GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image editor. It handles photo retouching, layers and masks, selections, colour correction, painting and graphic design work, and can be extended with plugins and scripts. The current stable version is 3.2.6, released on 10 September 2026.
Who it suits
- People who need layered image editing without a subscription.
- Linux users, for whom GIMP is often the standard image editor.
- Students and hobbyists learning photo editing.
GIMP works differently from commercial editors, so expect some time to learn its menus and tools.
How to get the official version
- Windows: one installer for both x86_64 and ARM64 from gimp.org/downloads, or the Microsoft Store (Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022 and newer).
- macOS: separate disk images for Intel and Apple Silicon.
- Linux: Flatpak on Flathub, Snap, or AppImages for x86_64 and ARM64.
The GIMP team states that it does not provide any package on Apple’s App Store, and that any GIMP download there is made by a third party with no connection to the project. There is no official GIMP for Android or iPhone.
Cost
Free, under the GNU GPL version 3 or later.
Requirements
The installer supports Windows 10 version 1903 or newer. The Mac builds need macOS 11 Big Sur or newer. The Linux AppImage needs Debian 13 or a newer distribution.
Safety notes
gimp.org publishes a SHA-256 hash for each installer. For gimp-3.2.6-setup.exe it is 9337cccbc01d4098ee7a3dab215b3afbe6ece99c5287c92441d6f12cf541ebca. On Windows, check your file with Get-FileHash .\gimp-3.2.6-setup.exe. Paid “GIMP” listings in app stores are not from the GIMP team.
Getting started
If you are new to image editing, start with the official GIMP user manual, which gimp.org offers as a separate download or to read online. It explains layers, selections and the tool options that trip up most new users.
Questions
Is there an official GIMP for iPad or iPhone?
No. The project says it has no package on Apple’s App Store.
Which winget package is the current one?
At the time of writing, winget install GIMP.GIMP.3 installs the 3.2.6 release. The older GIMP.GIMP package showed version 3.2.4.
Does GIMP open Photoshop files?
GIMP can import PSD files, but complex Photoshop features may not carry over exactly.
