Best photo-editing software for most Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 *Est. $80
Free photo editor and organizer Google Picasa 3 *Est. $0
Free photo-editing software GIMP 2.6 *Est. $0
Pro-level photo editor and image manager Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 *Est. $275
Professional graphics software Adobe Photoshop CS4 *Est. $665

See All Photo-Editing Software

GIMP

Free

Free, open source
Can do just about anything if you know how
Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Not the easiest interface
Can be a bit sluggish

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Our Analysis

Reviews say GIMP -- GNU Image Manipulation Program -- is an excellent free alternative to Photoshop that offers far more advanced features than another free program, Google Picasa. Reviews encompass various generations of The GIMP. The most recent major review, in PC Magazine in September 2008, says GIMP 2.4.7 is lacking compared with Photoshop and other paid programs because of a more difficult interface, sluggish performance and somewhat less polished features. But experts say it can do just about everything, including manipulation of image layers. The GIMP is compatible with Windows (NT4, 2000, XP, Vista), Mac OS X and Linux. If you're a novice looking for easier interface, reviews suggest Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 (*est. $80).

PC Magazine has the most detailed coverage of The GIMP's most recent update, 2.4.7. Which?, a U.K. consumer-review magazine, also reviews The GIMP. PC World has a blurb about The GIMP 2.4.6, plus about 200 user ratings. CNet.com has brief staff coverage of The GIMP 2.4.7. The problem is the approximately 400 user ratings cover all generations and sometimes you have to guess which version is being rated.

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Our Sources

1. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

The latest version of The GIMP gets a "good rating," with editors liking that it's free and versatile. On the other hand, the interface is tough, performance can be "sluggish" and some features are "less polished" than you'll find in paid products.

Review: GIMP 2.4.7 Review, John R. Quain, Sept. 4, 2008

2. Which.co.uk

The U.K.'s Which? includes GIMP in its unbiased testing. Eighteen photo-editing software programs, and some major products are curiously absent.

Review: Photo-Editing Software, Editors of Which.co.uk

3. PC World Details/Subscribe

This little blurb says The GIMP compares favorably to Adobe Photoshop, and there are also about 200 user ratings for a high average score.

Review: GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) Review, Preston Gralla, Aug. 8, 2008

4. CNET

The CNet staff blurb says The GIMP "provides professional tools that can stand against the big boys." About 400 user ratings give The GIMP a high average score (encompassing all versions), with about 360 posting written reviews.

Review: GIMP 2.4.7 Review, Editors of and Contributors to CNet.com

5. About.com

About.com's Guide to Graphics Software ranks eight free programs (The GIMP gets the top spot), but there's no details about testing, if any. (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com share a parent company, but they are independent editorially.)

Review: Top 8 Free Photo Editors for Windows, Sue Chastain