Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

CutOutWay reviewed v2.10.24 on Apr 1, 2021

Pros: Very informative articles.I like this

Cons: Thanks for sharing

Bottom Line: I definitely visit this again

empirical reviewed v2.10.18.2 on Jun 15, 2020

Pros: Does a lot of editing tasks that many graphic arts drawing and painting programs cannot do. Has the ability to export files into a PDF format. Most illustration tools are available as a feature of this program. Latest versions have included some excellent brushes from the MyPaint program.

Cons: Does not have a pan tool, need to use sliders on side and bottom, involves two steps and clicks instead of one.
From using Corel Painter a lot I have become addicted to the use of a pan tool.

Bottom Line: When I first starting using GIMP some ten years ago tinkering, I did not find much about the program that interested me. It has come along over the years with good improvements and the more you dig into the program the more useful things you will discover. Takes time to learn and find it's value.
Excellent program, have sent them a donation.

Aegis69 reviewed v2.10.18.2 on Mar 26, 2020

Pros: nothign

Cons: its crap

Bottom Line: GARBAGE: DO NOT USE.

Gimp STILL does not support layer effects!! ITS CRAP. USE KRITA, THIS GARBAGE NEEDS TO DIE.

kstev99 reviewed v2.10.14 Update 3 on Jan 7, 2020

Pros: Photoshop replacement for free

Cons: none

Bottom Line: Still a VERY good image editor. I've used it for years. Highly recommended

"there is nothing GIMP does that Krita does not do"
HOW ABOUT MAGNETIC LASSO (scissors). It is a necessary tool for serious editing in my opinion, unless you are just drawing pictures
According to Krita's developers on their own forum

"we used to have a magnetic lasso tool. It got disabled when porting from Qt3 to Qt4 in 2006, and we never managed to find the time to re-enable it"

For each his own I guess, use either photoshop, krita, or Gimp, whichever suits your needs. To call it garbage is unwarranted and disrespectful to the developers

Aegis69 reviewed v2.10.12 on Jun 17, 2019

Pros: none

Cons: all

Bottom Line: "krita lacks the functions needed for advanced image editing"

Said by someone who has never used Krita. Trust me, there is nothing GIMP does that Krita does not do. DUMP GIMP.

kstev99 reviewed v2.10.8 on Nov 14, 2018

Pros: Excellent Photo Manipulation tools
Free !

Cons: Slow initial load time

Bottom Line: Still an EXCELLENT photo editor. As a former graphics designer, GIMP has most everything that Photoshop has and you don't have to spend a fortune.

Beware !!! There are some suggesting that you use Krita instead, even calling those who stand by GIMP, Morons. Comparing Krita and GIMP is like comparing apples to oranges, and while Krita is an excellent drawing program, it lacks the functions needed for advanced image editing. I stand with the GIMP. 5 Stars !!!

Aegis69 reviewed v2.10.4 on Jul 9, 2018

Pros: garbage

Cons: garbage

Bottom Line: complete useless garbage, been that way for decades, use Krita

kstev99 reviewed v2.10.0 RC1 on Mar 29, 2018

Pros: Great Photo Manipulation program.

Cons: none

Bottom Line: Keeps getting better with each version.

Aegis69 reviewed v2.9.8 Beta on Dec 27, 2017

Pros: none

Cons: lots

Bottom Line: lol morons saying kritas interface is unconventional when it looks EXACTLY like photoshop, meanwhile gimp looks like it was make in 1972. And yes Krita does painting very well, but that does NOT mean it doesn't ALSO do photo manipulation, it does, and it does it BETTER than gimp ever will.

kstev99 reviewed v2.8.22 on May 13, 2017

As a former graphics designer, I see no need to fork out $$$ for Photoshop, and make Adobe lots of money. GIMP has practically all of the features of Photoshop and it's developers don't just rush releases out the door. The magnetic scissors tool is a masterpiece.

Great Program!! and best of all it's FREE !! I've tried Krita, and quite frankly, it's unconventional interface just doesn't cut it.

Ryusennin reviewed v2.8.22 on May 13, 2017

Krita is a digital painting application, Gimp is a generic image editor. Both programs have entirely different uses. I'd never use Krita to do any sort of basic picture manipulation.

lylejk reviewed v2.8.22 on May 11, 2017

Will admit that version 20's working fine for me (so haven't installed 22 yet) but still, GIMP is still my editor of choice. When you ad G'MIC to it, it makes it superior in many ways to Photoshop. Cannot wait until GIMP goes to 2.10x; the beta version already supports high bit depth which is the main complaint with GIMP in it's present form. Regardless, I seldom (if ever) need more than 8 bits per channel when I do my retouch play. :)

Aegis69 reviewed v2.8.22 on May 11, 2017

I hate to say it, but GIMP is done. Krita came along and did everything the community had been asking GIMP to do for decades. Ive switch to Krita, it even replaced photoshop for me. Goodbye GIMP, you missed the boat and its over.

some guy reviewed v2.8.16 Update 4 on Jun 8, 2016

fantastic both windows and Linux

Zombulla reviewed v2.8.1.4 Revision 2 on Dec 21, 2014

Has become slow and utter garbage.

carlvui reviewed v2.8.10 on Jul 20, 2014

My most pleasant surprise. Truly nice work, and to get that free. Thanks a lot for the developer. Fully compatible with all of my PCs, on 3 different OS and language platforms, works without incidents.
Very effective, great for demanding works. Needs some learning but not too difficult to use, give very nice result.

lylejk reviewed v2.8.6 on Jun 25, 2013

Gets even better. What caught my eye with this release is that you can now have a clipboard brush that's up to 1024x1024. Very cool stuff indeed. It flawlessly installed as well. I'm using the Win 64 version. I've been a GIMPer since 2001 so I might be a little biased. lololol

:)

Uriel reviewed v2.8.4 on Feb 8, 2013

Took an online course through lynda.com for this. Downloaded three plugins and it out performs Adobe IMHO. I wish that they would update the Linux version though.

some guy reviewed v2.8.2 on Aug 25, 2012

The GIMP 2.8.2 works great W7 32 bit

SineWave reviewed v2.8.0 on May 27, 2012

I can swear that version 2.6 and even 2.7 was faster. That's my only problem with this 2.8 version. On the other hand, single window interface is a great addition that now, after using GIMP for a few years, I cannot get my head around it. I so wanted it, and now that it's here, I have doubts about it. Weird. Anyway, I always liked GIMP and I have never considered buying something like Adobe as I'm far from a professional, and Photoshop is very expensive for a piece of software for an amateur, absolutely not worth it. GIMP is all, and far more than an amateur photo editor needs. If it just weren't so slow... I was actually hoping it would get faster than the old version. :( Really sad. How many cores do I need to get it run normally? 16? However, because of all the wonderful features, my love for Open Source software and GIMP, out of gratitude for such versatile software we get for free, I have to give it five stars, again. [p.s. but guys what are you doing? why is it getting even slower instead of faster?]

terryjackson reviewed v2.8.0 on May 21, 2012

Nice feature set, but it's so slooooooooooow compared to Adobe Elements or Photoshop.

darkwzrd1 reviewed v2.8.0 on May 7, 2012

Don't worry BetaNews Roj gave "The Gimp" 5 Stars, no need to "RATE" this software anymore because he's the FINAL WORD..... Well, at least in his DREAMS! I love how he tries to talk intelligent, but we all know better. It probably takes him half a day to write a paragraph of this nature. He's clearly not being himself because he's putting way to much effort into being someone, he's clearly not.

Music4Ever reviewed v2.8.0 on May 7, 2012

Hey everyone it's OK roj likes the GIMP now, he has cancelled the corporate order of Photo-Shop so those at Adobe will be very displeased now & profits will be hit hard ~

He has now been grabbed by Adobe as consultant design programmer in a frantic effort to sort out the issues roj has found with Photo-Shop after his incredible efforts & input on the GIMP ~

The fact that dear old roj kept using the GIMP when in his view it was a total piece of crap is indeed intriguing but it looks like after the pasting they got after his last review they got their heads down & sorted all his issues out ~

I hear Tor Lillqvist was extremely worried for a while they may have lost roj's custom & the huge donations he made, though we should all be grateful that the GIMP has been brought back from the brink of total annihilation thanks solely to the input of roj ~

Roj you are in UK speak a total absolute, & 100% gold plated Plonker ~

Peace once again now reigns at BetaNews forums & all is OK now though I was worried after his last review ~

Still 5 stars ~

BTW roj ~ It a sad fact on planet earth than when a person is losing a debate on a one to one personal basis they start to scathe a persons country, it happens all the time ~ BTW May I enquire: What language do you speak?

roj reviewed v2.8.0 on May 7, 2012

The interface designers have really redeemed themselves in just about every way I could name. A truly powerful piece of software is finally usable by everyone.

darkwzrd1:

Hey junior, I didn't have to write it myself. A group of extremely intelligent people did it for me. And I find it very easy to be critical of software designers who build software from a geek point of view instead of the people who they should be thinking about: the users. I'm an end-user. Without me and people like me, software is an "also-ran" and a collection of unused bits and bytes.

Also, FREE is not and never will be an EXCUSE for poor software design (of which the interface is an integral part) and you apologists need to get that through your heads. As more than one person has said, "anything worth doing is worth doing well".

GIMP got real usability studies done and finally typifies that.

Music4Ever:

Thankfully I'm not in the UK (which also means I'm not overcompensating for delusions of relevance in a world that has largely forgotten that you exist). Here in Canada we're polite so I'll just say you're a hoser in a way that indicates the first letter of that word should be substituted with one four letters further down the alphabet. And oddly enough, I'm not a Photoshop user.

FIVE stars.

Blaxima reviewed v2.8.0 on May 7, 2012

Not bad. Prefer this to Paint.net but I never liked the multi-window approach. Thankfully with this build you have a single window mode option.

But if you got a few coins lying around, CS6 is really good

darkwzrd1 reviewed v2.8.0 RC1 on Apr 10, 2012

@roj
Then write the software yourself.... which we all know you can't, so stop complaining. It's different if you purchased the "Software" but its Open Source "Free". I'm sure the Developers have lives (like work) outside of "The GIMP".

If you don't like it, use something else. But don't have the nerve to complain about it, when you clearly don't know what your talking about..

Music4Ever reviewed v2.8.0 RC1 on Apr 10, 2012

I find it difficult to be over critical about 'totally' free software: If you aren't happy with the way open source programs are going then perhaps it's time to create your own?

I use GIMP in Linux & find it quite good regardless of whether it's free or not ~ If I then take into account it is absolutely free then it's quite brilliant & far better than some similar software I have bought for Windows.

