Adobe Creative Cloud vs GIMP
Side-by-side feature comparison and pricing breakdown.
Layers & Masks Both have full layer and mask support
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Filters & Effects Both offer extensive filter libraries
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CMYK Workflow GIMP lacks native CMYK support
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UI/UX Quality GIMP's UI is non-standard and has a learning curve
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Scripting/Extensibility GIMP supports Python and Script-Fu plugins
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RAW Photo Support Photoshop/Lightroom handle RAW better natively
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Non-Destructive Editing Photoshop's smart objects are more advanced
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Pricing
$22.99/mo
Free Free
Save 100% — Save $22.99/mo (100% savings)
Verdict
GIMP handles most Photoshop tasks for free, including layers, masks, and advanced filters. Adobe Photoshop wins on UI design, speed, and professional print workflows, but GIMP is more than capable for web graphics and photo editing.
Best for: Photo editors and web designers who need Photoshop-level tools without the subscription
Last updated: 2026-03-01