GIMP: a free, open-source photo and image editor
GIMP is a free, open-source image editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its privacy policy says it collects no personal data.
Wilber by Aryeom Han, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unchanged image from gimp.org. Independent guide, not affiliated.
Official app preview
What it is
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an image editor. You can use it to retouch and restore photos, combine images, draw and paint, and make graphics such as icons and mockups. Its website calls it "the free and open source image editor" and says it is cross-platform. It is not an AI tool. We included it because it is a free tool from an official source.
Is it free?
Yes. The GIMP website says it is free software that you can change and share, and the About page says it is developed as community free software under the GNU General Public License. The donate page says donations make it sustainable, but donating is optional. We saw no paid tier on the official site.
- Download it only from gimp.org. The downloads page says the GIMP team has no package on Apple's App Store and that any listing there was made by a third party and is not connected to the GIMP team.
What you can do with it
- Photo editing. The homepage says it has the tools for retouching, restoring and creative composites.
- Drawing and artwork. It says GIMP gives artists the power and flexibility to make original artwork.
- Graphic design. It says GIMP is used for icons, design elements and art for interface mockups.
- Colour management. It says it has colour management features for reproducing colour across digital and printed media.
- Plug-ins and scripting. It says you can extend it with plug-ins and scripts, using languages such as Python.
Which devices
- Windows: the installer needs Windows 10 1903 or newer. The Microsoft Store version needs Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022 or newer. The page says both x86_64 and ARM64 are supported.
- macOS: macOS 11 Big Sur or newer, with separate Intel and Apple Silicon downloads.
- Linux: an AppImage (needs Debian 13 or a newer distribution), Flatpak on Flathub, or Snap.
- The current stable version on the downloads page when we checked was 3.2.6, dated 10 September 2026.
- We found no official Android or iOS app on the pages we read.
Privacy and data
- GIMP's privacy policy says GIMP "does not, in any way, collect, transmit, share or use any Personal Data". It says the website has no trackers, no cookies and no ads, and that the software has no ads or trackers.
- It lists some caveats. If you open or save a remote file, your IP address may be shared as part of the normal connection. The AppImage, Windows installer and macOS packages check once a week at most for new versions over HTTPS. GIMP keeps logs, settings, thumbnails and recent files on your own computer.
- Photos carry hidden details such as location and camera data. The policy says it is your responsibility to check the metadata before you share a file.
- If you get GIMP from the Microsoft Store, Flathub or Snap Store, the policy says that store may collect usage data under its own terms.
What to know first
- GIMP is a big program with many tools. We did not test how easy it is for a beginner.
- We did not install it. We cannot say how it runs on your computer.
India
- We found no India-specific restriction on the pages we read. The download is the same for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is GIMP free?
Yes. It is free software under the GNU General Public License. Donations are optional.
Does GIMP track me?
GIMP says it collects no personal data and has no trackers or ads. It checks for updates about once a week in some packages.
Is it AI?
No. It is an image editor. We included it because it is a free tool from an official source.
Sources: GIMP, Downloads, About, Privacy policy, Donate, Citing GIMP and reusing images. Checked 14 October 2026.
Logo: Wilber, the GIMP mascot, by Aryeom Han, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: gimp.org/about/linking.html). Independent guide, not affiliated.
Official downloads, release notes and image reuse guidance rechecked 23 October 2026. Stable download remains 3.2.6, dated 10 September 2026. The feature illustration is labelled 3.2.0 by its source. Other statements retain their original source-check date. Original publication date is unchanged.