I look forward to using the photo editing program from roj.

Five worthy stars.

roj reviewed v2.7.0 on Jan 3, 2012

The WORST case of scope creep that I have EVER seen. The devs need to s**t or get off the pot; this is a YEAR late and counting and now the release date for the 2.8 final has slipped yet again to March 2012. When that date arrives, it will inevitably slip again. This is worse than the religious freaks who keep predicting the so-called "Rapture" again and again, only to report another "miscalculation" each time.

Finalise the feature set. Commit to a testing regimen. Execute that testing process and get the thing done. Put what isn't done in a future release - intelligent project management is knowing how do deal with expectations that cannot be reasonably met in the timeframe allotted.

You're embarrassing yourself with all these delays.

THREE stars for a product that needs to actually arrive.

bokhylla reviewed v2.7.0 on Jul 17, 2010

Gimp is a extremely great toolbox!

Gimp is for the photographer like a toolbox for the carpenter.

The toolbox for the carpenter does not make him a skilful carpenter but it is a condition for his work and his skills, the same goes for a photographer, Gimp or alternative professional editing program is a condition for his work, but you yourself must be skilful to do skilful editing. Gimp gives you just the tools.

It has total flexibility.

The programs total flexibility is one reason why it is so great.

People who says that Gimp is complicated or that the GUI is bad etc. do not actually know what they are talking about.

Gimp is a very simple program to edit professional work with. If you find it complicated, it is not because the program is complicated but because the task you are going to do is complicated.

That Gimp opens in three windows might be a good or might be a bad thing, but I find this debate about this as a extremely minor issue.

I think that Gimp is a gift from heaven as you get this great program for nothing.

I also think that it is great that it is open source. No nagging about upgrading. You can install in how many computers you like. No one cares!That is worth a lot!

Bjorn Lundahl
Gothenburg, Sweden

verdecove reviewed v2.7.0 on Feb 24, 2010

I'm using GIMP quit a bit now since I can't afford a newer version of Adobe Photoshop anymore. GIMP does not reach get close to Photoshop yet, but for the normal user it is a very good alternate and since it is Open Source it is for free. For the Photoshop fans, there is a GIMP Shop available that is supposed to have the layout of Photoshop so the former Photoshop user can get easier used to GIMP . I have not tried it yet.

gubmonte reviewed v2.7.0 on Dec 13, 2009

So wait dudeboyz, you will rate this tool properly based on its functionality and usability but not others? Although you have some inane obsession with DOT NET with no explanation or justification as to why and you continue to use it as a rating criteria. Wow, you really are looking to troll.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.7.0 on Nov 26, 2009

Pretty great little program. It's free, does not depend on DOT NET and is pretty light on the resources compared to many.

I like the versatility in the selection features, though I do wish it would provide a drop-down list of common options (sizes like 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1600x1200, 2048x1536, etc and also ratios like 4:3, 16:9, etc) but it is pretty easy to modify the selection compared to some others (like Paint Shop Pro)

It may take some getting used to, and it is a bit quirky, but if you invest just a little time learning your way around, I think it can be a very helpful tool.

captainbooyeah reviewed v2.7.0 on Oct 4, 2009

HORRIBLE!!!!! nothing but a frickin headache! problem after problem. i dont know who started this "Gimp" hype, but they an informal schooling on photo editing software.

dracodos reviewed v2.7.0 on Aug 28, 2009

This program has come a long way. So far no issues with 2.7. Runs pretty stable on my Windows 7 system, such as 2.6.7 did. Interface DOES take some getting used to if you're a Photoshop user, (i will say I'm not all thrilled with the "clean slate" window that opens up when you run the app) Once you get past that hurdle this program is a great alternative. I wouldn't go so far as Professional quality but for the price and the quality you do get you just can't beat it!

uberfly reviewed v2.7.0 on Aug 27, 2009

Yes, very powerful and FREE. Sure, it's a different paradigm than Photoshop, and to rate it down because your unfamiliarity with the application confuses you makes little sense. Is it Photoshop? No. But for what it is it's easily 5 stars.

KuHGl reviewed v2.7.0 on Aug 27, 2009

Ok altogether, usually I'm known to be really flexible, BUT to be able to work (and I really mean work - not PLAY, what most of the tutorials out there for GIMP describe tediously...) with GIMP one need to be it's developer, I guess.
Layers, channels... all the absolutely complicating and mostly unlogical combination of these functions make it a work for itself to find ones way through them. You know what? In the time I need to find out, that those functions I'd need are not included,
I can work on a piece of software for myself.
Angry I'm not because of GIMP itself, but because of the countless users who prefer to like praising more than criticizing. Using constructive critics every usual software developer makes usable software. Without criticism usable software (not only for a few freaks!) is created only by chance ... and this happens very seldom.
GIMP in my eyes is simply a result of good developers with an extremely poor feedback - sad to say, but reality. And now it is full of freaky 'functions', but only very few of them are usable without lots of (highly time consuming) experiments. Of course there are many users who recommend it - they either have found ways to reach their goals (most likely) or they are those freaks I already told about.
But the simple examples "layers, channels" and their usage (to be more correct: Their usability) make me angry. There are such simple ways to combine images - every image is nothing but a (multidimensional) array of numbers which can be combined in countless ways fuss-free ... but not in GIMP, of course.
Menu by menu I found out, that the operations I intend to realize either are simply not supported or they need to be realized using a completely different way. Since I also have developed programs (one of them for stocks analysis... only to mention, so that not too many people suspect me to be a towers-of-Hanoi 'programmer'...) I claim to understand logic and its concepts. But GIMP does not follow a common logic - sorry.
If one really has the time to explore a program - then it might be an interesting piece of software. But if one simply wants to manipulate images, for example, I only can recommend much less than 10% of this software (I guess even less than 5 %...). And these methods are good, but much too slow to use them for more than only very few pictures a day (which is unacceptable even if one wants to enhance a small collection of photos, let's say 20 pictures).
The rating, nonetheless, for the developers would be 4, but the rating mentioned here is a rating for the 'solution' named GIMP... which is definitely no solution in my eyes for a normal case.
Ok, to be correct: Commercial products are not really better in my eyes (reasons...? See above!).

some guy reviewed v2.7.0 on Aug 27, 2009

best freeware Paint program plain and simple. If you want something better get ready to pay for it.

us3r reviewed v2.6.7 on Aug 23, 2009

What a piece of garbage.

karlo reviewed v2.6.6 on Apr 29, 2009

I love this program, specially when I'm using Ubuntu Linux before. Anyway, I hope they'll be able to do something about this program, specially like making it faster on Windows XP.

tylerhw reviewed v2.6.6 on Apr 22, 2009

Even better since the 2.6.x releases came out.

@myboy Horendous? Maybe try intuitive. Although, it really isn't all that different from Ps when it comes to menus.

Anyways, this is a great photo editing app, very easy to use once you know what everything does. A must have for those who need something professional without the price to go with it. 5/5 for a nice interface, good plugins, and support for every format under the sun, image-wise.

myboy reviewed v2.6.6 on Apr 12, 2009

Sure, it's an alternative to Photoshop...a terrible alternative. And can the fanboys stop comparing it to the industry standard when it's painfully obvious that it's not even in the same league? I mean for god's sake, even to bold text, you have use the drop-down list instead of a button like any sane program since the 90s. Those on Windows and with lighter needs should use Paint.NET and save yourself the trouble of dealing with GIMP's horrendous interface.

shelb reviewed v2.6.4 on Jan 4, 2009

It IS the best free alternative to Photoshop if you have demanding tasks to do. For advanced retouching it is much better than any other free option. Very few free programs have the healing brush which GIMP has (only Krita does that I know of). If you are paid dozens of dollars an hour for your photo editing work, Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro will easily pay for itself in time saved. But if you are not a pro, you would have to be insane to buy Photoshop for $600.
There are very few things you can do in Photoshop you can't with GIMP, but often Photoshop makes tasks easier and more efficient.

ssb reviewed v2.6.4 on Jan 4, 2009

An alternative of Photoshop? You must be kidding.

acascianelli reviewed v2.6.4 on Jan 2, 2009

Excellent free alternative to Photoshop.

Aegis69 reviewed v2.6.3 on Nov 24, 2008

Get windows version here;

http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/stable.html

Tutorials are here;

http://www.ghuj.com/

karlo reviewed v2.6.3 on Nov 22, 2008

i love it! alternative to adobe! it uses less disk space and less memory! i hope there's a tutorial somewhere..

thanks for releasing this... on the day of my bday nov.21 ! :D

Alpha258 reviewed v2.6.3 on Nov 22, 2008

Definitely better than the 2.4 series and every other series before that. I was always hoping they would just have one menu bar and my wish has finally come true. Its a simple thing but it makes the program a whole lot more usable and the performance is brilliant too, not so sluggish starting up anymore.

brain51983 reviewed v2.6.3 on Nov 22, 2008

Great program only problem is the download is for Linux and not Windows. I hope this gets fixed.

PagingDrLeoMarvin reviewed v2.6.2 on Nov 11, 2008

I love The Gimp.

methuselah reviewed v2.6.2 on Nov 3, 2008

The only reason I don't give this a 5 is that it takes a little while to get used to it. However, it is a great cross platform program that I use on both Linux and Windows machines. When setting up my new Windows only machine, I didn't even bother reloading Adobe Elements, even though I own the copy.

Aegis69 reviewed v2.6.2 on Nov 3, 2008

This is the version version of GIMP I have tried in a while, and I have to say its a huge improvement. The biggest thing I was happy about is the backdrop can be maximized, and the tool bars stay ON TOP OF IT. Too bad it too them till version 2.6 to figure out the usability is a factor, but now that we are getting it I will be promoting this to all my friends as a usable alternative to photoshop.

Ponphan reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 17, 2008

Hi guys. I’ve been using GIMP for a while and I love it. Now, I’m a college student and I have to pay for my own way through college. I thought about GIMP and remembering how it has helped me in the past, by retouching my and my friends’ images. At the time I wished there was an easy way for me and others to use the program. Then I decided to create 10 retouching image tutorials and recorded them on DVDs that was user friendly and easier for people to use. I would like to sell the DVD for $14.99, which would greatly help me through school. Please purchase this product to support my efforts and the GIMP community. Thank you very much. Ponphan Suwanakas, Western International University student. You can purchase my product at www.playpicsmedia.com
Thank you guys so much

JEdwardP reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 12, 2008

Its remarkably poor interface make it difficult to use on Linux, but it's utterly intolerable on Windows. That's a shame, because there's power and potential under the hood.

stranded reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 12, 2008

I was really expecting this release for a long time, everyone was saying about great UI improvements. And I'll tell you something, even small program like Paint.NET beats that piece of ****. That's probably the worst user interface these days, I'm really surprised they didn't change it yet. Too bad, could be a small (really small) Photoshop replacement, but it's barely usuable, at least on Windows.

myboy reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 12, 2008

If you would have said that this is better than MS Paint, people would have been awed by the features, instead fanboys have compared it to Photoshop and left users disappointed. Let's not kid ourselves here. It is not even close to Photoshop. Interface was thought up when some geeks got together and wanted to be "different" so they threw stuff together without a thought to usability. When someone else tries to improve the interface for them, they also get whiny (see: GIMPshop).

