — Free Photo Editor (Photoshop Alternative, 2026)

Edit photos for free with GIMP, the best Photoshop alternative. Layers, retouching, effects — all without paying a cent.

📥 Download GIMP — Free Photo Editor (Photoshop Alternative, 2026)

🪟 Download for Windows 🍎 Download for Mac

Click to download directly from the official website. No ads, no bundled software.

🔧 How to Install

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Step 1: Click Download for your system above

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Step 2: Run the installer — follow the setup wizard (Next → Install → Finish)

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Step 3: Launch GIMP — first launch takes about 30 seconds to load fonts and plugins

✨ Key Features

✓ Full layer support with blending modes
✓ Retouching tools: clone, heal, dodge, burn
✓ Customizable brushes and patterns
✓ Advanced color correction tools
✓ Support for PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and more
✓ Plugins and scripts for extended features

🎯 How to Use

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Step 1: Open your photo — File → Open → select your image

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Step 2: Use the Toolbox on the left — Crop, Scale, Brush, Eraser, Text tools are all there

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Step 3: To remove a blemish: select the Clone Stamp tool → Ctrl+click a clean area → paint over the spot

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Step 4: Adjust colors — Colors menu → Brightness-Contrast, Hue-Saturation, or Levels

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Step 5: Add text — select the Text tool (A icon) → click on image → type → adjust font and size

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Step 6: Save your work — File → Export As → choose JPEG or PNG → click Export

Professional photo editing, completely free

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the most capable free photo editor available. With layers, advanced retouching tools, customizable brushes, and plugin support, it handles everything from quick photo fixes to professional graphic design — all without a subscription.

FAQ

Can GIMP replace Photoshop? For most users, yes. GIMP covers 90%+ of Photoshop’s features: layers, masks, filters, color correction, and retouching. The main difference is the interface layout — it takes a few days to get comfortable.

Can GIMP open PSD files? Yes. GIMP can open and edit Photoshop PSD files with layers intact. For complex PSDs with advanced layer effects, some adjustments may be needed.

Does GIMP support RAW photos? GIMP itself has basic RAW support. For professional RAW processing, install the free UFRaw or RawTherapee plugin, which integrates directly with GIMP.

Is GIMP safe to download? Yes, as long as you use the official download link above. GIMP is maintained by a respected free software community and has been trusted for over 25 years.

💡 100% Free & Safe

All download links go directly to the official project websites. We never host or modify any files. No registration, no ads, no spyware.