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Difference Between GIMP and Photoshop
GIMP and Photoshop are popular image editing software. GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a strong and versatile open-source image editing program. Adobe Photoshop is excellent, market-leading commercial software created by Adobe Systems.
Read this article to find out more about GIMP and Photoshop and how they are different from each other.
What is GIMP?
GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a strong and versatile open-source image editing program. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and functions for image editing and manipulation, making it a popular choice among photographers and graphic designers.
Key Features and Functionalities of GIMP
Image Editing Tools − GIMP has a variety of tools for both simple and advanced image editing. Selection tools (rectangle, ellipse, freehand), paint tools (brush, pencil, airbrush), transformation tools (scale, rotate, flip), and text tools for inserting and altering text within images are all available. It also includes complex tools for removing flaws and duplicate elements, such as a healing brush, clone stamp, and perspective clone.
Layers and Masks − GIMP offers layers, which allow users to work separately on different elements of an image. To create intricate compositions, layers can be stacked, altered, and blended together. GIMP also includes layer masks, which allow users to change the visibility and transparency of certain sections inside a layer, providing them with exact control over edits and adjustments.
Color and Tone Adjustments − GIMP has a number of color correction and adjustment tools and features. Levels and curves are included for fine-tuning brightness, contrast, and color balance. Users can use the color balancing tool to change hue, saturation, and lightness, or the selective color tool to enhance specific colors. GIMP also has tools for changing exposure, shadows, and highlights, as well as applying filters to create a variety of effects.
Retouching and Restoration − GIMP contains tools for image repair and restoration. To remove blemishes, wrinkles, and unwanted objects from photos, use the healing brush and clone stamp tools. The perspective clone tool helps in the correction of perspective defects. GIMP now features content-aware fill, which allows users to fill in certain regions intelligently based on the surrounding content.
What is Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is excellent and market-leading commercial software created by Adobe Systems. Photographers, graphic designers, and other creative professions use it widely for image editing, graphic design, and digital art creation. The following are detailed explanations of Photoshop's primary features −
Image Editing Tools − Photoshop includes a wide range of tools for image editing and retouching. It offers basic editing tools such as brushes, pencils, erasers, and selection tools. Content-aware fill, healing brushes, and the clone stamp tool allow seamless retouching and removal of unwanted pieces. Photoshop also has tools for image resizing, cropping, rotating, and morphing.
Layers and Masks − Layers in Photoshop allow for non-destructive editing and complex compositions. Each layer can have its own blending modes, modifications, and opacity. Layer masks allow you to fine-tune the visibility of different portions of a layer, allowing for smooth blending and focused alterations.
Color Adjustments − Photoshop includes a wide variety of color adjustment tools for modifying and enhancing the colors in photographs. It has features for modifying brightness, contrast, levels, curves, and saturation. Photoshop also includes advanced color correction features such as selective color tweaks, color balancing, and gradient maps. Users can make exact adjustments by using adjustment layers, which can be changed at any time.
Filters and Effects − Photoshop includes a wide range of filters and effects for visual upgrades and creative changes to photos. Standard filters such as blur, sharpen, noise reduction, and distortion effects are included. Photoshop also has an extensive range of visual filters, lighting effects, texture overlays, and 3D effects. Users can also use Photoshop's filter gallery and scripting features to create custom filters and effects.
3D Editing and Compositing − Users can create and alter 3D objects and scenes using Photoshop's 3D editing capabilities. It supports the import, texturing, lighting, and rendering of 3D objects. Photoshop additionally supports compositing, which allows users to create complex compositions and photomontages by combining several photos, objects, and effects.
Difference between GIMP and Photoshop
The following table highlights the major differences between GIMP and Photoshop −
Characteristics |
GIMP |
Photoshop |
---|---|---|
Platform Compatibility |
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Available for Windows and macOS, with a mobile version for iOS and Android |
Features |
Comprehensive toolset, but some advanced features may be limited |
Extensive functionality with advanced features |
Cost |
Free and open-source software |
Commercial software with subscription-based pricing |
File Format Support |
Supports a wide range of formats, including PSD |
Supports various formats, including PSD and offers seamless integration with other Adobe applications |
Support |
Community-driven support with online forums and resources |
Dedicated support from Adobe, including customer service and online resources |
Plugin Support |
Supports plugins, but availability may be limited compared to Photoshop |
Extensive plugin ecosystem with numerous third-party options |
Customization |
Highly customizable interface and scripting capabilities |
Allows customization of the interface and integration with other Adobe applications |
Conclusion
While GIMP and Photoshop are both successful image editing software, Photoshop has a more advanced user interface, extensive capabilities, and dominance in professional companies. With its extensive tool set, platform portability, and supportive community, GIMP, which is free and open-source, presents a potential choice.