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 11, 2008

UPDATE: Thank goodness for File Hippo. They have that 2.4.7 for Windows version available for download. What a great site...

So, if you want to compare Apples to Apples, here's the link:

http://www.filehippo.com/download_the_gimp/4566/

Original Post:

I've been using Gimp in virtual machines in Linux and those are version 2.4.7. The brand new Mandriva 2009 that JUST came out is using 2.4.7.

I downloaded this Windows version, which is 2.6.1, because I could not find the 2.4.7 for Windows on their site, and find that the interface has been noticeably altered.

I'm trying to be fair here, because it is a pretty capable product, but the interface inconsistencies - and in fact, the entire interface itself - are pretty hard to deal with.

It is a very bizarre interface. It's hard to explain it. I guess you have to try it to kind of understand how non-conventional it is.

It's free and it's capable, so that is good from a value and feature standpoint, but I do think the interface can really be intimidating to new users and may prevent them from getting the most out of the product.

Mixed feelings, so only a rating of 3 - average.

ssb reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 11, 2008

This *thing* can do more than Photoshop? Comeon, folks please stop spreading nonsense. It's OK for a free opensource hobby app, but can't be compared to a professional application like PS.

ranasrule reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 11, 2008

ugliest interface ever

osric reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 11, 2008

Wow!! After all the UI complaints, they have finally improvised the UI. What's more, its highly customizable. So, if you were a fan of the old interface, you can set the "Hint for the toolbox" and "Hint for other docks" as "Normal Window". If you want a UI like Photo$hop, set them as "Utility Window". These settings are available under "Edit" >> "Preferences" >> "Window Management".
@Galifray: Just check that these settings are set to "Utility Window". This is the default setting in GIMP 2.6x, but maybe you had some setting left over from the previous installation. Ideally utility windows should appear on top of the main window.

Galifray reviewed v2.6.1 on Oct 10, 2008

Well, the new interface for 2.6.1 is going to cause a small learning curve but things are grouped better than before. And it is already frustrating me in one major respect. It keeps wanting to put the various child windows UNDER the image window. So quite often I have to minimize the image to get at the window with the effect I want to apply. Very, very frustrating, especially when I want to do live previews, but cannot manipulate the controls because the other windows want to sit on top. So A for effort, D for application.

twood reviewed v2.4.7 on Sep 12, 2008

Wonderful program. When you finally master it, you can do MORE than you can in Photoshop. I recommend NOT using GimpShop due to old code and a good probability of errors. Just use the good ol' original GIMP! 5/5. =)

zridling reviewed v2.4.7 on Aug 26, 2008

What Earwicker said below. Well worth learning, will save you thousands, and runs like a gazelle under Linux. Take advantage of Carey Bunks' free GIMP book for quickly mastering it, at:

http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/index.html

osric reviewed v2.4.6 on Jun 3, 2008

Change log:
http://developer.gimp.org/NEWS-2.4

MDI fans may prefer to use GIMPshop:
http://www.gimpshop.com/

Astro-SII reviewed v2.4.6 on Jun 2, 2008

easy enough to use, does what I want.
would be nice if I could figure out how to chage the default font that GIMPS menus use, as it is a little hard to read.

Earwicker reviewed v2.4.6 on Jun 2, 2008

The eighth wonder of the software world.

The interface is not beyond improvement, but I certainly don't find it a problem. Like all powerful software, it takes time to learn how to use it. Having done so, it rewards with fabulous results. I use it under Linux (Hardy, AMD64) and XP.

Galifray reviewed v2.4.6 on Jun 2, 2008

The 2.4.x line has shown some major improvements. The fact that you no longer need a separate download for the GTK engine is one of them. It loads faster and hangs less with each new version.

Sure the floating windows takes some getting used to, but it means that you have less screen clutter when you are using one tool as the other windows get placed behind. The SVG and other format integration keeps improving as well.

gerry_g reviewed v2.4.6 on Jun 2, 2008

From a Win32 perspective, the single document interface) is a disaster. one even needs to be careful on multiple desktop OS's. Even with multiple desktops the UI is clumsy with a steep learning curve.

This program has fantastic functionality and that represents professional level coding. The UI keeps me from giving it 5 stars! What good is great functionality if it can't be readily accessed?

tyrannosaurus reviewed v2.4.5 on Apr 26, 2008

Yuk!Takes up too much memory during the first run.

Alpha258 reviewed v2.4.5 on Mar 7, 2008

I docked one mark for ease of use but technically this is fantastic software. This has most of the features of Photoshop it just requires a bit of learning to get used to the interface. Anyone who marks this poorly because it is not Photoshop is a fool. That is exactly the point it is not Photoshop, it is not a commercial application.

oomingmak reviewed v2.4.5 on Mar 7, 2008

Words can not adequately express how much I despise this terrible program.

Qlib reviewed v2.4.4 on Feb 13, 2008

reading braille without a sense of touch is prolly more intuitive than using gimp...

LRN reviewed v2.4.4 on Jan 31, 2008

Yes, lack of MDI support is noticeable.
Maybe this is not an issue on Linux, where you can have a number of separate desktops...But on Windows you have only one :) And one taskbar, crowded with all kinds of buttons even without the GIMP opening another 3-10.
Well, MS Office is using SDI too (try opening a few documents simultaneously).
Taskbar window grouping is supposed to fix such behaviour...in theory.

netean reviewed v2.4.4 on Jan 31, 2008

just awful. terrible interface, terriblly unintuitive both for a novice or experienced software user.

In the freeworld market there are better solutions, much much better: Krita for KDE for example:

In the shareware: Pixel - way better.

But come on. No one pays for photoshop, even adobe know that!

betasun reviewed v2.4.4 on Jan 31, 2008

a nice retouching application .

picsoetje reviewed v2.4.4 on Jan 31, 2008

I hate the way "The Gimp" is opening all kinds of windows all over my screen.

cloudmt. reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 27, 2008

Hello all.

I am new to digital still editing and the software thats used.
I have done quite a bit of video work and am no stranger to the computer.

Now I wont give any software a 5 out of 5 simply because!! Nuff said.
Lets face it folks this stuff is written by geeks and when you get tools that you can use that do what you want andm the thing does not crash you have it made.

I looked at Photoshop (full version) and the steep price was tougher to swallow than the learning curve

I have looked over Gimp as well as Gimpshop.

I have compared these to PS 6 and the new CS3
Ok there are differences but once you get the learning curve down and figure out how the tools work its a moot point.

My bottom line is I have spent big $$ on a 10 mp DSLR and a big bunch on the computer.
Now I need some serious Horse power to get creative.
I am serious about composite images and the Gimp will do it with ease as will Gimpshop and for pennies if you just buy a disc with the software on it or if you have high speed its free to download.

I have seen the same projects created using all these tools and the results are the same.
The artist is the determining factor.

If the learning curve is too heady, you either need to be doing something else with your time or relax a bit and figure out how it works.

I have worked with the geeks, yup these guys/gals are from a different world but, hey they bring us all the wonderful things we use on our computers.

4 stars for the show folks

Cloudmt.

iancognito reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 24, 2008

The GUI of the GIMP is commonly critisized by reviewers, and I suppose its version under MS Windows is rather unwieldy. However, the GIMP is essentially a Linux application, which is why it's open-source :-). Graphical versions of Linux operate a nifty device called Virtual Desktops, and it is where the GIMP comes into its own.

One can define between 2 and 32 desktops to be available simultaneously, each potentially with an application running in it. Only one desktop is open at a time and one switches between desktops by clicking little boxes in a Workspace Switcher on the bottom panel of every desktop; the active desktop is highlighted there. Applications can be dragged from one desktop to another.

Running the GIMP in Virtual Desktops, one would open the GIMP Toolbox in one desktop, the target image or images, any number of applications and manuals, all in different desktops. This way one is able to keep an uncluttered workspace, not burdened by tiled windows, simply by switching from one desktop to another. Sounds complicated but it is simple and intuitive. To get the full power of the GIMP, load a version of Linux (my favourite flavour is Ubuntu Linux & it too is free) onto your Windows hard drive as dual-boot system if it has enough space. (Back! up! and! defragment! your! drive! before! loading! Linux!) Running the GIMP there will soon illustrate the true colours of the rebellious GUI.

Sanus|art reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 23, 2008

It's only natural for users defend their favorite programs.
Regarding GIMP - it is not made for people who want to use it as picture cropper or photo re-touching only, nether individuals who'd like to start dealing with graphic design. GIMP is complete tool kit for any pro, semi-pro graphic designer that sticks to one goal only - to design something from scratch and the best thing that I see in GIMP, is non-automatic process of creation e.g. 'styles' of "photoshop" and such. Everything you create is totally in your hands and you have full control over the layers, what assures uniqueness of design.

After some 1-star reviews of this software it is obvious that you need some skills and raster graphic orientation (and basic phisics knowledge too) for better layer manipulation.

The bottom line GIMP is capable to do anything Photoshop can do with some additional uniqueness in the process. I have both and use both depends on the results needed to achieve.

P.S.
It is not nice of people to write a bad review of a program that they've fail to use because of their laziness or lack of knowledge or purpose.

Sammo reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

Has most of the high end features. I would give it 5 stars if the gui were a little more complete and friendly.

Qlib reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

ok.. so.. its free.. thats good..but... arrgh... its got the most horribly bad bad bad interface and workflow ever .. its like trying to paint by commandline commands.. i mean sure.. if ur a geek and like doing it the geeky most UN-intuitive way ever.. its great.. if you want to do some work or art even.. _art_ then its not.. so it gets the 0.9 for being free and 0.1 cos it can use photoshop brushes without the need to convert them first now and all this leads to a massive and much celebrated 1 ..

rcglidden reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

come on people....!!

Gimp isn't for right click weenies who need to swirl a picture, nor is it for professionals who should be able to afford Photoshop anyway.

It is for creative people who need the TOOLS and know how to use them, no matter what the interface looks like. period.

Compare it to Paint.NET .... HUH?

