The GIMP 2.6.7

The GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program.

Basically this means the fact that this program is an Open Source alternative for commercial photo editing software, like Adobe Photoshop. It works with raster images and it doesn't have the support for vectorial design. It isn't that popular, it doesn't have that much features, but it's free for your pockets.

It runs by using Apple's implementation of the X11 windowing environment. You need use the application menus because the X11 menus won't give you any help while using this application. You have to use Windows and Linux (KDE and Gnome) style shortcuts. This means the usage of the Control key instead the Command one.

It has features like all kind of brushes and design tools, a wide support for the images formats, it can work with layers, etc. It doesn't have the features that Photoshop has but the package is more than fair for its price.

If you have the need to edit a picture or to create your own textures for your own projects this program is a quite good alternative. You can learn how to use this program by reading lots of tutorials that you can find around the Internet.

I like the way how it can create animated GIF images. When working with layers The GIMP asks if it should merge them or if it should make an animated image and you can customize the way it shows every frame. The whole process is very easy and this affirmation comes from a photo editing newbie, me.

The program has way too much features to describe here but you can always give it a try. You can be amazed how many things can do a free application.

Pluses: is an Open Source application, it has good features for photo editing, it can be used for various photo editing/authoring jobs.

Drawbacks / flaws: the interface is so-so and you have to get used with it, it has less features than Photoshop.

In conclusion: it's a very good free alternative for all commercial photo editing/authoring software.

version reviewed: 2.2.11