The developers of GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) have big hopes for the fledgling graphic design program. They’ve just released a new version of GIMP that many feel rivals the power of Adobe’s uber-popular Photoshop image editor.
The new GIMP is user-friendly in a way that Photoshop has never been, while including many of the same advanced features. But unlike Photoshop, GIMP’s interface does not use a single window workspace. The program features a variety of tool boxes and pallets, which can be easily moved between various image windows, or even to an empty image window.
To those familiar with Photoshop, using the GIMP interface can be a breath of fresh air. But the real power of GIMP v2.6 lies under the hood, in its technological advancements. The newest version of the program features full support for 32-bit images, for accurate image editing right down to the pixel level.
GIMP also includes a wide range of image editing plug-ins, many of which compete favorably with Adobe Photoshop plug-ins, while being less memory intensive to run. The end result is an easy-to-use (and slightly light-hearted) interface, with a quick workflow design, and the high-end technological features demanded by professionals.
Oh, and the best thing about the newest version of GIMP? That’s easy: it’s free.
GIMP is available for free download and uses and open source software engine that is more robust and capable than you might expect from freeware. While the previous versions of GIMP were interesting, the biggest drawback was the limitation of only using 8-bit image editing. With the program now supporting full 32-bit image resolution and editing, even many snobby professionals are taking a second look at GIMP.
And for Photoshop fanatics who can’t imagine working on a strange interface, there is even a user created hack that turns the standard GIMP interface into a full-blown replica of Adobe Photoshop, including Photoshop-style menus and toolbars.
But with GIMP continuing to gain popularity as a free alternative for quality image editing, Adobe is going on the offensive with new updates to its consumer version of Photoshop, Photoshop Elements 6. This lower-priced image editor (but still not free) sports many of the same features as its professional-oriented big brother, including organizational tools and batch editing.
Photoshop Elements 6 even has a few features not found in the Pro version, including support for photo geo tagging, and direct-to-web image export.
Of course, you would expect plenty of features from any retail Adobe software, but many enthusiasts believe the free GIMP photo editor will get the job done just as easily as Photoshop Elements 6, and without the $100 price tag.
Why anybody would lay out hard-earned money on Photoshop when such a feature rich rival is free is beyond me. All power to The Gimp!
Comment by Kris McHale — October 16, 2008 @ 5:44 pm