GIMP is by far the best free image editing program, even if it does require some initial learning. I also found the first steps with the program challenging, but the latest versions are becoming increasingly user-friendly.

 
Overview

The program is so popular because it supports a wide range of file formats and includes the most important functions of Photoshop and similar programs. Many Photoshop plugins are even compatible with GIMP. GIMP also has its own collection of plugins, which make it a very powerful tool and, in my opinion, perfectly adequate for most users.

One of the newest features is the ability to cut out objects, also known as background removal, which works even better than in many paid programs and is also easier to use.

Of course, the results will be significantly better if the photos were taken in such a way that the foreground can be easily separated from the background, but I will write more about this in another article.

 What is GIMP?

GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program and is free, cross-platform image editing software. It has been developed since the 1990s, is open source, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

GIMP is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to edit and retouch images or create digital graphics, all without expensive licenses.

Main functions of GIMP

• Image editing & retouching: Correct colors, remove red-eye, isolate backgrounds
• Layers & masks: Professional editing like in Photoshop
• Painting & Drawing: With brushes, airbrush, and text tools
• Filters & Effects: Blur, sharpen, artistic effects Batch Processing: Automated tasks via scripts Support for many file formats: PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and more Extensible with plugins: e.g., for RAW development, AI tools, or animation Advantages Free & Open Source – no license fees Platform-independent – ​​runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux Extremely flexible & extensible Large community & Tutorials available online

Disadvantages

• Steep learning curve: operation can seem complex for beginners
• User interface not as polished as Photoshop
• Some professional features are missing (e.g., native CMYK support for prepress)

Conclusion

GIMP is one of the best free alternatives to Photoshop. It offers all the essential image editing functions, is completely free to use, and is almost infinitely expandable through plugins. For professionals in the printing industry, it is not always a complete replacement, but for most creative applications, it is a powerful, cost-effective solution.