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PrimitiveOutpost
Participant
September 22, 2017
Question

Photoshop vs Gimp in 2017

  • September 22, 2017
  • 8 replies
  • 16624 views

Hi folks, I know some threads already exist for this topic but they are from years ago so i'm looking for a fresh answer. I've been using Gimp but have some acquaintances that say I should upgrade to Photoshop. My issue is they can't really tell me why its better, just that it's the standard. They both seem to offer the same functionality so, is there a brief answer as to why it's better in 2017? Perhaps there are some people that switched from Gimp to Photoshop that can weight in.

Thanks

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    8 replies

    mario92
    mario92
    Participant
    October 9, 2018

    Thank you, i had some doubts, because laws are very strict.

    mario92
    mario92
    Participant
    May 17, 2018

    Hi i want to know if GIMP can be considered a copy of certain Photoshop applications and if it could be considered legal?  thank you

    stefanw21315169
    stefanw21315169
    Participating Frequently
    October 9, 2018

    mario92​ why shouldn't it be legal? GIMP exists since 1992 and its development was done fully independent to Photoshop. There is no code copied from Adobe products and it also doesn't use patented functionality. Only because it serves the same purpose it doesn't mean it is an illegal copy.

    To learn more about the history and licensing concept it is best and easiest to refer to the Wikipedia page:

    GIMP - Wikipedia

      gener7
      Community Expert
      gener7Community Expert
      Community Expert
      January 13, 2018

      Here's a reply in Quora that should help point out the differences:

      Is Gimp capable of doing what Photoshop does? If not, why?

      D Fosse
      Community Expert
      D FosseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      September 27, 2017

        Trevor.Dennis
        Community Expert
        Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        September 27, 2017

          Dag, I think you have beaten me in the derogatory Gimp comments stakes.

        gener7
        Community Expert
        gener7Community Expert
        Community Expert
        September 27, 2017

        "One of these things is not like the other" (Children's TV Show jingle).

          Trevor.Dennis
          Community Expert
          Trevor.DennisCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          September 27, 2017

          It thinking that no one here is going to know much about the Gimp, because this after all, a Photoshop forum.  However a quick Google tells me that the Gimp lacks CMYK, but it was not easy finding out that tiny weakness because if you Google Photoshop vs Gimp you seem to get lots of links to geeky Linux users saying that Photoshop sucks, and real men use the Gimp.

          On the other hand, I suspect that Photoshop users have nothing to prove, so neven even think about the Gimp, and certaily don't feel the need to justify their use of Photoshop. Take this wee table

          Photoshop is extremley powerful. The Gimp is easy to learn as there is bugger all to it.

          Photoshop is extremley powerful.  The Gimp would fit on a ZX Spectrum, from a few floppy disks.

          Photoshop is extremley powerful.  The Gimp is too simple to need any resources.

          Photoshop users are prepared to pay for a quality product.  Gimp users are tight wads

          Photoshop is used by professionals and serious hobiests.  Gimp is best for people who don't need a quality product.

          Like who is going to pay real money to watch a Gimp Tutorial?

            stefanw21315169
            stefanw21315169
            Participating Frequently
            October 19, 2017

            GIMP does support CMYK and 16bit colors since GIMP 2.9 (August 2017). It had CMYK support via plugins in older versions.

            P
            PrimitiveOutpostAuthor
            Participant
            September 22, 2017

            Thanks for the responses. I didn't notice the free trial. I'll give it a go and see what I think.

            Nexahs1138
            Nexahs1138
            Inspiring
            September 22, 2017

            Simple answer, are you trying to get a professional job?

            If yes - get Photoshop as you won't be hired with GIMP.

            If no - stick to whatever you want.

              martinv64372987
              martinv64372987
              Participant
              September 27, 2017

              Never had a customer asking:  "do you use Gimp or PS?"

              P
              polygrinder
              Participant
              January 13, 2018

              @martinv64372987

              "Never had a customer asking:  "do you use Gimp or PS?"

              Fair enough. Clients don't care. Employers do.

              Take Photoshop off of your resume and add in Gimp. See if you get the job.

              I can see it now, I am going for a job interview at say Epic or ID and in the interview they ask me " So, what software do you use? Photoshop and 3ds Max?" Your reply, no I use Gimp and Blender". Interview over.

              c.pfaffenbichler
              Community Expert
              c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              September 22, 2017

              Does Gimp support Smart Objects?

              If not then that alone should (edit: in my opinion) provide a reason to switch, but in any case first avail yourself of the free Photoshop trial to check if it works with your set-up and if you feel like you can get used to the interface.

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