Compare
Adobe Lightroom vs GIMP
Specialized for photo RAW workflow and non-destructive editing.
Which to pick
Pick Adobe Lightroom if you want…
- Cloud-based photo editing and organization
- Professional photo editing
Pick GIMP if you want…
- Free, extensible image editing
- A free, open-source tool
Side by side
- What it is
- Adobe Lightroom:Adobe Lightroom is a cloud-based photo editing, organizing and storage tool for photographers.
- GIMP:GIMP is a free, open-source cross-platform image editor for photo retouching, artwork, and graphic design.
- Best for
- Adobe Lightroom:Cloud-based photo editing and organization
- GIMP:Free, extensible image editing
- Who it’s for
- Adobe Lightroom:Professional photographers and photo enthusiasts who need editing and workflow across devices.
- GIMP:Graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, scientists and developers needing image manipulation.
- Pricing
- Adobe Lightroom:Paid
- GIMP:Free
- Open source
- Adobe Lightroom:—
- GIMP:Yes, 6,484 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Adobe Lightroom:—
- GIMP:Python, Scheme, C, C++, Scribus, Inkscape
Adobe Lightroom features
- Generative Upscale. Upscales images up to 4× using AI-powered Topaz Gigapixel.
- Assisted Culling. Scores photos for sharpness, focus and open eyes to speed selection.
- Quick Actions. One-click portrait retouching like skin smoothing, blemish removal and teeth whitening.
- Dust Removal. AI detects and removes sensor dust from photos with high precision.
- AI Lens Blur. Creates custom portrait blur with one-tap presets powered by AI.
GIMP features
- Cross-platform. Runs on GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and other operating systems.
- Extensible plugins. Supports third-party plugins and scripts written in Python, Scheme, C, C++ and more.
- High-quality photo manipulation. Tools for retouching, restoring and compositing images.
- Graphic design elements. Create icons, UI mockups and other design assets.
- Color management. Ensures accurate color reproduction for digital and printed media.
- Customizable UI. Many configuration options let users tailor the interface to their workflow.
Adobe Lightroom vs GIMP FAQ
Is Adobe Lightroom or GIMP free?+
Adobe Lightroom is paid, with a free trial. GIMP is free.
Is Adobe Lightroom or GIMP open source?+
GIMP is open source (GNOME/gimp on GitHub). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for Adobe Lightroom.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.