GIMP vs Pixelmator: Which One Is Better in 2024?

GIMP and Pixelmator Pro are essential tools for businesses and designers due to their robust image editing capabilities. We'll compare GIMP and Pixelmator to determine which one offers the best features and usability for professional needs.

A Quick Overview of GIMP and Pixelmator

What is GIMP?

GIMP is a free and open-source image editor available for multiple operating systems, including GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. It provides tools for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and scientists to perform high-quality image manipulation, create original artwork, and produce graphic design elements.

GIMP's cross-platform availability ensures it can be used on various operating systems. Its high level of extensibility and flexibility, supported by numerous community-created scripts and plugins, allows users to customize and extend its functionality beyond typical image editing software.

What is Pixelmator?

Pixelmator is a company that specializes in creating image editing software. Their flagship product, Pixelmator Pro, is designed exclusively for Mac and leverages advanced Mac technologies like Metal, Core Image, and Core ML.

Pixelmator Pro offers AI-powered tools like background masks and automatic photo enhancements. It also includes machine learning-based adjustments, providing features not commonly found in other image editing software.

Features of GIMP and Pixelmator

Similarities

GIMP and Pixelmator Pro share several key features that make them powerful tools for image editing. Both programs offer robust capabilities that cater to a wide range of professional needs.

• High-Quality Photo Manipulation: Both GIMP and Pixelmator Pro provide tools for retouching, restoring, and creating creative composites.
• Original Artwork Creation: Each software allows artists to transform images into unique creations with a variety of artistic tools.
• Graphic Design Elements: Both support the creation of icons, user interface components, and other graphical design elements.
• Extensibility and Customization: GIMP and Pixelmator Pro offer extensibility through plugins and scripts, allowing users to customize their workflows.
• Background Removal: Both programs include features for removing backgrounds and unwanted objects from images, enhancing their utility for professional editing.

Differences

GIMP and Pixelmator Pro each offer unique features that cater to different user needs. Here are the most significant differences between the two:

• AI-Powered Tools: Pixelmator Pro includes AI-powered features like background removal and automatic photo enhancements, which GIMP lacks.
• Mac Integration: Pixelmator Pro is designed exclusively for macOS, leveraging technologies like Metal and Core ML, while GIMP is cross-platform but does not have such deep integration with macOS.
• User Interface: Pixelmator Pro boasts a modern, user-friendly interface, whereas GIMP's interface can be more complex and less intuitive for beginners.
• Plug-ins: GIMP offers extensive customization through a large number of community-created scripts and plug-ins, a feature not highlighted for Pixelmator Pro.
• Script-Fu: GIMP supports Script-Fu for scripting and automation, a capability not mentioned for Pixelmator Pro.

User Interface and Usability

GIMP's user interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complex layout and less intuitive design. The software's extensive customization options, while powerful, can add to the learning curve. Users often find themselves navigating through multiple menus and toolbars, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. The overall user experience is functional but may require significant effort to master, impacting its usability for those new to image editing.

Pixelmator Pro, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined and user-friendly interface. Designed exclusively for macOS, it leverages native technologies to provide a cohesive and intuitive experience. The customizable workspace and drag-and-drop functionality make it easier for users to access tools and features. This results in a smoother user experience and better overall usability, especially for those familiar with the Mac ecosystem.

Pixelmator Pro has a better user interface and usability compared to GIMP.

Collaboration

GIMP does not explicitly highlight features that facilitate collaboration. The focus is more on individual capabilities and customization options, which may not be ideal for team projects. Users might find it challenging to collaborate effectively due to the lack of built-in tools for real-time co-editing or cloud-based sharing.

Pixelmator Pro, while offering advanced editing tools and seamless integration with macOS, also lacks specific collaboration features. Although it supports iCloud Drive for file sharing and has some automation capabilities, it does not provide real-time co-editing or other teamwork-oriented functionalities.

Neither GIMP nor Pixelmator Pro stands out as particularly strong for collaboration.

GIMP and Pixelmator Pricing

GIMP is a free and open-source software, making it accessible to everyone without any cost. Users can support the project through donations, which help sustain its development. Various methods are available for contributing, including Patreon, Liberapay, and direct donations to the GNOME Foundation.

Pixelmator Pro, on the other hand, is priced at $49.99 for a one-time purchase. This cost provides access to all its advanced features and updates. There are no subscription fees or discounts mentioned, making it a straightforward purchase for Mac users.

GIMP offers better pricing as it is free, while Pixelmator Pro requires a one-time payment.

Comparing GIMP and Pixelmator to Piktochart

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 from simple prompts, saving time and enhancing creativity.
• Wide Range of Visual Tools: From infographic makers to video tools, Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite for all your visual communication needs.
• Customizable Templates: Access a variety of templates that can be tailored to fit different use cases, ensuring professional-quality outputs.
• Automatic Video Transcription: Transcribe videos to any language automatically, making content accessible to a global audience.
• Support for Multiple Sectors: Piktochart caters to various industries, including education, healthcare, marketing, and nonprofits, providing specialized tools for each sector.

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)
• Campus: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats, 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 and open-source nature, many find the learning curve steep and the interface unintuitive.

• "The interface is not user-friendly, and it takes a lot of time to learn." - John D., 3.5/5
• "Limited features compared to Photoshop, especially for advanced editing." - Sarah K., 3/5
• "Navigation is cumbersome, and multilayer selection is problematic." - Alex P., 2.5/5

Find more of GIMP reviews on G2!

Pixelmator Reviews

Overall, users have given Pixelmator a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, some find its design limitations and lack of advanced features frustrating.

• "Pixelmator can do most all the basic functions of Adobe Photoshop but without the price tag or the 'cloud' component and leasing fees. It can be buggy, I had particular difficulties with the text tool after importing some TTF font files." - Brian B., 3/5
• "Pixelmator and Pixelmator Pro's biggest downfall is scalability via shareability. Figma is live-screen editing collaboration. Photoshop and Illustrator have been the leader in this sector for 20 years." - Law S., 3/5
• "There is no great automation for deleting backgrounds from photos. There are tools you can use, but you have to decide between not perfect or not fast." - Martin O., 3/5

Find more of Pixelmator reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to create professional-quality visuals without design experience.

• "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 Pixelmator:

• GIMP is ideal for users who need a free, open-source image editor with extensive customization options. This makes it perfect for graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators who prefer software they can modify and extend.

Why a consumer might want to use Pixelmator over GIMP:

• Pixelmator Pro is designed for Mac users who value a user-friendly interface and advanced AI-powered tools. It is particularly suited for professional photographers and digital artists who need seamless integration with macOS and powerful editing capabilities.

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

• Piktochart is perfect for users who need to create professional-quality visuals without any design experience. It caters to communications professionals, educators, and marketers who require an easy-to-use tool for infographics, presentations, and video content.

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

Whether you're a seasoned designer or a beginner, GIMP, Pixelmator Pro, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to meet your needs. While GIMP and Pixelmator Pro provide powerful image editing capabilities, Piktochart stands out for its ease of use and ability to create stunning visuals without any design experience. We believe Piktochart is the perfect choice for anyone looking to transform complex ideas into captivating visuals effortlessly.