Earwicker reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

Fabulous. People who are too lazy or too stupid to figure out how to use one of the finest photo editing softwares available - and available for free! - should keep their hands off it; they should stick to Paint.

roj reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

@wox:

You're right junior, it doesn't suck because I don't like it.

It sucks because it has an illogical, poorly crafted interface designed by geeks for geeks.

ONE star until the devs get their act together.

Until then Paint.NET gets more powerful with each release, is vastly easier to use and my recommendation for anyone who wants to do extensive graphics without spending weeks wading through tutorial after tutorial to do simple things that Paint.NET and various commercial proggies rightfully do in just a few mouse clicks.

I skin which reqires a LOT more than what Paint can do (in direct reference to some of the more silly - and I'm being kind - comments here)and I personally use Paint Shop Pro 9 and Paint .NET. Both are intelligently designed apps, easy to use and very powerful. Why would i use this pig in a poke?

Children today...

anonymouscowturd reviewed v2.4.3 on Jan 22, 2008

Wox, I can't even be bothered to trade insults with you. Just to say i'm pretty damn sure i'm a whole lot smarter than you in both computing and pretty much anything else, so unless you've got a Phd. to your name i suggest you quit trying to to make youself look intelligent.
Read for youself the numerous complaints about GIMP. Trolls like Wox aside. This program still suck due entirely to the front end and it will continue to suck until they organise the GUI into something close to what most users would consider normal.

gnoshi reviewed v2.4.2 on Jan 16, 2008

An incredibly powerful tool. Unfortunately, it is so incredibly hideously convoluted to use, not to mention butt-ugly that I simply can not use it - for two reasons.

1. When I'm working with external graphic designers, they get the impression that I am not a serious user when using Gimp. They are Photoshop users, and laugh the same way that someone would laugh at a sales rep showing up to a meeting in a bedford van.

2. It misses some important features - the main one being good layer grouping.

I had more to write, but it will just become another ugly troll. I truly wish the interface designers would look at something like Inkscape and take their lead (insofar as Inkscape led, in the FOSS graphics tool arena).

Ian C. reviewed v2.4.2 on Dec 19, 2007

Troll much?

wox reviewed v2.4.2 on Dec 2, 2007

@roj Paint.NET is sh!t compared to Gimp. A lot of people prefer Gimp to GimpShop (which looks like Photoshop) because of the interface. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it sucks. An interface cannot make everyone happy.. unless you want to make your own port. You're an idiot to assume that people who use Gimp are swallowing the second best because they're not. So f**k off, eat your own sh!t, and use your little Paint.NET to draw little pictures.

@anonymouscowturd
"I spent about 10 minutes with that and i managed to open a file, but nothing more. I couldn't even get it to paint a line. The GUI designer for this needs his head examined"
.. what can I say? You need to have YOUR head examined. Look- if you used any other program ever in your life, and if you have some common sense, it's quite obvious that opening a file takes nothing but two clicks- File, Open. To paint a line, you use a paintbrush and draw a line on the canvas. ret***s are having weird problems with Gimp's interface while others, everyday users, are enjoying its numerous features. Having problems like that just shows how stupid you are.

------------------------------------------------
With all the cool features and the simple interface, it rivals Photoshop.
Amazing program.

If you still have problems with the interface try GimpShop, which is not available for Windows (ha)

Valhingen reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

Well.. it's not Photoshop.
But it works for me and it's free.
For others who's not familiar with GIMP interface, then I recommend GIMPshop. It's GIMP with Photoshop Interface
You can find it here:
http://plasticbugs.com/index.php?p=241

It's still ver. 2.2.4 though.

dr_midnite reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

What can I say it's free, and it does what I need it to do. Although trying to figure some things out can be confusing sometimes.

ranasrule reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

worst interface ever...startup is slow as molasses ....can't compare to Photoshop or even Paint.NET

tickleonthetum reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

There is a great deal of power hidden away in this app. Unfortunately it is spoilt by the Win95 interface. The GUI needs a complete makeover, including either standard MDI windows, or at least the option for them. Until then 3 out of 5 is the best I can give this...

hishadow reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

The GNU Image Manipulator Program has come a long way since last time I abandon it. After some interface cleanup it's relatively easy to use (expect to read up on documentation/tutorials). A nice addition from the Open Source world.

GrantTLC reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

Change the record, Roj. Lots of people here seem to be happy enough with the UI: i see lots of yellow, 5-star grades. I'm happy enough with the UI, as I use GIMP in both windows and Linux. There is room for improvement, yes, hence my four. but in the meantime it does everything I need it to do which surely is the real point of any program, not how it looks? You are not happy with the UI, but that's all you ever seem to bang on about. What about an in-depth review of GIMP's features and facilities? Or even a passing glance? It's good that you've found something better, but constantly coming here - to a program you don't like - EVERY release and going "USELESS UI - ONE star!" makes you come off as a bit of a troll. What have you got against harmless open-source projects, Mr Troll? Who are you working for?

SteveJohnSteele reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

I agree with Roj, interface needs a makeover
Consider GimpShop which tries to look like PhotoShop

oh and Paint.net is NOT a doodle program it's a very powerful and easy to use full function art program

roj reviewed v2.4.2 on Nov 22, 2007

This app may have a lot of power under the hood but it's USELESS if you can't get to it because of a pathetic interface.

This has a pathetic interface.

ONE star for a Porsche with lawnmower tires.

Regarding Paint.NET:

I know (and am actively involved with) several a individuals who do complex vistual styles, skins and logos using the software you disparage so off-handedly. Know what it is you are commenting on before embarassing yourself publicly.

Some people are happy? Well and good. Lots of people also settle for second best or water down their expectations just because something is free.

I don't.

Anything worth doing, is worth dfoing well.

This isn't - it's only half finished if the interface is garbage.

Let the fanbois and open source shills (the type who immediately worship something just because it's open source - I'm not that myopic)say what they will and backpedal as much as they like. Lest someone stupidly attempt to take me to task as "slamming open source", I must point out that Paint .Net is free AND open source and those devs didn't have any problem building an inteeligent and intuiti9ve interface. That obvious and well-known fact should put paid to any propeller head conspiracy theorists. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and this is one ugly sow.

Might I also add that if people don't b****, nothing will ever improve. However, I do note that some are willing to swallow whatever is fed to them like so much Pablum.

ONE star for a piece of software desperately in need of a comprehensive but above all *intelligent* usability facelift.

why hello there reviewed v2.4.1 on Nov 7, 2007

All these bug fixes are for little reports that nearly no one experiences.
GIMP is a great program I normally use it with PAINT.NET and regular MS-Paint (Just a few things in MS-paint no program has for some reason).
People who say GIMP is hard to use must experience the problem where they loose track of the option menu's as GIMP saves your option menu stats. Though the option menu's are easy to reset.

Earwicker reviewed v2.4.1 on Nov 1, 2007

Paint.Net is a simple Noddy and Big Ears toy for doodling on your snaps; this is a high-end software for people who know what they're doing.

Thanks for the fixes chaps, this is fabulous.

roj reviewed v2.4.1 on Nov 1, 2007

The only ones who bad mouth .net are the idiots who don't understand it.

paint .net has an easy to use interface that unlocks the power of the program.

the gimp doesn't.

paint.net has steadily improved the interface to make it even easier to use as more features were added.

this program compounds the error with each successive release.

why praise an application that follows such ridiculous practices? just because it's free? just because it's the darling of the open source set?

paint .net is free. it's also open source. it's also usable.

this isn't.

ONE star.

white lightning reviewed v2.4.1 on Nov 1, 2007

I think that this is the best ImageEditor Software for non-professional users (maybe even for professionals but i don't know as i am not one of them) .
Easy to use , a lot of amazin' effects .
Very funny .

ecjs reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 27, 2007

They finally did it ! They made a new interface, Gimp is now so easy to use !

horsecharles reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 26, 2007

Disregard reviewer below, as he's plagiarized statements Bush made while in college.

anonymouscowturd reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

horsecharles; Why are you behaving like an 8 year old just because your pet program doesn't get a good review?. Get over yourself. I'm not the first one to complain about the GUI. Just google it.

I am sure this program is better than sliced bread once you find out how to use it. Meanwhile back on earth, humans are using paint.net, photoshop and photofiltre because you don't need some degree in metaphysics to work WTF the GUI is doing. Seriously. I spent about 10 minutes with that and i managed to open a file, but nothing more. I couldn't even get it to paint a line. The GUI designer for this needs his head examined

Canuckistani reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

I think the problem some people are having with GIMP is that they don't realise that it is production graphics software and is intended for professional use. 90% of Windows users need nothing more than IrfanView or XnView to edit photos taken with their digital camera. The GIMP is total overkill for them, too complex and unfamiliar. Even if they want to do something fancy for a presentation or want to repair old or damaged images Portable PhotoFiltre is more than enough and has a familiar GUI. For what it is, The GIMP is a stellar program. For what it isn't, well, it sucks.

sparskter reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

GIMP is simply... FANTASTIC!!!
Seriously... Consider that person which installs PHOTOSHOP just to... cut an image

...

Jesus... I showed him GIMP and now he loves it! :D

Personally I think there is almost nothing that GIMP cannot do comparing to ps... few things.. really..

real rating: 10.0 :)

Earwicker reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

The Eighth Wonder!!

Laborant reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

Paint .Net is bad... Net FrameWork is baad....
GIMP is the best.

roj reviewed v2.4.0 on Oct 25, 2007

Get Paint .Net instead.

ONE star for the worst interface of any program I have ever seen (let alone graphics software) and a bunch of twits who keep perpetuating the stupidity.

Ian C. reviewed v2.4.0 RC3 on Sep 24, 2007

Absolutely the most powerful open source image editor. Although I use Paint.net now for little things since it's so much faster to load.

V.A reviewed v2.4.0 RC3 on Sep 24, 2007

I hate that scattered user interface all over my screen.

rawrwagon reviewed v2.4.0 RC2 on Sep 13, 2007

Although I'm sure Photoshop CS2 would've been much nicer, I'm very satisfied with GIMP. You can download brushes and patterns, and it's a fairly easy to use program once you've learned how to. Be sure to use tutorials NOT found on the GIMP website--those are confusing and misleading. Otherwise, this is a great program and I'd recommend it if creating graphics is a hobby you love and you DON'T want to spend a fortune.

utomo reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 19, 2007

GIMP need to improve

- Bugs Fixing. so many bugs, yet need to be fixed.
- Reduce the resources needed by the applications. so older computer still can use it. this will add more user, which cannot use photoshop because the high resources needed.
- Improve the software by adding features which mostle people wants.

and others

TheDevilHimself reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 18, 2007

I've been using the Gimp for a long time, and it rocks, no more no less. When I'm at School where I'm trying to become a multimedia designer, we are using adobe photoshop cs3 and it can do exactly the same stuff as the Gimp but it can't do it better folks. You have to understand that despite the interface of the Gimp, you certainly have a multimedia program that is as professional as photoshop and the only difference is the price. Try to use it a couple of days, give it a chance, and you'll find out it's fairly easy.

netean reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 18, 2007

Gimp is certainly a very detailed product. But it's let down badly in two distinct areas:

1 - The interface. I'm sorry to say that there is no excuse for such a dreadful interface, it's not intuitive in any way, shape or form, doesn't behave like any windows app, any osx app or indeed virtually any other linux app in existence.

