GIMP 3.2 compared: free image editing for retouching and compositing

For retouching, GIMP offers the classic tools: cloning, perspective cloning and the Heal tool, which you use to remove small flaws and spots. You separate subjects from the background with Foreground Select, with paths or the other selection tools, and then refine the edge in a layer mask.

Since GIMP 3.0, filters stay non-destructive. You can edit them again later, toggle them on or off, delete them individually or deliberately merge them into the layer. Besides layers and layer groups, channels also accept non-destructive filters since GIMP 3.2. You can also select several layers, channels and paths at once instead of linking them with chain icons as before.

Three layer types matter for compositing:

• Link layers embed an external file and update when you change it in another program – similar to linked smart objects in Photoshop. They are new in GIMP 3.2.
• Vector layers are created from paths and keep stroke and fill editable, also since GIMP 3.2.
• Text layers stay editable; since GIMP 3.0 you can add outlines around text non-destructively.

True adjustment layers, however, do not exist. As a workaround, you set an empty layer group to “Pass through” mode and apply filters such as Curves or Levels to it – they then affect all layers below. If you want to paint on a non-destructive layer, you have to rasterize it first. Transformations are still destructive as well; according to the roadmap, a less destructive approach is on the list.

GIMP's own XCF format stores all information of an image, including layers and transparency, and suits work in progress. Most other programs cannot read XCF, so you export finished images to the format you need. According to the developer site, GIMP supports PNG, JPEG, TIFF, WebP, HEIC, AVIF and PDF for import and export, among others, and SVG for import only.

GIMP opens and exports PSD files with layers. GIMP 3.0 improved compatibility for import and export, and GIMP 3.2 also imports layer styles such as Drop Shadow, Inner Shadow and Outer Glow. According to the roadmap, importing adjustment layers and layer effects and exporting layer effects are in progress for GIMP 3.4. On export, not all blend modes can be converted exactly. If you exchange PSD files closely with clients, plan for spot checks.

For bit depth, you choose between 8, 16 and 32 bits per channel, as integer or, at 16 and 32 bits, also as floating point. GIMP 3 also works better with RGB colour spaces beyond sRGB.

For print, there is soft-proofing with a CMYK profile, which you toggle directly in the status bar, a CMYK colour selector that shows total ink coverage, and CMYK export as JPEG, TIFF, PSD and JPEG XL. GIMP has no CMYK working mode; according to the FAQ, there is no timeline for it.

GIMP does not develop raw photos itself. It hands them over to darktable, RawTherapee or, since GIMP 3.2, ART, which you install separately, and takes the result back for further editing.

The release notes for GIMP 3.0 and 3.2 list no built-in AI tools such as generative fill, AI cut-outs or AI upscaling. The GIMP 3.2.6 announcement even says that contributors are welcome as long as they do not use generative AI in their toolset. If you want to use AI in GIMP, you turn to third-party extensions: Canonical has presented plug-ins based on Intel's OpenVINO for the GIMP 3.0 Snap package, for example for upscaling, image segmentation and image generation from a text prompt.

On privacy, GIMP is restrained. According to its privacy policy, GIMP does not collect, transmit or use any personal data, and the program contains no ads or trackers. The policy names internet connections only for the online manual, for files you open or save on remote locations yourself, and for the update check. The latter requests a static file no more than once a week and is an option in the preferences. Your images therefore stay on your computer, and there is no cloud feature through which they could end up in AI training. If you get GIMP from the Microsoft Store, Flathub or the Snap Store, the terms of those services also apply.

GIMP runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Official packages are available as a Windows installer and in the Microsoft Store (each for x86 and ARM, 64-bit), as a DMG for Macs with Intel and Apple processors, and for Linux as AppImage, Flatpak and Snap. Windows 10 is only supported with the installer; the Store version requires a newer Windows build. There is no app for iPad or Android; according to the FAQ, the team focuses on the desktop.

GIMP is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3 or later. You may use the program for any purpose, including commercial work, pass it on and change the source code. All official packages are free of charge. The project asks for donations to fund development.

The current stable version is GIMP 3.2.6 from September 2026. Bug fixes and security updates are released as point versions of the 3.2 series, and development is already moving towards GIMP 3.4. The interface is available in more than 80 languages, including German. GIMP uses the system language, but you can change it in the preferences under “Interface”.

Beginners get a full-featured program at no cost and with a German interface. The interface follows its own concepts rather than Photoshop's; the project does not mention guided assistants or one-click AI corrections. So you need some time to get started, but you can learn without time pressure and without recurring costs.

Photographers find precise retouching tools, 16 and 32 bits per channel and a connection to darktable, RawTherapee and ART. If you edit many photos with adjustment layers and AI masks, other programs will get you there faster in our view.

Designers and agencies hit limits in PSD exchange and prepress: there is no CMYK mode, and adjustment layers and effects only partly survive PSD import. For your own composites, textures and web graphics, however, GIMP is well suited.

For social media, text and vector layers help with your own graphics. The project does not mention templates or one-click cut-outs as found in specialised online tools.

Without a subscription, GIMP is an obvious option in our view: no recurring costs, all updates free of charge and no AI credits.