GIMP 3.0: The Ultimate Free Alternative to Photoshop?
GIMP has long been our top free pick in our best photo editing software guide, and the recent update will only solidify that choice. GIMP can do almost everything Photoshop can do, it’s that powerful, and any compromises feel well worth it for the fact it’s free. Did I mention it’s free?
A Free Alternative to Photoshop
But learning a new software comes with its challenges, and can feel intimidating. Luckily, the GIMP website has a brilliant help page, with links to user manuals, books and a fantastic tutorials page that is community-led. Hosting tips and tricks for getting started (known as GIMP Quickies) to more in-depth guides, this is the way to get started for free. You can even contribute your own tutorials if you have the skills to offer other learners.
A Wealth of Tutorials and Resources
The GIMP website has an impressive array of tutorials and resources to help you get started. The tutorials page is divided into sections, including:
- Beginner-centred guides, including using Layer Masks, Basic Colour Curves and there’s also an Asset Folder, which holds plug-ins, brushes, scripts and more.
- Photo Editing or Painting sections – and then there are sections for Configuration help and Coding tutorials as well.
A Community-Driven Effort
GIMP is totally open source so there’s a community of developers and users contributing to the tutorials. This means that the tutorials are constantly being updated and improved, making it an excellent choice for those looking to learn and grow.
Conclusion
If you’ve been waiting for the time to ditch your pricey subscriptions (perhaps to afford one of the best laptops for photo editing), the launch of GIMP 3.0 combined with this tutorial page could be the perfect opportunity. Not sure yet? See our Photoshop vs GIMP comparison.
FAQs
Q: Is GIMP free?
A: Yes, GIMP is completely free and open-source.
Q: Is GIMP as powerful as Photoshop?
A: GIMP can do almost everything Photoshop can do, making it a powerful alternative.
Q: Is the tutorial page comprehensive?
A: Yes, the GIMP website has a vast array of tutorials and resources to help you get started and improve your skills.
Q: Can I contribute to the tutorials?
A: Yes, you can contribute your own tutorials if you have the skills to offer other learners.