There should be no reason for any user to have invest time learning a new interface paradigm for image processing.
The interface is also terribly ugly.
ON windows, you open gimp and your task bar gets swamped with the sub windows - making using it within windows just a terrible experience.

2 - the other big problem with colour management. Seemingly there is none> None that I've found in the app, nothing I can find on the website.
Seemingly, no support for cmyk printing, no supported for different colour profiles.

I'm sure if you have lots of time on your hands and endless amounts of patience, or have never used any other image editing tool you'll get on with gimp. otherwise I'd steer well clear

Ian C. reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 18, 2007

The interface is bad?

Just about every interface is bad until you get used to it.

ModderXManiac reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 17, 2007

Yes, the interface does indeed need work; but that's the price one has to pay to get the most feature-filled free graphics program on the 'net.

It has quite literally dozens of things that Paint.NET will never begin to equate, and works on every platform with GTK support.

The interface is bad, but this is the most capable free image manipulator one can download, quality, quantity, and capabilities outweigh aesthetics without a doubt.

People who rate this with a 1 for the interface are ignorant to how capable this tool is, and most likely pirate Photo-shop.

This is NOT a photo-shop wannabe, the developers don't do it for profit, they do it to save people from the cost of a decent computer just to do image manipulation.

Ameba#1 reviewed v2.4.0 RC1 on Aug 17, 2007

Adobe Photoshop rocks!!!

baermuda reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Aug 7, 2007

I also had problems using the interface. But you can use gimpshop which is based on gimp but the interface is more windowslike.

roj reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Aug 2, 2007

Godz Below, I cannot stress enough how badly the interface of this application stinks. It cripples it. Criminally. Renders it completley unusuable. It's yhe poster child for an interface designed by and for a dev and not an end-user.

The devs need to get a clue - and persist in not doing so.

ONE star.

zridling reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

I'm really starting to like this app, the more I learn it. It's fast, not difficult by any measure, and saves in almost every format. What's not to love?

midfingr reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

The interface takes some getting used to, definitely. However, once you get used to it, the power within this program is remarkable. I'm certainly no artist, but, there are plenty of tutorials on how to use this program and getting the most of what's presented. Also, there are some very nice plugins that can be downloaded for specific tasks.

Over the past few years, I've used this when working on web sites, touching up photos, or drawing various images. The xcf archive is great when working on projects and saves all you data for a later time; be it a day or a year.

If you can get past the interface and really dig in, The GIMP worth the time and effort as it really pays off when learning to use this application.

ModderXManiac reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

Yes, the interface does indeed need work; but that's the price one has to pay to get the most feature-filled free graphics program on the 'net.

It has quite literally dozens of things that Paint.NET will never begin to equate, and works on every platform with GTK support.

The interface is bad, but this is the most capable free image manipulator one can download, quality, quantity, and capabilities outweigh aesthetics without a doubt.

People who rate this with a 1 for the interface are ignorant to how capable this tool is, and most likely pirate Photo-shop.

This is NOT a photo-shop wannabe, the developers don't do it for profit, they do it to save people from the cost of a decent computer just to do image manipulation.

IMKey reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

The UI is a little weird to get use to at first. But these ratings of 1/5 are ridiculous. Try harder to rate the overall program not ONE or TWO aspects of it you do not like.

The user interface rocks on my multi-monitor setup.
it is very useful to have tools all on one screen.

tickleonthetum reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

I agree, the UI is looking very dated, the latest icon set is somehow depressing looking. The program also needs to have a MDI interface for those of us who prefer it. By MDI I mean a contaning window like used almost every other Windowed program. It could be a different build version or an in program option.

computershack reviewed v2.3.19 Development on Jul 31, 2007

Just how many complaints do they need about the sucky GUI before they alter it to one that's usable?

FFS, you'd have thought that in all the time the project has been going that they could have got a 5 year old in to show them how to do it.

Qlib reviewed v2.3.18 on Jun 19, 2007

its free and open.. that deserves one star.. apart from that gimp just has nothing.. its a really badly messed up photoshop wannabe thats written from the perspective of a geeky programmer and not from the eyes of an artist.. some serious workflow tweaking.. well more like bashing to bits and rebuilding from scratch, it MIGHT become something but until thats happen its just gonna remain a program linuxgeeks rave on about cos its opensource and they dont have any other alternative to rave about..

cricri_pingouin reviewed v2.3.18 on Jun 19, 2007

I like freebies. This is a freebie, and I've tried The GIMP many times. Yet, I cannot like it.
I have two major issues.
1 - GTK. I don't know how good GTK is for Linux, but for Windows it is poor. When I had Gaim, TiLP and The GIMP, I was able ONCE to make them all work with the same version of GTK. Every other time, one or the other would refuse to work, would REQUIRE me to update GTK, which would result in at least one of the other two to be broken. For that, I hate GTK. In fact, I'd rather have to install the .Net framework, and if you knew how much I try to avoid the .Net framework, that should tell you a lot about my feelings for GTK.
2 - The interface. The multiple windows are confusing and terribly bad practice, at least on Windows. Besides, the ordering of the options in the menu is a challenge to reason. Unless you've spent a lot of time using The GIMP, you'll find it difficult to find what you are after.
If you want to use The GIMP and would like an interface that actually makes any sense without having to go through a long learning curve, I'd recommend GIMPshop. Even better, I'd recommend GIMPshop portable that could save you some configuration troubles with GTK as well.
Now, if you like it and think it's worth a 5, fine by me. That probably means that you already invested a lot of time into it. But in my book, GIMP is one of these applications with an incredible potential which is let down by a bad implementation. At the end of the day, features do not suffice if usability is not present. I'd rate GIMPshop portable a 4, GIMPshop a 3.5, but I can only rate GIMP a 2.

rsx508 reviewed v2.3.18 on Jun 18, 2007

I would give it a 5 if it weren't for the sucky 1980-ish splattering of individual windows all over the desktop. I wish it were updated to 2007 and use a true "IDE" like PhotoShop, and CorelDraw have had for years. Even Expression has an integrated interface. I'm also a bit tired of so-called graphics programs being written by programmers. The processes for getting ideas to "ink" are stupid. It takes too many steps to do things much of the time. It should be more intuitive and simple. Not picking on Gimp, PS and CD are the same. It's still easier to draw and airbrush on real media and scan it in most of the time.

V.A reviewed v2.3.18 on Jun 18, 2007

I don't like (I hate) all these different windows scattered all over my screen.

h377r1d3r reviewed v2.2.15 on Jun 4, 2007

Great program, always liked it; easy to use, clean interface, layers, bilion dialogs, plugins, highly configureable. simply great

DatabaseBen: ru installing on vista? im not sure if its compatibile;

roj: erm... use paint then :P hehe

roj reviewed v2.2.15 on Jun 4, 2007

Interface designed by geeks for geeks and not users. Myopic devs still haven't grasped the simple concept that if an app isn't easy and intuitive to use, it's useless.

I use Paint Shop Pro 9 - the last decent version before CVorel bought it. It royally kicks the crap out of this ill-conceived junk. PSP is commercial software but Serif PhotoPlus which is freeware will also easily serve you better and more intuitively than this nonsense.

ONE star.

Fr@nKy reviewed v2.3.14 on Jun 2, 2007

Great piece of software! It's just a shame that the Windows Development version it's still at 2.3.14 because the OFFICIAL project is already on 2.3.17 :( And I'm unsure if I want to get back to stable release (now on 2.2.15) LoL Well at least the development release has self contained GTK+ which means it won't interfere with the my other GTK+ apps, something that the stable release does too many times in my opinion ;)

Nevertheless GIMP it's a great piece of Software ;) And deserves nothing but a 5! Well if it was a commercial product it would receive a 4 instead but being Open Source (meaning that is built with limited resources) makes it deserve 5 ;)

RWW reviewed v2.3.14 on Apr 25, 2007

Try Gimpshop. With this I can finally use Gimp.
http://gimpshopdotnet.blogspot.com/

jsiii reviewed v2.3.14 on Feb 19, 2007

Does not work. At least on Vista...

DatabaseBen reviewed v2.3.14 on Jan 30, 2007

This version seemed to have an issue with installation.

Then the setup screen had its install button greyed out unless you agreed not to send complaints to them.

Very disappointing in both respects. Since this program is open source and is basically a community project.

I suggest to skip over this download/version and stay with the former until they get their programming issues resolved.

The previous version is pretty good. I guess they are having a bad day with this current release.....

Ian C. reviewed v2.3.14 on Jan 30, 2007

Good program. I use the portable version now so I don't have to worry about problems with different versions of GTK libraries that other GTK windows apps want.

roj reviewed v2.3.14 on Jan 29, 2007

The WORST interface of any graphics application. it is completely unintuitive and utterly unusable.

Get Paint.NET instead.

ONE star.

Qlib reviewed v2.3.14 on Jan 29, 2007

spent a couple of hours testing this rel and it still managed to crash 7 times.. .. so.. its not very stable.. programwize its not very good either.. but its Teh Gimp.. overevaluated sofware that a lot of ppl nag on a bout.. not cos its good but cos its opensource..

s.h.a.r.p. reviewed v2.3.12 on Jan 27, 2007

i had the same problem as a bunch of reviewers, and i tried all the suggested solutions to no avail. for a product beyond version 2 to not even run (for what appears to be a good amount of users) is not a good sign. maybe they'll fix it and i'll get to use it because i've heard good things.

rpertusio reviewed v2.3.12 on Oct 19, 2006

Superb software. New version boasts a cleaner interface.

NOTE: For those with "Missing DLL" errors:
(1) Control Panel > System > [Advanced] tab > [Environment Variables]
(2) Under 'System Variables', select 'Path' and click [Edit]
(3) DO NOT delete the value in the box. Simply add the GIMP's 'bin' path to the end, separated by semi-colon. Example:
;C:\Program Files\GIMP-2.0\bin

gebeleizis reviewed v2.3.12 on Oct 19, 2006

For all of you I hope you do know about this:

The installer has been pretty much rewritten. It's
recommended to uninstall previous GIMP 2.3 version before
installing this one.

