Vectr and GIMP are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering unique features that enhance productivity and creativity. We'll compare Vectr's AI-powered vector graphics capabilities with GIMP's advanced photo manipulation and extensibility to determine the best fit for your needs.

A Quick Overview of Vectr and GIMP

What is Vectr?

clickup screenshot

Vectr provides AI-powered tools for creating and editing vector graphics. Their offerings include background removal, image to vector conversion, and various other AI-driven design tools.

Vectr's unique features include real-time collaboration, allowing users to share and work on designs live, and cross-platform synchronization, ensuring designs are accessible and editable across multiple devices. The real-time collaboration feature, with integrated chat, sets Vectr apart from competitors, making it particularly useful for remote teams.

What is GIMP?

clickup screenshot

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 high-quality photo manipulation tools for retouching, restoring, and creating composites. Its extensibility through integration with multiple programming languages and community-created plugins sets it apart from competitors.

Features of Vectr and GIMP

Similarities

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

  • Background Removal: Both Vectr and GIMP offer tools to remove backgrounds from images, simplifying the process of isolating subjects.
  • Image Editing: Each platform provides robust capabilities for editing images, including object removal and enhancements, catering to both basic and advanced needs.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Vectr and GIMP are available across multiple operating systems, allowing users to work on their projects from different devices seamlessly.
  • Customization Options: Both tools support a range of customization options, including third-party plugins or extensions, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific needs.
  • Free Access: Vectr and GIMP are free to use, making them accessible to a wide audience without the need for expensive subscriptions or licenses.

Differences

While Vectr and GIMP both offer powerful tools for graphic design, their feature sets cater to different needs. Here are the most significant differences:

  • AI-Powered Tools: Vectr excels with AI-driven features like background removal and image to vector conversion, which GIMP lacks.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Vectr allows users to collaborate live with integrated chat, a feature not available in GIMP.
  • Plug-in Support: GIMP boasts extensive plug-in support for added functionalities, whereas Vectr does not emphasize this.
  • Advanced Photo Manipulation: GIMP offers sophisticated tools for photo retouching and restoration, which are not Vectr's focus.
  • Cross-Platform Sync: Vectr provides seamless access across devices, a convenience not highlighted in GIMP.

User Interface and Usability

Vectr's user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to learn, featuring tools for creating shapes, editing paths, and real-time collaboration. The cross-platform synchronization ensures that users can access their projects from any device. In contrast, GIMP's interface is more complex, catering to advanced users with its extensive customization options and third-party plugins. The learning curve for GIMP is steeper, which may be a barrier for beginners.

User experience in Vectr is streamlined by AI tools that simplify tasks like background removal and text-to-image conversion. GIMP offers a robust experience for high-quality photo manipulation and original artwork creation, but its complexity can be overwhelming. Extensive documentation and community support are available for GIMP, aiding usability. Vectr's interface and usability are generally more accessible for beginners.

Collaboration

Vectr supports real-time collaboration through its integrated chat and sharing capabilities. Users can share their design workspace live using a URL, allowing for instant collaboration. This feature is ideal for teams seeking efficiency in a dynamic environment, as it ensures seamless communication and coordination.

GIMP, on the other hand, does not explicitly offer built-in collaboration tools. While it integrates with other software like Scribus and Inkscape, which can be part of a collaborative workflow, it lacks direct features for real-time teamwork. Users may need to rely on external tools for collaboration.

Vectr is better suited for collaboration due to its real-time sharing and chat features.

Vectr and GIMP Pricing

Vectr offers a tiered pricing model with a Free Plan, Plus Plan at $3.99 per month, and Premium Plan at $7.99 per month. The Free Plan includes limited access and ads, while the paid plans provide more storage, exclusive elements, and an ad-free experience.

GIMP is entirely free to use, with no costs for downloading or using its features. The project relies on donations to support development, with options to contribute via Patreon, Liberapay, or the GNOME Foundation. GIMP's free access makes it more cost-effective for users.

GIMP has better pricing as it is free, while Vectr requires a subscription for full features.

Comparing Vectr and GIMP to Piktochart

clickup screenshot

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

  • Ease of Use: Piktochart's intuitive interface allows users to create stunning visuals without any design experience, making it accessible to everyone.
  • Variety of Templates: With a vast library of pre-built templates, users can quickly start their projects and customize them to fit their needs, saving valuable time.
  • Video Editing Capabilities: Piktochart includes robust video editing tools, such as automatic subtitle addition, which streamline the content creation process.
  • Drag-and-Drop Functionality: The drag-and-drop feature simplifies the customization process, enabling users to easily add and arrange elements within their designs.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Piktochart's online platform ensures that users can access and edit their projects from any device, providing flexibility and convenience.

Piktochart's Pricing

  • Free Plan: $0 (Free forever)
  • Pro Plan: $14 per member/month, billed annually (or $29 per member/month if billed monthly)
  • Business Plan: $24 per member/month, billed annually (or $49 per member/month if billed monthly)
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing
  • Campus Plan: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats)

What Are Others Saying?

Vectr Reviews

Overall, users have given Vectr a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While they appreciate its ease of use and simple interface, frustrations include limited editing options and software bugs.

"Limited editing options and occasional bugs make it frustrating to use." - John D., 3.5 out of 5

"Autosaving feature sometimes doesn't work, which can be annoying." - Sarah K., 3 out of 5

"Editing fonts can be finicky and the selection of icons is poor." - Mike L., 2.5 out of 5

Find more of Vectr 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, frustrations include a steep learning curve and limited design options.

"Technical issues with multilayer selection and transformations, user interface not very friendly." - Vishal L., 3.5 out of 5

"More confusing and less intuitive than paid alternatives, requires more manual effort." - Devon Courtney T. K., 3 out of 5

"Multiplayer edit feature would be helpful, overall great tool." - Pooja P., 3.5 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, variety of templates, and video editing capabilities. Here are some of their thoughts:

  • "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
  • "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
  • "Incredibly intuitive design app." - Katie S.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Vectr Over GIMP:

  • Consumers who need intuitive, AI-powered tools for tasks like background removal and real-time collaboration will find Vectr more suitable. This is ideal for beginners, content creators, and remote teams who prioritize ease of use and seamless cross-platform access.

Why Choose GIMP Over Vectr:

  • Consumers who require advanced photo manipulation and extensive customization options will prefer GIMP. This is perfect for photographers, illustrators, and programmers who need powerful tools and flexibility for detailed image editing and scripting.

Why Choose Piktochart Over GIMP and Vectr:

  • Consumers looking for an all-in-one visual communication tool with an easy-to-use interface will benefit from Piktochart. This is ideal for marketing professionals, educators, and general users who need to create infographics, presentations, and videos without design experience.

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

Whether you're a beginner looking for intuitive tools, a professional needing advanced photo manipulation, or someone in between, there's a solution for you. While Vectr and GIMP offer impressive features, we believe Piktochart stands out with its ease of use, variety of templates, and robust video editing capabilities. Give Piktochart a try and transform your complex ideas into captivating visuals effortlessly.