GIMP and Photopea are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering cost-effective and powerful image editing capabilities. We'll compare GIMP and Photopea to determine which one excels in features, performance, and usability for professional use.

A Quick Overview of GIMP and Photopea

What is GIMP?

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GIMP is a free and open-source image editor available for multiple operating systems, including GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. It allows users to modify and distribute its source code.

GIMP offers cross-platform availability and supports numerous customization options and third-party plugins. Its high level of extensibility through integration with various programming languages sets it apart from competitors.

What is Photopea?

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Photopea provides a free online photo editor that offers professional-grade tools for photo editing directly in the browser. It eliminates the need for downloads and installations, making it accessible and convenient for users.

Photopea operates fully locally, meaning no uploads are required, ensuring privacy and instant file access. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD, PNG, JPG, and RAW, making it versatile for various editing needs.

Features of GIMP and Photopea

Similarities

GIMP and Photopea share several key features that make them both powerful tools for image editing. Despite their different platforms, they offer similar functionalities that cater to professional and casual users alike.

  • Photo Manipulation: Both provide high-quality tools for photo retouching, restoring, and creating composites.
  • Graphic Design: Both are used for creating graphic design elements, including icons and user interface components.
  • Scripting and Extensibility: Both support scripting for automation and customization, allowing users to extend functionality through plugins and scripts.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Both are available on multiple operating systems, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Support for PSD Files: Both can open and save PSD files, ensuring compatibility with Photoshop workflows.

Differences

GIMP and Photopea each offer unique features that cater to different user needs. While both are powerful image editors, their distinct functionalities set them apart.

  • Installation: GIMP requires installation on your device, whereas Photopea runs directly in the browser without any downloads.
  • Local Operation: Photopea operates fully locally, ensuring no uploads are needed, while GIMP does not have this feature.
  • AI Features: Photopea includes state-of-the-art AI tools like one-click background removal, which GIMP lacks.
  • File Format Support: Photopea supports a wider range of file formats, including PSD, RAW, and vector graphics, whereas GIMP focuses more on extensibility through plugins.
  • Customization: GIMP offers extensive plugin support and advanced scripting capabilities, providing a high level of customization that Photopea does not match.

User Interface and Usability

GIMP's user interface is often criticized for being cluttered and less intuitive, which can be overwhelming for new users. The software's extensive customization options and plugin support, while powerful, add to the complexity. Users may find the learning curve steep, impacting the overall user experience and usability.

Photopea, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined and user-friendly interface. Running directly in the browser, it eliminates the need for installation and provides a seamless experience. The layout is clean and straightforward, making it easier for users to navigate and utilize its features effectively.

Photopea has a better user interface and usability compared to GIMP.

Collaboration

GIMP does not offer built-in features for real-time collaboration, making it less suitable for teamwork. While it integrates with other software like Scribus and Inkscape, these integrations do not compensate for the lack of direct collaboration tools. Users must rely on external methods to share and collaborate on projects, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Photopea also lacks explicit real-time collaboration features. Although it supports a wide range of file formats and operates fully locally, it does not provide tools for multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This limitation means that, like GIMP, users must find alternative ways to collaborate, which can hinder productivity.

Neither GIMP nor Photopea is particularly strong for collaboration.

GIMP and Photopea Pricing

GIMP is entirely free and open-source, with no subscription or one-time purchase costs. Users can support the project through donations, which help fund core developers and community needs. This model ensures that GIMP remains accessible to everyone without financial barriers.

Photopea offers a free account and a Premium account with additional features. While specific subscription costs are not detailed, the self-hosted version ranges from $500 to $2000 per month, paid annually. Teams can save money with a Team Premium account, making it a flexible option for various user needs.

GIMP has better pricing as it is completely free, while Photopea offers more flexible paid options.

Comparing GIMP and Photopea to Piktochart

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Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

  • AI-Powered Design Generator: Create stunning visuals quickly with the help of AI, saving time and effort.
  • Wide Range of Visual Tools: From infographics to social media posts, Piktochart offers a variety of tools to meet diverse needs.
  • Customizable Templates: Access a vast library of templates that can be easily customized to fit your brand and message.
  • Video Editing and Transcription: Edit videos and automatically transcribe them into any language, enhancing accessibility and reach.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Enjoy a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it easy for anyone to create professional-quality visuals.

Piktochart's Pricing

  • Free: $0 (Free forever)
  • Pro:
    • $29 per member/month (billed monthly)
    • $14 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
  • Business:
    • $49 per member/month (billed monthly)
    • $24 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
  • Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

GIMP Reviews

Overall, users have given GIMP a rating of 4.3 out of 5. While they appreciate its free services and robust photo editing tools, they find the learning curve steep and the interface confusing.

  • "The interface is not intuitive, making it hard to navigate." - John D., 3.5/5
  • "Limited features compared to Photoshop, especially for advanced editing." - Sarah K., 3/5
  • "Technical issues like multilayer selection can be frustrating." - Alex P., 2.5/5

Find more of GIMP reviews on G2!

Photopea Reviews

Photopea has received an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Users appreciate its free services and ease of use but find the limited features and performance fluctuations frustrating.

  • "The initial image import process is complicated and can be a hassle." - Tisagh C., 4/5
  • "Performance can be inconsistent, especially with larger files." - Elijah M., 4/5
  • "Advertisements in the free version are quite intrusive." - CA Dipika S., 4/5

Find more of Photopea reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They find the platform particularly useful for its ease of use and the ability to create professional-quality visuals quickly.

  • "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
  • "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
  • "Excellent, easy way to create infographics." - Rachel L.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why a consumer might want to use GIMP over Photopea:

  • Consumers who prefer GIMP are often those who need extensive customization options and support for third-party plugins. This makes GIMP ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and programmers who require advanced scripting capabilities.

Why a consumer might want to use Photopea over GIMP:

  • Photopea is perfect for users who need a convenient, browser-based solution without the hassle of downloads and installations. Social media enthusiasts, students, and small business owners will appreciate its ease of use and wide file format support.

Why a consumer might want to use Piktochart over Photopea and GIMP:

  • Piktochart is designed for users who need to create professional-quality visuals quickly and easily, without advanced design skills. Educators, marketing professionals, and small businesses will find its AI-powered design generator and customizable templates particularly useful.

GIMP, Photopea, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

While GIMP and Photopea offer robust tools for image editing, Piktochart stands out for its user-friendly interface and powerful AI-driven features. Whether you're an educator, marketer, or small business owner, Piktochart makes it easy to create stunning visuals without any design experience. We believe that any of these tools can meet your needs, but we highly recommend giving Piktochart a try for a seamless and efficient design experience.