Photoshop and GIMP are two of the most recognized photo editing and raster graphics programs available. In this guide, we briefly look at both programs and their features. We also look at who would benefit from using each program.
Photoshop Review
Features
- Full raster graphics editing
- Basic editing tools for RAW images
- Ability to import brushes and create custom patterns
- Spot healing and clone tools
- Transformations tools
Adobe Photoshop offers an extensive set of raster graphics and post-processing tools for photos and digital media. The raster graphics tools allow you to create virtually anything you can think of. These include brushes, gradient tools, fill tools, textures, and patterns.
Also, there is a good choice of transformation and retouching tools including clone and spot healing tools, crop, rotate, distort, and warp tools.
Photoshop also offers full layer management which allows you to produce complex multi-layered images. There are basic post-processing tools too, and you can easily edit image parameters like saturation, hue, and brightness.
Who is it suitable for?
Photoshop is suitable for professional digital marketers, artists, and professional photographers. Its extensive set of tools provide unparalleled editing functionality and creative possibilities. Also, it can be used in conjunction with Lightroom.
GIMP Guide
Features
- Open source code
- Completely free to use
- Full layer management
- Basic photo retouching and digital enhancements
- Support for multiple file formats
GIMP is an open-source raster graphics editing program that is completely free to use. It is almost as old as Photoshop and is available on Windows, MAC, and Linux devices.
For raster graphics editing, GIMP has a brilliant set of tools. You can transform your images using crop and rotate tools, but also easily alter dimensions using the direct image size options. There is also a good choice of filters and effects you can apply to your media and photos.
GIMP also has basic photo retouching tools. This includes tools for changing contrast, brightness, exposure, and tones, for example. The software is easy to use and has a large set of tutorials from the large community.
Who is it suitable for?
GIMP is also suitable for professionals working with images and digital media on a regular basis. The two programs are incredibly similar, and GIMP offers a similar set of tools for creating professional raster graphics. It does not offer the same level of photo-retouching, however.
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