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Updated March 2026 ยท 17 alternatives compared

Best GIMP Alternatives(2026)

GIMP is great for free open-source image editor as an alternative to photoshop, but it's not the only option. We compared 17 design tools tools to find the best alternatives.

๐Ÿ† Top Alternatives at a Glance

Tool
Rating
Price
Free Plan
โ˜… 4.7
$16/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.7
$15/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.4
$59.99/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.5
$12/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.5
Free
โœ“
โ˜… 4.3
Free
โœ“
โ˜… 4.6
$69.99/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.7
$22.99/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.7
$9.99/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.6
$14.99/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.7
$12.99/mo
โœ—
โ˜… 4.4
$1.99/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.5
$5/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.5
$9/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.8
$10/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.7
$12/mo
โœ“
โ˜… 4.4
$399/mo
โœ—

๐Ÿ“‹ Detailed Reviews

F

1. Figma

โ˜… 4.7/5

Collaborative interface design tool for teams, industry standard for UI/UX

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
UI Design, Prototyping, Auto Layout, Components & Variants
C

2. Canva

โ˜… 4.7/5

All-in-one visual design platform for graphics, presentations, and video

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Graphic Design, Photo Editor, Video Editor, Presentations
A

3. Adobe XD

โ˜… 4.4/5

UI/UX design and prototyping tool (now integrated into Adobe Creative Cloud)

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
UI Design, Prototyping, Auto-Animate, Voice Prototyping
S

4. Sketch

โ˜… 4.5/5

Design toolkit for Mac focused on UI/UX design and collaboration

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
UI Design, Prototyping, Symbols & Libraries, Smart Layout
I

5. InVision

โ˜… 4.5/5

Digital product design platform for prototyping and collaboration (Freehand)

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Freehand Whiteboard, Prototyping, Design Collaboration, Wireframing
P

6. Penpot

โ˜… 4.3/5

Open-source design and prototyping platform for cross-domain teams

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
UI Design, Prototyping, Components, Design Systems
A

7. Affinity Designer

โ˜… 4.6/5

Professional vector graphic design software as an Adobe Illustrator alternative

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Vector Design, Raster & Vector Hybrid, PSD/AI Import, Pen & Node Tools
A

8. Adobe Illustrator

โ˜… 4.7/5

Industry-standard vector graphics editor for logos, icons, and illustrations

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Vector Design, Pen Tool, Typography, Color Management
A

9. Adobe Photoshop

โ˜… 4.7/5

The definitive image editing and design tool for photography and graphics

Similar to GIMP
Photo Editing, Masks & Channels
Unique Features
Layer-based Design, Generative Fill (AI), Generative Expand, Neural Filters
L

10. Lunacy

โ˜… 4.6/5

Free design software with built-in assets and AI tools

Similar to GIMP
Cross-platform
Unique Features
UI Design, Vector Editing, Prototyping, Built-in Icons
P

11. Procreate

โ˜… 4.7/5

Professional illustration and painting app for iPad

Similar to GIMP
Layer Support, PSD Support
Unique Features
Digital Painting, Brushes (400+), Animation, 3D Painting
P

12. Pixlr

โ˜… 4.4/5

Online photo editor and design tool with AI-powered features

Similar to GIMP
Filters & Effects, PSD Support
Unique Features
Photo Editor, AI Image Generator, Background Remover, Batch Editor
F

13. Framer

โ˜… 4.5/5

Interactive design tool that bridges the gap between design and code

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Interactive Design, Code Components, Smart Components, Animations
S

14. Spline

โ˜… 4.5/5

3D design tool for the web with real-time collaboration

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
3D Modeling, 3D Animation, Real-time Rendering, Web Embed
M

15. Miro

โ˜… 4.8/5

Visual collaboration platform for design workshops, wireframing, and ideation

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Infinite Canvas, Wireframing, Diagramming, Mind Maps
W

16. Whimsical

โ˜… 4.7/5

Visual workspace for flowcharts, wireframes, and mind maps

Similar to GIMP
Different approach
Unique Features
Flowcharts, Wireframes, Mind Maps, Sticky Notes
C

17. CorelDRAW

โ˜… 4.4/5

Professional vector illustration and graphic design software suite

Similar to GIMP
Photo Editing
Unique Features
Vector Illustration, Page Layout, Typography, Multi-page Documents

โ“ FAQ

What is the best alternative to GIMP?

The top alternative to GIMP in 2026 is Figma. It offers collaborative interface design tool for teams, industry standard for ui/ux with plans from $16/mo. Other strong options: Canva, Adobe XD.

Is there a free alternative to GIMP?

Yes! Figma, Canva, InVision all offer free plans.

How much does GIMP cost?

GIMP offers a free plan and has paid plans starting at $custom/mo.

What are the main limitations of GIMP?

While GIMP excels at free open-source image editor as an alternative to photoshop, users often seek alternatives for pricing, specific features, or workflow preferences.

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