Top 10+ Alternatives for GIMP in 2025
If you do a lot of photo editing or digital art, chances are you’ve heard of GIMP. It’s free, open-source, and loved by many. But sometimes GIMP doesn’t quite fit everyone’s needs. Maybe its interface feels a bit clunky, or maybe you’re looking for some specialized features. Whatever the reason, it’s good to have other options. That’s why we’ve put together this human-friendly list of the best GIMP alternatives available in 2025.
1. Krita
Krita is a fantastic open-source tool, especially if you love digital painting, illustration, or comics. Many artists swear by it!
- Perfect for digital painting and concept art
- Customizable brushes and stabilizers
- Supports PSD files and a range of formats
- User-friendly interface
2. Paint.NET
Paint.NET is simple, straightforward, and surprisingly powerful for a free editor. While it’s Windows only, it’s a great lightweight option.
- Easy to use with a minimal learning curve
- Plugin support to extend features
- Active community for tips and support
3. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a paid but affordable professional image editor. It runs beautifully and is packed with advanced features.
- RAW editing, HDR, panorama stitching
- Non-destructive adjustments
- Fast performance on Windows, Mac, and iPad
4. Photopea
Photopea is a web-based editor, which means there’s nothing to download. It has a Photoshop-like feel and you can use it anywhere.
- Opens Photoshop PSD files and other popular formats
- Works right in your browser, no installation needed
- Layer, mask, filter support
5. Pixlr
Pixlr is all about making photo editing quick and accessible. With online tools and mobile apps, it’s great for casual editing.
- AI-powered tools for background removal and more
- Hundreds of filters and effects
- No account needed for basic editing
6. Corel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro has been around for years and is packed with advanced editing and design features at a one-time price.
- RAW image support and batch processing
- AI-powered tools for enhanced editing
- Graphic design templates and creative effects
Corel PaintShop Pro Official Site
7. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is another software for digital artists, especially those into manga and comic creation.
- Lots of comic fonts and tones
- Cloud saving for accessing your work everywhere
- Free to use and cross-platform
8. Fotor
Fotor offers both an online and downloadable editor focused on everyday photo touch-ups and design.
- One-tap photo enhancement
- Collage maker and design templates
- Freemium model with premium features available
9. Inkscape
Inkscape is more about vector graphics, but it can handle plenty of image editing tasks as well.
- Flexible for drawing and graphic design
- SVG editing format
- Open-source and cross-platform
10. Polarr
Polarr offers a modern approach to photo editing with AI tools and filters, available both online and on mobile.
- Easy-to-use AI enhancements for photos
- Batch editing capabilities
- Cross-platform: web, desktop, and mobile
11. Seashore
Seashore is a lightweight image editor for Mac users. It’s great if you need something simple and fast.
- Layer support
- Brush and text tools
- Open-source and Mac exclusive
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of GIMP alternatives in 2025. Whether you’re an artist, a photographer, or just someone who wants to tweak a few images, you now have plenty of choices. Try a few out and see which one clicks best for you. Happy editing!