HomeAdobe Illustrator vs GIMP
Updated March 2026 · Independent Analysis

Adobe IllustratorvsGIMP

Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo; GIMP is free. Adobe Illustrator is rated higher at 4.7/5 vs GIMP's 4.3/5.

A
Adobe Illustrator

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

4.7/5Founded 1987Part of Creative Cloud (30M+) users
Try Adobe Illustrator Free →
G
GIMP

Free open-source image editor as an alternative to Photoshop

4.3/5Founded 199610M+ downloads users
Try GIMP Free →

⚡ Quick Stats

Avg Rating
🏆 Adobe Illustrator wins
💰
Starting Price
🏆 GIMP wins
🔧
Features
🏆 Adobe Illustrator wins
🎁
Free Plan
🏆 GIMP wins

📊 Ratings Breakdown

A

Adobe Illustrator

4.7/5 avg
G2 Score4.6/5
Capterra Score4.7/5
Overall Avg4.65/5
G

GIMP

4.3/5 avg
G2 Score4.3/5
Capterra Score4.4/5
Overall Avg4.35/5

⚡ Quick Verdict

Independent analysis based on features, pricing, and user ratings

Choose Adobe Illustrator if you need:
  • Vector Design
  • Pen Tool
  • Typography
  • Color Management
  • Artboards
Try Adobe Illustrator Free →
Choose GIMP if you need:
  • Photo Editing
  • Layer Support
  • Masks & Channels
  • Advanced Color Tools
  • Customizable Interface
Try GIMP Free →

🔧 Feature Comparison

Adobe Illustrator uniquely offers Vector Design, Pen Tool, Typography. GIMP uniquely offers Photo Editing, Layer Support, Masks & Channels. Both share 0 features.

Feature
Adobe Illustrator
GIMP
Vector Design
Pen Tool
Typography
Color Management
Artboards
Symbols
Patterns
Image Trace
3D Effects
Variable Fonts
Cloud Documents
Creative Cloud Libraries
Plugins
iPad Version
AI-powered Features (Generative)
Photo Editing
Layer Support
Masks & Channels
Advanced Color Tools
Customizable Interface
Filters & Effects
Scripting (Python/Script-Fu)
Plugin Support
PSD Support
Brushes & Gradients
Path Tool
Clone & Heal
Batch Processing
Cross-platform
Export Formats
Total Features
15
15

💰 Pricing Comparison

Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo; GIMP is free.

A

Adobe Illustrator Plans

Paid plans only

IllustratorBest Value
$22.99/mo
  • Single app
  • 100GB storage
All Apps
$59.99/mo
  • 20+ Creative Cloud apps
Full Adobe Illustrator pricing breakdown →
G

GIMP Plans

Free tier available

Free
Free
  • Full featured
  • Cross-platform
  • Open source
Full GIMP pricing breakdown →
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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