GIMP : The Best Free Alternative Image Editing Software
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the most recommended alternative image editing software, mainly because it comes free. The program has been around as far back as 1998, starting at version 1.0, whilst receiving continuous updates through the years.
The most recent GIMP release is Version 2.10 which comes with a new Dark Theme as default user interface. An image set for editing will appear on a somewhat dim background, in order to direct greater focus on the content. Actually, the Dark Theme brings the number of user interface to four (4); the three (3) others being the System, the Gray and the Light.
Although Adobe Photoshop also offers a free downloadable software of the latest version, the offer is available only as a free-trial for 7 days. Now if you are looking for an image editing software that is nearly as good as Adobe Photoshop and at the same time free for lifetime, there is always an updated version of GIMP.
A Cursory Look at What GIMP Users Can Do, Free of Charge
GIMP users have expressed great satisfaction for having a graphic editing program that allows them to transform images with excellent results, sans the need to pay for monthly subscriptions. Images for business cards, banners, brochures and web pages have been created using robust tools that allow for dabbling, editing or converting formats of graphic files coming from Windows or Linux.
Similar to the proprietary Photoshop PSD file that enables modifiers to work on individual layers of the image, GIMP also has layer editing features. Version 2.10 now includes a Layer Attributes Dialog box, showing all setting options related to layer-related tasks. Awesome even are the color labels available to use as tags for layers, channels and paths, which make project organization more efficient.
The great news is that while Version 3.00 is currently in the works, GIMP users do not have to wait long to acquire the newest features and tools. Currently new stuffs, along with bug fixes are released as a series of stable releases every 1 to 2 months.