GIMP Vs PhotoShop

**Epidemic** · January 12th, 2009, 10:21 AM

I am opposed to stealing so PhotoShop is simply not a real option to me. But I was wondering how people in the know would rate GIMP compared to PhotoShop.

Personally I am just an average computer user who wants to dabble in photo repair and occasional editing.

How would PS experts rate GIMP

Is it?:
apples and oranges (differences so vast as to not be comparable.)

it is 90% as capable as PS (but more complicated to use.)

it is 90% as capable as PS (but easier to use)

Buy PS or dont edit your photos (with out PS you are just spinning your wheels.)

**RobRich** · January 12th, 2009, 10:29 AM

Thread moved to the graphics design forum.

I use GIMP for much of my photo work. GIMP works fine for my purposes and delivers most of the features I would need in an image editing suite. It is also available on several platforms, which suits me better due to operating system diversity.

Naturally, there is a distinct earning curve for either, and a person best associated with one will probably not like the default install of the other. The are tons of overlapping features, but the way you access and use those features can be considerably different.

With that said, there are ways to better converge the user interfaces between the two apps. One such method is the gimpShop project, which forked GIMP to develop an user interface closer to PhotoShop.

**Epidemic** · January 12th, 2009, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by RobRich

Thread moved to the graphics design forum.

I use GIMP for much of my photo work. GIMP works fine for my purposes and delivers most of the features I would need in an image editing suite. It is also available on several platforms, which suits me better due to operating system diversity.

Naturally, there is a distinct earning curve for either, and a person best associated with one will probably not like the default install of the other. The are tons of overlapping features, but the way you access and use those features can be considerably different.

With that said, there are ways to better converge the user interfaces between the two apps. One such method is the gimpShop project, which forked GIMP to develop an user interface closer to PhotoShop.

Main functions I would use would be brightness adjustments but I recently found out I could correct brightness in using a paint brush to fix localized photo problems. I also enjoy tweeking photo's like taking a happier face and attaching it to a family photo.

Occasionally I want to make a GIF to grace a website or avatar.

Oh yeah and red eye reduction is fun as well

**RobRich** · January 12th, 2009, 10:50 AM

Those are all pretty standard tasks for an image editing suite. I think GIMP would suffice for your current level of image editing, or like I said, at least it does for me. One of the greatest benefits of PhotoShop is its user interface, but I can deal with a few extra mouse clicks and occasionally digging through some menus to find a specific feature given the price difference.

**Epidemic** · January 12th, 2009, 11:03 AM

yeah for a toy the price difference is a real obstacle. If you are a guy like outpatient who makes a living off it a few mouse clicks may mean a lot.

from the professional does Gimp or gimpshop hold a candle to PS?

**RobRich** · January 12th, 2009, 11:16 AM

From a professional standpoint, I have traditionally been in the text side of the editorial process, so graphics was largely an afterthought. GIMP sufficed for my limited graphics work, but admittedly, even Paint Shop Pro probably would have worked just about as well. YMMV.

For a professional making a living via graphics work, PhotoShop is a good investment if for nothing more than the numerous classes and tutorials based around using it. There is a mountain of information available for using PhotoShop, including many tutorials for advanced editing.

Conversely, GIMP is probably better suited for a person that enjoys figuring out things for himself, largely because there is a huge parity difference between the information and resources available between the two apps. GIMP can usually accomplish most of the same tasks as PhotoShop, but be prepared to oftentimes self deduce the process and routinely take a few extra steps to get there.

**ShuckyD** · January 12th, 2009, 01:56 PM

I use GIMP when I'm at work or when I'm not aroud my computer(s). As I have Photoshop and some other Adobe apps purchased awhile back I am more accustomed to them, but (like you) I'm opposed to stealing so I use (and teach) GIMP whenever its not possible to get to one of my PC's.

YES there is a learning curve IMO and its not as cleanly designed, but what do you expect for free

(actually Its a really awesome program, I have it as a portable app on my USB drive... with me "everywhere" as its on my keychain)

**Epidemic** · January 12th, 2009, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by ShuckyD

I use GIMP when I'm at work or when I'm not aroud my computer(s). As I have Photoshop and some other Adobe apps purchased awhile back I am more accustomed to them, but (like you) I'm opposed to stealing so I use (and teach) GIMP whenever its not possible to get to one of my PC's.

YES there is a learning curve IMO and its not as cleanly designed, but what do you expect for free

(actually Its a really awesome program, I have it as a portable app on my USB drive... with me "everywhere" as its on my keychain)

I will tell ya one thing. it seems like we are the odd men out when it comes to piracy. I on occasion am tempted by the vast piles of easily stolen software out there but I can't rationalize it. IN the end it is still theft. thanks for your input and thanks for your honorable approach to software.

**Epidemic** · January 12th, 2009, 09:13 PM

Rob/shuckyd what is the version of gimpshop you are running with

**ShuckyD** · January 12th, 2009, 09:22 PM

I think the recent portable version is 2.6 something, my linux boxes have whatever came with the distro, I try to look for a distro that will work "out of the box" (w/ most stuff) per say. As far as Photoshop goes I run CS3. There are things that I cant do in GIMP and I love Photoshop for, but like I said, I can deal with GIMP most of the time for simple(r) edits.

**RobRich** · January 13th, 2009, 11:51 AM

I never was entrenched in PhotoShop, so I have yet to actively use gimpShop in a working environment. I instead use the standard GIMP release, of which I am currently using the 2.6.3 code path. I have been using GIMP for many years, so I am rather accustomed to the standard user interface.