# GIMP vs PhotoPad Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that GIMP excels in providing a comprehensive suite of tools for photo editing and graphic design, with features like layers, masks, and customizable brushes that allow for complex projects. Users appreciate its **professional-grade capabilities** without the associated costs. - **Users say** PhotoPad stands out for its **simplicity and ease of use** , making it an excellent choice for those who may not have advanced editing skills. Reviewers highlight its ability to enhance ordinary images effortlessly, which is particularly appealing for casual users. - **According to verified reviews** , GIMP has a significantly higher overall satisfaction score, reflecting its robust feature set and versatility. Users mention its **extensive plug-in support** and cross-platform functionality, making it a favorite among more experienced editors. - **Reviewers mention** that while PhotoPad offers powerful features like layer support and raw file compatibility, it may not match the depth of GIMP's capabilities for more complex editing tasks. However, its user-friendly interface allows for quick adjustments, which many find beneficial. - **G2 reviewers highlight** that GIMP's implementation process is generally smooth, with many users praising its intuitive onboarding. In contrast, while PhotoPad is easy to set up, some users feel it lacks the advanced customization options that GIMP provides. - **Users report** that GIMP's community and support resources are extensive, which can be a significant advantage for those seeking help or tutorials. On the other hand, PhotoPad users appreciate its responsive support, noting that they receive timely assistance when needed, which enhances their overall experience. | | GIMP | PhotoPad | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 1,483 | 29 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (68.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (75.9% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | $39.95 1 | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### GIMP Pros: - Free Services (12 reviews) - Ease of Use (11 reviews) Cons: - Learning Curve (11 reviews) - Limitations (4 reviews) ### PhotoPad Pros: - Ease of Use (2 reviews) - Easy Editing (2 reviews) Cons: - Slow Loading (2 reviews) - Watermarks (2 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | GIMP | PhotoPad | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (1299 reviews) | 8.8 (25 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 7.5 (1305 reviews) | 9.1 (25 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.7 (168 reviews) | 8.8 (7 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (125 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Quality of Support** | 7.5 (903 reviews) | 8.7 (23 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (106 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.7 (1272 reviews) | 8.5 (24 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### GIMP #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### PhotoPad #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: Pro Edition Price: $39.95 1 Description: No restrictions - Single Location License [Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/photopad/pricing) #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Photo Editing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **GIMP** | 6.7/10 | 48 | | **PhotoPad** | N/A | N/A | #### Generative AI | Feature | GIMP | PhotoPad | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.8 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.0 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Agentic AI - Photo Editing | Feature | GIMP | PhotoPad | |---|---|---| | **Cross-system Integration** | 7.4 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Photo Editing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Unique to GIMP (1):** [Drawing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/drawing) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | GIMP | PhotoPad | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 68.2% | 75.9% | | **Mid-Market** | 20.9% | 20.7% | | **Enterprise** | 10.9% | 3.4% | ### By Industry #### GIMP - **Design:** 9.1% - **Computer Software:** 7.8% - **Information Technology and Services:** 5.7% - **Graphic Design:** 5.5% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 5.3% - **Internet:** 4.3% - **Higher Education:** 3.2% - **Education Management:** 2.9% - **Arts and Crafts:** 2.3% - **Entertainment:** 2.1% - **Other:** 51.8% #### PhotoPad - **Photography:** 13.8% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 10.3% - **Information Technology and Services:** 10.3% - **Computer Software:** 6.9% - **Human Resources:** 6.9% - **Arts and Crafts:** 3.4% - **Computer & Network Security:** 3.4% - **Design:** 3.4% - **Entertainment:** 3.4% - **Executive Office:** 3.4% - **Other:** 34.5% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to GIMP - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13345 reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (7439 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (3286 reviews) - [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (799 reviews) - [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (747 reviews) - [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (550 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (490 reviews) - [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (420 reviews) - [Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/fotor-photo-editor/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (340 reviews) - [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (281 reviews) ### Alternatives to PhotoPad - [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (799 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13345 reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (7439 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (490 reviews) - [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (747 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (3286 reviews) - [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (420 reviews) - [Photos](https://www.g2.com/products/photos/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (806 reviews) - [Simplified](https://www.g2.com/products/simplified/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (5008 reviews) - [Appy Pie](https://www.g2.com/products/appy-pie/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1389 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### GIMP - Title: [should gimp release mobile app](https://www.g2.com/discussions/should-gimp-release-mobile-app) — 3 comments, 3 upvotes > **Top comment:** "I don't see why. There are plenty of mobile apps out there that let you do lite image manipulation. Why would GIMP waste their time building a mobile app..." - Title: [What is the best way to use this software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-use-this-software) — 3 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "gimp.org has many tutorials to help you get started." - Title: [What is GIMP used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-gimp-used-for) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "Gimp is an open-source photo editor, a free alternative to Photoshop" - Title: [How do you guys keep up with industry standards and produce great software year after year](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-guys-keep-up-with-industry-standards-and-produce-great-software-year-after-year) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "This is true, I began using GIMP over 25 years ago with v. 0.9. On MacOS 8x. I'm grateful for all and every improvement. It is a wonderful product! " - Title: [what is the best way of using multiple layers on GIMP?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-of-using-multiple-layers-on-gimp) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Linking your layers in the Layers palette is the quickest way to perform a transform operation, such as scale, rotate, or move, to several layers in GIMP...." ### PhotoPad - Title: [How do I use NCH PhotoPad software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-use-nch-photopad-software) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "Its very light software than windows photo viewer in windows 10. Just opened the .exe files after installed into your computer/pc/laptop." - Title: [We can also use some extra filters on images. Draw tool is a good one for modifying images. Overall good for business.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/we-can-also-use-some-extra-filters-on-images-draw-tool-is-a-good-one-for-modifying-images-overall-good-for-business) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Best oction in Google Ninja" - Title: [What is PhotoPad app?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-photopad-app) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Veery good " - Title: [Is NCH PhotoPad good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-nch-photopad-good) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "very good and litesoftware, try it. I Has tried." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/gimp-vs-photopad)