GIMP
Also called gnu image manipulation program, gimp editor
A free raster editor. gimp.exe is the process. XCF is the native document. It is not Photoshop.
What you need to know
GIMP is a free raster editor. XCF is native. It is not Photoshop.
GIMP edits pixels under a GPL license. Photoshop is Adobe's paid editor with a PSD document. Opening a PSD in GIMP does not install Photoshop.exe.
- What is it?
- A free raster editor
- Is it Photoshop?
- No. XCF is native, not PSD
- Cost?
- Free. GPL
What is GIMP?
GIMP is an open-source raster editor. Layers live in an XCF file. The Windows executable is gimp.exe.
If you have never used it
GIMP is a free raster image editor. XCF is the native document. It is not Photoshop and it does not use a Creative Cloud login. Download the Windows build from gimp.org/downloads. A PSD can open. That does not make this Adobe Photoshop.
What is it used for?
Crop, heal, and color a camera file. Photoshop can do this too. The file and the license are different.
Stack images in an XCF. A PSD import is a compatibility path, not a Creative Cloud document.
Write JPEG, PNG, or WebP. Save XCF if you still need layers.
Who is it for?
- People who want a free raster editor
- Students who were told not to buy Photoshop
- Anyone who saw gimp.exe and thought it was Adobe
Current status
GIMP (1996) is a current free raster editor from GIMP team. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.gimp.org/downloads/.
How old is it?
GIMP started in 1996 as the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is older than many Creative Cloud apps and it is still a separate project. Current Windows builds are 2.10 and the 3.x line. Neither is Photoshop.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | 2 GB class machines run it. Large files want more, per GIMP docs |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| gimp.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
GIMP does not need to start with Windows.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\GIMP 2\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Expected Photoshop brushes and Firefly
Those are Adobe features. GIMP has its own brush engine. It is not a Creative Cloud clone.
XCF will not open at a print shop
Export TIFF or PDF. XCF is the working file, not a press delivery format.
Getting unstuck
Confirm gimp.exe
Program Files\GIMP is the app. A gimp.exe in Downloads next to a crack is not the official build.
Install from gimp.org
The official Windows installer is on gimp.org/downloads. Store reskins can lag.
Reset the tool dock if the UI vanished
Windows > Recently Closed Docks. This is not a Photoshop workspace.
Alternatives
Krita, Paint.NET, and Affinity Photo overlap. Photoshop is the paid Adobe sibling, not this project.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | www.gimp.org/downloads/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | docs.gimp.org/ Vendor support |
| Official site | www.gimp.org/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
RAM follows image size. A dedicated GPU is optional. GIMP is not a Feex sensor.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- GIMP official site · Vendor product page
- GIMP help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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