GTK+ is now included in the installer.

Sileet reviewed v2.3.12 on Oct 19, 2006

"crash: I had the same problem. Delete the file lib\gimp\2.0\plug-ins\zealouscrop.exe and relaunch GIMP, it should work fine this time."

This method did not work for me and I still get missing .dll file errors.

The MAZZTer reviewed v2.3.12 on Oct 18, 2006

crash: I had the same problem. Delete the file lib\gimp\2.0\plug-ins\zealouscrop.exe and relaunch GIMP, it should work fine this time.

If you would like to keep this plugin, try copying the DLL file from bin\ to the plugin folder and relaunching, that should also be a workaround (or you might be given more DLLs to copy).

[Edit: Sileet: Delete your user preferences. "C:\Documents and Settings\Sileet\.gimp-2.3"

This version seems to crash while trying to load user prefs. It also can't seem to load any plugins... so no filters or non-XCF file format support yet. :(]

crashoverride reviewed v2.3.12 on Oct 18, 2006

Edit: to The MAZZTer

Just tried what you said and it still doesn't work.

EditL to rpertusio

Thanks, worked like a charm.

I love this thing. It's much cleaner than previous versions.

Ian C. reviewed v2.3.11 on Sep 22, 2006

Great interface, feature packed. I was a long time PSP user until I found this.

Earwicker reviewed v2.3.9 Development on Jun 13, 2006

I've just given v.2.2.11 a first serious test editing some photos and generating graphics for a web project; I've got to say, this is very impressive indeed. As someone has already pointed out, it's powerful, complex software and takes time to learn, but it's not that far removed from other comparable graphics applications, and most of the common features are more more powerful here than elsewhere. (I love the variable "sharpness" tool - I hate it when other graphics programmes just give you a take it or leave "sharpen".) I edited huge bimaps (up to 10mb), corrected colour, scaled, resiszed, used the handy JPG file quality 0 - 100 parameter (which gives you a full scale preview) to find the best file size/quality and away I went. Very marvellous indeed, and it will be my first choice from now on. I look forward to exploring its composing tools in more depth.

CyberDog reviewed v2.3.9 Development on Jun 6, 2006

First someone replaces the Windows GTK build with the source code, now this? This is nothing but the GIMP source now. The Windows builds are here:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gimp-win

terracesider reviewed v2.3.8 Development on May 4, 2006

True, GIMP is not immediately straightforward to use but what do you expect from such a sophisticated image manipulation tool.

The first time I used GIMP I thought it was hopelessly complicated but I found a basic tutorial on the GIMP website and quickly learnt the basics of resizing and cropping. In fact, the GIMP site has some excellent documentation both to get you started quickly and to assist in developing more complex skills.

I like the flexible interface which I found very easy to manipulate it after a few minutes study of the help files.

So, thanks Tor and team. Keep up the good work.

stopbuggingme reviewed v2.3.8 Development on Apr 19, 2006

Please note that this actually is a link to the GIMP 2.3.8 source file on ftp.gimp.org. One wonders if the people claimed to have "reviewed" it here actually have built it from source? I find that hard to believe. More probably the "reviews" are for goddess knows how old versions of GIMP.

Anyway, please note that GIMP is a very complex and powerful application. It is not meant for people who can't be bothered to spend serious time on learning it. GIMP developers are working on improving its usability, but just whining "make it more like " is not going to help. GIMP does not intend to be a clone of some other software. If you like some other software better, use it then. GIMP is not after "market share".

Also, please remove my name from this page, it is not appropriate at all. GIMP is the work of a large team of people.

--Tor Lillqvist

butthead reviewed v2.3.8 Development on Apr 13, 2006

Great software, unfortunately unusable due to horrible interface.

yokozuna reviewed v2.3.8 Development on Apr 13, 2006

I tried to use the program but gave up after a week. As many other users I think that the interface is simply a nightmare.

wheel4hummer reviewed v2.3.8 Development on Apr 13, 2006

This is an excellent program. If you are a student who cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars for expensive image editing programs, use GIMP!

foxtyke reviewed v2.3.7 on Mar 3, 2006

It is a great piece of software minus one thing, the interface.

The interface has needed a redesign for a long time now, if PSP can do MDI with but a single task in the taskbar, why can't The GIMP? Seriously.

Wes reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 23, 2006

It really, really, really needs to go SDI. It's a pain to even give this an objective review because it's so messy to work with. Gimpshop is a hack and insufficient.

benZin reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 23, 2006

does it always exist?

twosheds reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 22, 2006

This is possibly the best poster-boy out there for Open Source Software.

horsecharles reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 22, 2006

All she wrote re win9x: everything + latest for that platform here-- http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/stable.html

btw that 2.6 gtk is so much better for w9x than all previous versions-- definitely worth getting.

Also, take a look here: http://www.photo-freeware.net/gimpshop.php

And: http://www.photo-freeware.net/image-editing.php

CyberHobo reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 22, 2006

Nice to see ported to Win. "...Shall I wake the Gimp...?"

sn0wflake reviewed v2.3.7 on Feb 22, 2006

Weird interface but it's free.

LasseHoej reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 4, 2006

This program is an awesome alternative to "the big ones". For me, it has the same functionality as Photoshop. I can use the same functions and filters as before (when I used Photoshop). The only thing to say against The GIMP, is that it is a LITTLE bit slower that Photoshop on the same machine.

AlanS2001 reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 2, 2006

2.2.10 is the latest stable build period. 2.3.5 is a development build.

techie_G33k reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 1, 2006

Great program and it does everything I need for free!

BTW, difference from 2.3.5 to 2.2.10 is 2.3.5 is the newest Linux build and 2.2.10 is the latest stable Windows port of the Linux build :)

agapecpus reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 1, 2006

Why did it go from 2.3.5 to 2.2.10? Anyways great free program that you simple can't complain about because its free!

UTAKER reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 1, 2006

excellent free program which can be safely used as an alternative to paint shop pro or adobe photoshop

Note to the one who posted this release: its better to add a changelog with the news so one decides if he's gonna update/upgrade

bobad reviewed v2.2.10 on Jan 1, 2006

Gimp really is a nice Editor. It does all the standard editing functions, and some not usually found on Freeware programs. The only thing it needs is 1 or 2 more floating menus to completely obscure the work space.

Don Juan reviewed v2.3.5 on Dec 9, 2005

Dumped Paint Shop Pro and switched to this. Can't beat the functionality or the price.

tp reviewed v2.3.5 on Nov 14, 2005

gimp rocks

sinesolis reviewed v2.3.5 on Nov 14, 2005

Inkscape is a vector based app, the Gimp is raster based, it's completely different and comparing them is like...um comparing 2 things that are completely different. The Gimp is a great 2D raster app.

here, go read this so you don't embarrass yourself again:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster_graphics

robmanic44 reviewed v2.3.4 on Sep 29, 2005

If you like this you should try Inkscape. I think it's a better program.

gawd21 reviewed v2.3.4 on Sep 27, 2005

Where is the .py for this?

dejavu reviewed v2.3.4 on Sep 27, 2005

Very Cool!

ecjs reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 30, 2005

Cool.

gawd21 reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 15, 2005

I like this. It's not hard to use.

ArabianNight reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 12, 2005

Nice!

improvelence reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 12, 2005

It's no Photoshop, but it's damn good. I have used Photoshop for a long time and used GIMP off and on for a good bit too. IMO Photoshop is an easier to use program but once you learn how to manipulate GIMP, it knocks PS down a peg or two.

Cant beat the price.

Slug_Coordinator reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 12, 2005

If you want a little more ease of use, then you might want to try GimpShop the menus are more like Photoshop.

There is a Windows, Mac, Unix/Linux versions. It is still a work in progress which would be cool to have on here.

http://plasticbugs.com/index.php?p=241

Hope to see this on here soon.

mancub reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 11, 2005

i find it, is very very good, yes as good as photo shop if only know how to use it

Banquo reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 11, 2005

How is it easy and simple with dozens of cluttered windows overlapping each other and becoming hidden. This is the most horrible interface for any Windows program I've ever seen. Of course it's ported from Linux, which isn't exactly king in the ease of use department. You can't beat the price though so if you just want to do some hobby type stuff or can't afford something better go for it. If your job is working with graphics though stick with Photoshop.

allsiante reviewed v2.3.3 Development on Aug 11, 2005

All those sturdy jereks complaining about the gui of gimp should give us all a break and just get lost. The interface is simple and easy, and it really only needs quie a short acclimatization period. It's nothing harder than photoshop or the like. IMO paintshop pro is far more unintuitive. If you don't like the concept that the whole app doesn't have a huge unnecessary gray window background... all I can say that some of us actually find it quite more fine this way.

killerniete reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Aug 6, 2005

i love gimp since i know it..
the interface is easy to use if u just understood it once

serby reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 7, 2005

Hmm, lets see... It has almost all the tools and features that the powerful grafic design programs like Photoshop use, and best of all is FREE... so seriously who gives a ... haw he looks like.

Maxwolf reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 6, 2005

The Gimp rides again! All you people complain about small and pointless things. It looks ugly? Seriously...

It's a tool with ALOT of features, that and if it looked like Phtoshop then you would only say it looked like a knock-off.

Or maybe I am in my own little boat because I actually know how to use it.

netean reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 6, 2005

there's no doubting that Gimp is very powerful, but no amount of power helps it with that awful interface. It's not even that it doesn't function like other graphics apps either (photoshop/psp etc) it's just that it isn't intuitive or logical and it's so ugly. Sure a program for artistry should look better than this!!!!!

Also, still no real CMYK support

cory1492 reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 5, 2005

While its a great program to use, and is much more flexible than any other free graphics app for the limited game programming I use it for- there is no current version available besides the source code package and I dont have the patience to work out/in all the many, many packages and their dependancies into my mingw install...

Also, the link to the "homepage" goes to the GTK libs page on Gimp's site and not the win32 Gimp page.....

LordNikon reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 5, 2005

Huppel, here is a link for ya Gimp Slim Gui Tutorial - http://www.gimptalk.com/...hp?a=v&t=20&f=8

huppel reviewed v2.3.2 Development on Jul 5, 2005

Hmmm, I do personally not like all these windows scattered all over my desktop.
It becomes pretty messy when there are other program windows open at the same time.

Slug_Coordinator reviewed v2.3.0 Beta on May 15, 2005

This is not the way to post things for Windows users. You need to have the automated installer.

