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

A Quick Overview of Pixlr and GIMP

What is Pixlr?

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Pixlr is an online platform offering a suite of photo editing, image generation, and design tools. It provides a range of features accessible through a web browser, catering to both beginners and experienced photo editors.

Pixlr's AI-powered tools, such as the AI Image Generator and AI Background Removal, make it unique. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and accessibility on web browsers, iOS, and Android devices set it apart from competitors.

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 provides tools for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and scientists to perform sophisticated image editing tasks.

GIMP's high level of extensibility and flexibility through integration with multiple programming languages and the extensive availability of community-created scripts and plugins sets it apart. Additionally, its tools for high-quality photo manipulation, such as retouching, restoring, and creating composites, are valuable to consumers.

Features of Pixlr and GIMP

Similarities

Pixlr and GIMP share several key features that make them both powerful tools for image editing and design. Here are the most important similarities:

  • Both offer a wide range of photo editing tools, including basic adjustments like brightness and contrast, as well as advanced editing features such as layers and masks.
  • They provide various filters and effects to enhance images creatively.
  • Both platforms are accessible for free, although Pixlr also offers premium features.
  • They cater to both beginners and advanced users with user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive toolsets.
  • Both are accessible across multiple platforms, with Pixlr being web-based and GIMP available as a standalone application.

Differences

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

  • AI Tools: Pixlr boasts a variety of AI-powered tools like AI Image Generator and AI Background Removal, which GIMP lacks.
  • Accessibility: Pixlr is web-based, allowing users to edit images directly in their browser, while GIMP requires installation on a desktop.
  • Subscription Model: Pixlr offers both free and premium plans with additional features, whereas GIMP is entirely free and open-source.
  • Extensibility: GIMP supports extensive customization through numerous community-created scripts and plug-ins, unlike Pixlr.
  • Programming Integration: GIMP allows for scripted image manipulation using multiple programming languages, a feature not available in Pixlr.

User Interface and Usability

Pixlr's user interface is clean and well-organized, with a clear header categorizing tools into AI Tools, Editing, and Design. The main content is divided into sections with headings and subheadings, making navigation straightforward. Quick links and app selectors provide direct access to popular tools. The user experience is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with detailed descriptions of each tool and feature. The inclusion of user testimonials and an FAQ section adds credibility and helps users find information quickly.

GIMP's user interface is also clean and well-organized, featuring a top navigation menu for easy access to different sections. The main content is divided into clearly defined sections with headings and subheadings, making it easy to locate specific information. The user experience is positive, with comprehensive information about GIMP presented in a structured manner. The navigation is straightforward, and the content is clear and informative. The inclusion of recent news, tutorials, and documentation enhances the user experience by providing valuable resources.

Pixlr has a better user interface and usability over GIMP.

Collaboration

Pixlr's web-based platform allows users to access and share their work across different devices, which can facilitate collaboration. However, the platform does not explicitly mention features designed for collaborative work. The "Team" subscription plan implies some level of collaborative functionality, but specific details are not provided.

GIMP, on the other hand, does not offer direct collaboration features within the software. Its integration with other software like Scribus and Inkscape can support a collaborative workflow, but this requires additional steps and tools. GIMP's extensibility through community-created scripts and plugins can also indirectly aid teamwork by allowing customization to fit collaborative needs.

Overall, neither Pixlr nor GIMP stands out as particularly strong for collaboration.

Pixlr and GIMP Pricing

Pixlr offers a tiered pricing model with three main plans: Plus, Premium, and Team. The Plus plan costs $1.99 monthly or $0.99 per month if billed annually. The Premium plan is $7.99 monthly or $4.90 per month annually. The Team plan is $12.99 monthly or $9.91 per month annually. Each plan includes various features and AI credits.

GIMP, on the other hand, is entirely free and open-source, with no subscription plans or additional costs. Users can choose to donate to support the project, but this is entirely voluntary. Given that GIMP is free, it offers a more cost-effective solution compared to Pixlr's subscription-based model.

Comparing Pixlr and GIMP 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: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals quickly and effortlessly, saving time and boosting productivity.
  • Extensive Template Library: With a wide variety of customizable templates, Piktochart makes it easy to create professional-quality infographics, presentations, and social media posts.
  • Video Tools: Piktochart includes powerful video tools such as a screen recorder, social media video maker, video cropper, and video to text converter, catering to diverse video editing needs.
  • Automatic Video Transcription: The platform offers automatic video transcription to any language, making it easier to reach a global audience and repurpose content.
  • Versatile Visual Tools: Piktochart provides various visual tools, including an infographic maker, banner maker, and brochure maker, allowing users to create a wide range of visual content for different purposes.

Piktochart's Pricing

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

What Are Others Saying?

Pixlr Reviews

Overall, users have given Pixlr a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While they appreciate its ease of use and accessibility, some find the ads in the free version and the lack of advanced features frustrating.

  • "The free version has too many ads, and it lacks some advanced features." - John D., 3.5 out of 5
  • "Slow loading times for certain tools can be annoying." - Sarah K., 3.8 out of 5
  • "The premium version is quite expensive for what it offers." - Mike L., 3.7 out of 5

Find more of Pixlr reviews on G2!

GIMP Reviews

Overall, users have given GIMP a rating of 4.3 out of 5. While they appreciate its free services and features, some find the learning curve and limited design options frustrating.

  • "It's a bit heavy: if you want to do just a quick change it might take more time to load GIMP than really doing the job. Also might seem a bit complex at the beginning, as it has a million options, but is quite easy to get used to it." - Verified User in Entertainment, 3.0 out of 5
  • "It sometimes has technical issues like multilayer selection and transformations which used to be an issue before but recent updates have fixed it. The user interface is not very friendly like other alternatives but seemingly does the job." - Vishal L., 3.0 out of 5
  • "I find it more confusing than other items. I find it less intuitive, I find that there is a lot that a program like Affinity, Photoshop or Luminar do for me that I actually have to do for myself and have to know how to do. The paid options let me pretend to be a graphic designer and digital creative." - Devon Courtney T. K., 3.0 out of 5

Find more of GIMP 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, extensive template library, and powerful design tools.

  • "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
  • "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
  • "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics." - MEENAKSHI J.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why a consumer might want to use Pixlr over GIMP:

  • Pixlr is ideal for users who need a user-friendly, web-based platform with AI-powered tools for quick and efficient photo editing. This makes it perfect for beginners, casual users, and small business owners who require a versatile and accessible tool.

Why a consumer might want to use GIMP over Pixlr:

  • GIMP is suited for users who need advanced, high-quality photo manipulation and extensive customization options. This makes it a great choice for graphic designers, photographers, and open-source enthusiasts who prefer a free, highly extensible software.

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

  • Piktochart is perfect for users who need to create engaging visual content like infographics, presentations, and videos without requiring design experience. This makes it ideal for communications professionals, educators, and marketers who need a specialized, user-friendly tool.

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

Whether you're a beginner looking for an intuitive platform, a professional seeking advanced editing tools, or someone in need of creating stunning visuals effortlessly, there's a tool for you. While Pixlr and GIMP offer fantastic features for photo editing, we believe Piktochart stands out for its ease of use and powerful design capabilities. Give Piktochart a try and see how it can transform your visual content creation experience.