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GIMP vs Photopea: which one should replace Photoshop?

GIMP and Photopea are the two best-known free alternatives to Photoshop, but they work very differently: GIMP is an open source program you install on your computer; Photopea is an editor that runs in the browser and looks a lot like Photoshop. Here is how they differ and which one suits what you do.

Updated: · 3 min read · How we choose the alternatives

Quick verdict

If you are coming from Photoshop and work with PSD files, start with Photopea: it opens in seconds and you will feel right at home. If you would rather have an installed, ad-free, open source program that works offline and copes with large files, choose GIMP. Plenty of people use both: Photopea for PSDs and quick edits, GIMP for longer projects.

Pick GIMP if…

  • You want an installed program that works without internet.
  • You work with large images or long sessions and want to use all of your computer’s memory.
  • You prefer open source software with no ads and no accounts.
  • You want to extend it with plug-ins, scripts or filters such as G’MIC.

Pick Photopea if…

  • You are coming from Photoshop and want the same menus and shortcuts.
  • You receive or deliver PSD files with layers, layer styles or smart objects.
  • You can’t or don’t want to install anything (work computer, classroom, Chromebook).
  • You do occasional retouching, montages or social media graphics.

GIMP vs Photopea: point by point

FeatureGIMPPhotopea
PriceOpen SourceFreemium
Platforms
WindowsmacOSLinux
Web
Use
Offline
Online
PSD filesOpens them with layers, but layer styles and smart objects are not fully preservedOpens and saves them with layers, layer styles and smart objects
Native formatXCFNone of its own: it works directly in PSD
InterfaceIts own, different from Photoshop; it takes some getting used toAlmost identical to Photoshop, with the same main shortcuts
Performance with large filesGood: it uses your computer’s memory and processorMore limited: it depends on the browser
Non-destructive editingNon-destructive filters since GIMP 3Adjustment layers and smart objects
ExtensionsPlug-ins and scripts (Python, Script-Fu), plus G’MICIts own scripts; no Photoshop plug-ins
AdsNoneYes in the free version; Premium (paid) removes them
Open sourceYes (GPL licence)No

Key differences

What they have in common

Try them for free

GIMPOpen Source
Go to the official site of GIMP
PhotopeaFreemium
Go to the official site of Photopea

Step-by-step guide: how to switch from Photoshop to Photopea

Not convinced by either? See every free alternative to Photoshop

Frequently asked questions

Which one is more like Photoshop?

Photopea, by a long way: its interface, menus and shortcuts are modelled on Photoshop and it opens PSDs with their layer styles. GIMP is just as capable for many tasks, but it works its own way.

Which one works offline?

GIMP: it installs on your computer and needs no connection. Photopea runs in the browser, so you need internet to open it.

Which is better for a low-powered computer?

It depends on what you do. Photopea takes up no disk space and runs well on modest machines for simple jobs. For large files, GIMP usually performs better because it doesn’t depend on the browser.

Can I use both?

Yes. Photopea opens GIMP’s XCF files and GIMP opens PSDs, so you can, for example, retouch in GIMP and deliver the final PSD from Photopea.

Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Photoshop or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.

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