Source code is only good for ones who know how to compile it.

So this is a wasted post.

ArKay74 reviewed v2.3.0 Beta on May 15, 2005

And the Windows build is where? I doubt people here really want to download the 20MB source code archive :P

allsiante reviewed v2.3.0 Beta on May 15, 2005

To give an opposing review, I really like Gimp's solution for a gui. It can be quite helpful and productive if one gets used to it. Great stuff, good job, keep up with it.

yokozuna reviewed v2.3.0 Beta on May 15, 2005

I give 5 points, however, I am reviewing not the GIMP but GIMPshop, a GIMP clone, based on the GIMP. The GIMP is a good program but the interface is awful and chaotic. Put simply - the interface of the GIMP makes me sick. GIMPshop is here: http://plasticbugs.com/index.php?p=241 and I advice you to give it a try.

acascianelli reviewed v2.3.0 Beta on May 15, 2005

After using GIMP for so long, its weird using photoshop now. I love this program, runs on Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac.

Pegusis2 reviewed v2.2.7 on May 11, 2005

Great piece of software... let your imagination run wild.

LordNikon reviewed v2.2.7 on May 11, 2005

I love this Program more and more. The GUI is different and takes getting used to, but I like all the features this program has provided for FREE. You just can't beat that.

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.2.7 on May 11, 2005

Nice, for occasional use marvelously.
Thank you.

mmebane reviewed v2.2.7 on May 10, 2005

Although The GIMP is probably the best freeware photo editing program there currently is, it is definately no match for Photoshop. GIMP 2.4 should have CMYK support, and will be closer.

Danny7 reviewed v2.2.7 on May 10, 2005

Great program!!!
A lot of nice features and its for free.
As this app has MUCH more features than MS Paint I'l rather get this one for free than pay $599 for Photoshop or $129 for Paint Shop Pro...

jrepin reviewed v2.2.6 on May 1, 2005

GIMP is an excellent application for working with bitmap images. At first I was also a bit confused with the interface but I didn't give up so quickly as the others and now I find it very usefull and logical. I highly recommend GIMP to anyone who can't afford the very expensive commercial apps. It does almost everything and it is completely free. It is also nice that you can run it in Linux.

netean reviewed v2.2.6 on Apr 14, 2005

Definatley a powerful program that's not in doubt. Does pretty much most of the things Photoshop does (and some thing Photoshop doesn't) - but God is it ugly and unusable. You'd think a program designed for graphic artists would look nicer than this? But it was created for Linux, where usability is a dirty word. Made for geeks who want to pretend they're artists!

Banquo reviewed v2.2.6 on Apr 13, 2005

I don't like it personally. The interface is aweful; cluttered, unintuitive and amateurish looking. The fact that the name brings to mind a guy dressed in black leather bondage gear doesn't help matters much either. Even though it's free, I'll stick with Adobe Photoshop.

klakson reviewed v2.2.6 on Apr 13, 2005

Gosh, I hate this one... stick with Photoshop CS2.

DiGiTaLFX reviewed v2.2.6 on Apr 13, 2005

You've just got to give it a chance. I didn't like the interface, but decided "lets try" and now I find it to be very intuitive.

bugmenot reviewed v2.2.6 on Apr 13, 2005

Anything beats this program, even Macromedia Fireworks. Non-intuitive interface, too many windows open at once, and controls that don't work in the same way that they do in other graphics programs. If you don't have anything better to do than relearn everything you know, download it. Everyone else, find a better program.

ptodd reviewed v2.2.3 on Feb 19, 2005

I have a dual monitor setup and I still hate the gimp gui

BNuser reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

Yes, you have to get used to it. You mastered Photoshop in two days, right?
Yes, it's only twice as powerfull as you'll ever need your software to be. Photoshop is trice.
Yes, it uses a different GUI. Whereas Photoshop is THE GUI by law.
Yes, it is for free. While Photoshop...well you got it from your friend.

I strongly recommend to give this software a look, it pretty sure can do what you want.

sinesolis reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

First of all the interface is fine. It was desinged for linux originally, alot of linux programs use this type of interface. OSX uses similar interfaces for various programs. Having multiple windows is great when running a dual monitor setup. I just don't understand the problem everyone seems to have with the interface. The overall program is extremely powerful and a great art app, even more so since it is FREE.

danilloOc reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

I agree, it's a great program but REALLY need a MDI :|

cool_guy reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

Great and powerful program but you have windows everywhere on the desktop. Very uncomfortable to use. It's a mess!! Someone should take that code and create an MDI (Multiple Document Interface) just like Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. Else, it's all good, powerful features, it just lacks good and convinient UI. That's why I take away a point.

zridling reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

Am I the only idiot who can't get this software to install? Followed directions to a T, but no luck. Heck, this might be a great program, but I've yet to know.

carmad reviewed v2.2.3 on Jan 26, 2005

Prediction: the interface will never be significantly changed. Perhaps a fork will come about with a different interface. But for anyone who wants a major overhaul on this codeline, I seriously doubt it will ever happen. It took lots of people effort to learn how to use it the way it is, and they will not stand for it changing. So either learn to like it, or try to get support for a fork project, or use something else.
Remember: A true beginner can't get much done with Photoshop either. If you have already invested time learning something else, of course the other program will seem easier, because you already know it.

hardgiant reviewed v2.2.0 on Jan 25, 2005

The Gimp is powerful but not very easy to use. The lack of toolbars makes it a PITA to use and on top of that the context menu is very slow.

I constantly use the undo and it just is very awkward to do without a simple toolbar.

PS: A plugin crashed while I was saving an image and it corrupted some files on my hard drive.

ogman reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

If they want a particular GTK version, they should include it. This is a windows environment, not dependency hell!

slimshady165000 reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

if it wasn't for the horrible support of GTK+ on Windows, I would of installed this other than on Gentoo....

Couscous reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

This is a great program. I've been using it for a long time and it's really grown on me. The thing that drew me in was the fact that it's free. I keep using it because I love the features though. It's a "Must Try" application for anyone who is serious about creating graphics "On the Cheap".

danilloOc reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

looks a solid program ut i will try it when the put a MDI on the interface.

bunghole reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

Newsflash: The makers of the Gimp have released their design for a new automobile. The steering wheel is in the back seat and the trunk is on the roof. Why?
Who the hell knows!!!

craigtay reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

Its ok, but it looks kind of ugly.

kernelsn reviewed v2.2.0 on Dec 20, 2004

well, 5 * & Perfect !

LeXTeRiTY_X reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 15, 2004

LMFAO @ alexmat pirating Adobe Photoshop.

Great app. A lot more advanced than Photoshop I.M.H.O

tp reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 14, 2004

gimp is great freeware.

Grandpas reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

Few comments about the gui which is often described as not very good: a lot of graphic designers made use of dual screen (one screen for tools and another one for pictures) ... in this way, The Gimp is very well designed !

kernelsn reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

I'm using Gimp 2.2 pr1 for windows right now and it works great on my pc (Chinese Trad. WindowsXP). It's a GREAT and Perfect software.

butzphilly@hotmail.com reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

MUITO BOM!

alexmat reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

I agree the UI is different, but it's not bad. When I first tried the GIMP, I was familiar with Adobe Photoshop. At first I thought the GIMP sucked and even uninstalled.

Later I came back to it because I was tired of pirating photoshop and couldn't afford to buy it.

I decided to spend a little time learning the interface and I have to say that after a few months I've come to love it. Although I'm not a professional artist, I think the GIMP is excellent for people who are willing to learn.

httpd.confused reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

I agree with roj, except that I put a very high degree of importance on interface, especially with this kind of application. I'm sick of crappy interfaces. And I don't care if it's a port.

roj reviewed v2.0.5 on Nov 13, 2004

This app has the WORST interface I have ever seen for a graphics app. It was clearly designed by geeks for geeks with absolutely no conception whatsoever of what it takes to be user friendly. Guys, take a couple tips:

Paint Shop Pro 9.0 (commercial)
Serif Photo Plus 5.5 (freeware)
Ultimate Paint 2.0 (freeware)

All of them easily leave you in the *distant* dust as far as interface and ease-of-use go. Your app may be powerful but I could never recommend it to anyone based on the UI.

It's seriously time for a re-write.

Three stars only because it's powerful - the UI gets a negative rating.

thehunger reviewed v2.03 on Aug 15, 2004

Its great with quality free graphics software, but be aware that The GIMP has a pretty steep learning curve. It's been mimicking quicks from Photoshop. With version 2.x things are improving somewhat, but a product like Paintshop Pro will make you productive much faster.
The GIMP is free though, and available on Linux as well.

cricri_pingouin reviewed v2.02 on Jun 29, 2004

Wow! My only gripe was that Windows(TM) binaries were not available, and now they are. So I installed it (granted, having to install GTK+ made me wonder what the heck that was, but learning that it was something developped specifically for The Gimp made me accept it ok, though I don't understand why it's a separate package to install).
Then I tried it... played around a bit... and then I uninstalled Paint Shop Pro which I was to decide whether to purchase it or not :)
I'm impressed, really, many kudos, 5 stars well deserved!
Oh, I tried to play a bit with fonts to see if I could reproduce the problem mentionned by another reviewer, but everything was fine, maybe it's been fixed since then. I did have an issue once where closing the program closed the windows but left the "buttons" in the task bar, which a "left click->close" solved, but I wasn't able to reproduce this.

DrDrrae reviewed v2.01 on Apr 19, 2004

Changelog: http://www.gimp.org/~raphael/cvs/gimp-2-0/NEWS

This is an excelent program for people that can't afford Photoshop.

phrentec reviewed v2.01 on Apr 19, 2004

anyone have a link to the changelog?

codeforge reviewed v2.0 pre4 on Mar 25, 2004

Very unstable on every Windows system I have tried it on. Seems to have lots of problems with handling Windows fonts. Wouldn't even load until I had deleted the font file PROFONT.FON from my system and even after this constantly crashes in use with font related errors.

After checking on the Gimp for Windows group on Yahoo groups it seems quite a few people are having the same problems.

Shame really, after hearing so many good things I really wanted to try this.

vasarnap2000 reviewed v2.0 pre4 on Mar 5, 2004

fast sjonny: Go to http://www2.arnes.si/~sopjsimo/gimp/

The stable as well as 2.0pre4 installers can be found here.

manatlan reviewed v2.0 pre4 on Mar 5, 2004

I'm using gimp for 4 years ... i'm curious, so i've tested photofiltre (see post down) ... it's a nice little proggy, but it can't be compared to gimp ;-) for sure !
Gimp2 will be great

fast sjonny reviewed v2.0 pre3 on Feb 10, 2004

Great that the PRE3 is available but unfortunately I don't know how to compile. Can one of you testers make his build available on the internet, because on the official Win-Gimp site it still is not available for download (still PRE2)

Jan

jogygeorge reviewed v2.0 pre3 on Feb 7, 2004

Hey, I'd like to thank Bobad too :) Really love the PhotoFiltre! Now, I only wish the site and the utilities in there were in English.

Sorry for writing something about another software, but just had to mention the prized find!

IVStalin reviewed v2.0 pre3 on Feb 4, 2004

A big improvement - particularly with the new user interface enhancements. GTK now looks good on Windows. Some of the filters could do with progress bars, rather than looking as if they have hung, online help could be better for those of us who are not graphic artists, but an excellent application which i use occasionally to do image editing at work for the software i have to develop.

Zulithe reviewed v2.0 pre3 on Feb 4, 2004

Windows binaries for preview 3 are not yet available. But they will be available at this URL (currently only preview2) http://www2.arnes.si/~sopjsimo/gimp/unstable.html
For some reason betanews keeps posting the source, and since most artists don't have a lot of interest in dealing with learning compilers and stuff, gimp should start releasing windows binaries alongside the source with each release but so far that isn't happening

sarcosos reviewed v2.0 pre3 on Feb 4, 2004

[sarcosos again.] As good as it gets for free before me testing PhotoFiltre 5.4 that was. It rocks! Thank you, bobad, for pointing it out.

bobad reviewed v2.0 pre2 on Jan 21, 2004

Played around with it for quite a while, and it just doesn't feel right at all. Perhaps it's because the GUI looks so rough, or because windows are scattered all over the desktop. Also, this thing is _huge_ when unpacked. It has far too many files. PhotoFiltre (http://www.photofiltre.com/) does everything TheGimp does, but is smooth, intuitive, and runs from 1 2.5MB file. TheGimp has gotten totally out of hand. They need to start from scratch.

nhavar reviewed v2.0 pre2 on Jan 20, 2004

Winzip seems to open gzip and tar files just as easily as zip files. Betanews isn't a Windows only site. Windowscentric maybe but they still have stuff for Linux also.

If you unzip/untar the contents of the file using the folder names in the package you don't get "one HUGE folder" - you get a normal directory structure. Winzip and other tools have a nice little checkbox next to "Use Folder Names". Additionally this is the source - that means YOU compile it and run it - no installer. If you need an installer or precompiled binaries http://Gimp.org and look.

bbhermit reviewed v2.0 pre2 on Jan 20, 2004

First of all, the file is in tar.gz format. Don't they know Windows users generally prefer zip format? Also, all the files (3000+) extracted to one HUGE folder. Try to find an install or setup in that mess. I've tried the gimp before, and found it was not very user friendly. I guess the label "freeware" gives them license to publish something that is less than professional.

tourist reviewed v2.0 pre2 on Jan 19, 2004

While Gimp is powerful tool and it has tons of features, it's like any other OpenSource application: Gui sucks, if they have put even some effort to desing decent gui, but no. If they could even add container window...

errderr reviewed v2.0 pre2 on Jan 19, 2004

2.0 is very different from the current stable one that's out (1.2.5). If you're curious, the 2.0 Windows version is available from the link the the previous poster's review. Although as of a few minutes ago, they have 2.0 pre1.

L06@N reviewed v1.3.21 on Dec 27, 2003

I have been usign GIMP for over a year now and love it to death. Though the current Windows version I am using is newer than posted here (1.3.23 - http://www2.arnes.si/~sopjsimo/gimp/unstable.html)
I agree with GIMP that a true Photoshop power-user can't get out of GIMP what they can out of Photoshop, but if you are a Photoshop power user I am sure you got the $$ to buy it, whereas GIMP is SWEET and in soem cases more powerful that the common user will need.
I just wish they would hurry and get GIMP 2.0 out and hopefully it will be a single window like the other graphic programs, vs. this multi-window stuff (my only dislike about GIMP).

breakofdawn reviewed v1.3.19 on Aug 31, 2003

This program rocks. Professional picture editing (and more) for free.

lopi reviewed v1.3.16 (Developer's Edition) on Jul 8, 2003

Great program... When using linux and I can't get to a windows machine for paintshop pro I use this. Lots of nice features...
Lost a point though... read the previous reviews... I know tor maintains the window source for the gimp version ... yet, as some argued in the windows world you seldom get the source...
You get a binary.
Whoever posted that here and it probably wasn't tor should get a boot... Otherwise reformat your computer, install slack 9 or redhat, and go to the gimp developer tarballs for the latest and greatest. :)

Zulithe reviewed v1.3.16 (Developer's Edition) on Jul 8, 2003

What's up with betanews posting news on linux software? Well, anyway...
Gimp is a brilliant Photoshop alernative. However keep in mind that these 1.3.x "developer editions" are not meant for Windows use yet. For that you should try the latest 1.2.5 which I've been using in Windows, and while I still prefer Photoshop to it, considering that it's free it's excellent. In Linux I use Gimp all the time, I'm not a big fan of the Windows port, mostly because the 1.2.x Windows releases use GTK 1.3 which is vastly behind the new 2.x series, which Gimp 1.3.x uses (gets kinda convoluted after a while). So mainly I'm just hoping that The Gimp team will FINALLY pull 1.3.x out of "developer hell" and get a stable release out there so that those of us who primarily use Windows can enjoy the latest and greatest!

errderr reviewed v1.3.16 (Developer's Edition) on Jul 8, 2003

I have to start out by thanking you for that post. I haven't had a decent laugh all day and I can say that no longer. Use whatever dictionary you'd like. It was obvious to me. I'm glad you feel "righted" by your post and citing me as "wrong." Again, use whatever dictionary you'd like, since you're not on the same page as most "developers."

"I know how people would react if the Mozilla team decided to post a dowload of their source instead of a compiled binary."

Holy Christ I hope you're joking. You do remember several years back when Mozilla was started don't you? Of course you do, you're a developer! There were no binaries of Mozilla when it started. The only way for you to run it was to download the source and compile it yourself.

whatever_-_ reviewed v1.3.16 (Developer's Edition) on Jul 8, 2003

I knew someone would say this. What planet do you live on? Where I come from, the term "Developer's Edition" does NOT equate source code amd never has. In fact, in the Windows world, it virtually NEVER means source code. The term could mean anything, and means nothing to me (a developer) unless I know what the person using it is referring to. Btw, it *is* Windows we're talking about here, not Linux, and not the way Tor does things. If someone is going to post source code to a mainstream beta software website (as in, for example, not a mailing list for developers), they should SAY they're posting SOURCE CODE. They should not use some ambiguous euphemism like "Developer's Edition", that even a developer would require explanation for. In any case, your rationalization doesn't justify posting this particular source. GIMP 1.3.x is *notoriously* difficult to compile in Windows. If a Windows user that likes The GIMP is proficient enough to actually compile this, they're going to know where to get it. Beta News is NOT the place to post source generally, especially this source in particular. I know how people would react if the Mozilla team decided to post a dowload of their source instead of a compiled binary. They'd be b1tch-slapped off Beta News by users, and their rating would be tanked. I'm sorry errderr, but you are wrong.

mrp- reviewed v1.2.4 Pre-release on Nov 8, 2002

Awesome. Works great. I'm not sure why people are complaining about installing it, its easy. You download the GTK setup, install that, then install GIMP. No compiling needed. Just go to the GimpWin installer page which is linked from the gimp win32 page, and you can download the setup programs.

jimf43 reviewed v1.2.4 Pre-release on Nov 8, 2002

Linux weenies simply don't understand that the majority of Windows users are not going to put up with having to compile software. Compile GTK binaries indeed!... sorry, but, It ain't going to happen. In fact, Linux will probably not achieve mainstream status as a workstation, until it can handle a simple RMS install across the majority of Linux distributions... too bad.

In the mean time, if you want a good free graphics program, try Pixia.

bingo2 reviewed v1.2.3 on Oct 22, 2002

This is awesome. It's like getting 99% of photoshop for free. It even does some things photoshop doesn't. May I recommend that the owner make the download simpler by specifying a simple 1-2-3 step to downloading the program (you currently pick pieces out of a lenghty list of 15+ items). We really appreciate the port to Windows, and all your hard work!

reidyn reviewed v20001226 on Jan 3, 2001

For free, this just can't be beat. I challenge anyone to point out a better free image processing application. I do wish that it had a more Windows-like GUI instead of the Unix feel, but that's nearly unavoidable with a Unix-based open source project like this. I'm thoroughly grateful to the people who have endeavored to create and further improve this, and even more grateful to those who ported it to Windows. Sure, Photoshop does a bit more and has a nicer GUI. Tell me again how much it costs?

dread reviewed v20001226 on Jan 3, 2001

Simply the best, if you're able to put up with the *nix alike interface this program really r0x! Keep up the good work, it is really appreciated. :-]

sumstuff reviewed v20001226 on Jan 2, 2001

Kickass Graphics editor and FREE!

Great for Novices

Arnvid reviewed v20001226 on Jan 2, 2001

After first download of GIMP for Windows, it took two days and it was my default image editor and creator. Using GIMP together with Dogwaffle for some paint/draw effects and IrfanView just for snap viewing - give a freeware tool which maybe don't give all one may want - but most likely all you need (-: Comparing it with photoshop... Allow me to point out just: differences in size and differences in price. Add the fact that Tor writes on his GIMP Win site: "The GIMP for Windows is not really targeted at end-users yet." Comparing a sleek industry non-beta tool with GIMP's beta versions, is maybe not the strongest argument against GIMP. It's NOT about how many percent of photoshop GIMP provide, rather how many percent of NEEDED tools it give the user! GIMP don't "need" my five stars, it just deserve them!

Velocity reviewed v20001226 on Jan 2, 2001

really sucks if you have photoshop don't bother this his nothing to offer you.

phaetoon reviewed v20001226 on Jan 2, 2001

Mess with the best... Die like the rest...
This program is the best freeware g-proggie I know.

dubbs reviewed v20000416 on Dec 22, 2000

The GIMP is an awesome program, but it was originally written only for Linux/Unix. My thanks goes out to Tor Lillqvist for taking the time to port it to Win32! This program does probably 99% of what Adobe Photoshop (Retail: something like US$600) does, but for free! Although slightly buggy, it works great. (To get a version with fewer bugs, check out Tor Lillqvist's web site!)

What are you waiting for? Download it now :)

Dubbs

Scotsman reviewed v20000416 on Apr 21, 2000

Gimp for windows is great!!! I love the filters. Can hardly wait for future versions! keep up the good work.