GIMP vs Krita
Detailed spec matrix, pricing differences, open-source status, and Reddit user consensus for macOS.
GIMP
FreeFree and open-source image editor for photo retouching, graphic design, and raster artwork
Krita
FreeFree and open-source digital painting and illustration studio for artists, animators, and comic creators
Feature & Specification Matrix
| Specification | GIMP | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Open Source | Open Source (gitlab.gnome.org) | Open Source (GitHub) |
| Architecture Support | Universal (Intel & M-Series) | Universal (Intel & M-Series) |
| Minimum macOS Version | macOS Big Sur 11 | macOS Big Sur 11 |
| Category | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose GIMP if:
- You prefer a Free workflow for macOS.
- You value transparent, open-source code (hosted on gitlab.gnome.org).
- You want an application focused on free and open-source image editor for photo retouching, graphic design, and raster artwork.
Choose Krita if:
- You prefer a Free setup.
- You prioritize open-source software licenses (hosted on GitHub).
- You need features built around free and open-source digital painting and illustration studio for artists, animators, and comic creators.
Community & Reddit Consensus
Curated user feedback from Reddit and tech communities.
GIMP User Opinions
“A Reddit user recommended GIMP as a free Photoshop alternative, noting that while 'the UI takes some getting used to,' the PhotoGIMP addon makes it feel much more familiar to Photoshop users.”
Reddit: Can anyone recommend a free Photoshop alternative?
“A user comparing Photoshop and GIMP said, 'Gimp is very capable,' adding that although Photoshop offers more features, many users may not actually need them.”
“A professional designer and photographer reported that they 'spend time equally on both Linux and macOS' and found modern GIMP capable enough for much of their workflow.”
“TechRadar concluded that GIMP provides 'pretty much everything seems to be there' in terms of editing tools, describing it as a viable free option for users on tight budgets.”
TechRadar: GIMP (2026) review
“Creative Bloq's evaluation found that GIMP can serve as 'a reasonable substitute' for some professional work, particularly considering its zero cost.”
Creative Bloq: GIMP vs Photoshop – Could you make the switch?
“The same Reddit recommendation cautioned that 'the UI takes some getting used to,' highlighting GIMP's learning curve for new users.”
“TechRadar criticized GIMP's canvas navigation, stating that scrolling around images with a trackpad was 'practically impossible' during testing.”
“The TechRadar reviewer also noted the absence of modern conveniences such as automated background removal tools found in competing editors.”
“A Reddit discussion criticizing comparisons with Photoshop argued that people often overlook 'features that GIMP lacks' when recommending it as a direct replacement.”
“Creative Bloq concluded that the more the reviewer relied on GIMP for professional deadlines, 'the more head-banging issues I have encountered.'”
Krita User Opinions
“A Reddit user who switched from Photoshop described Krita as 'easy to use and really powerful,' saying it had every feature they needed and worked better for their workflow than GIMP.”
“In a discussion comparing Krita and Photoshop, users praised Krita's community-driven development, emphasizing that it is free, open source, and actively improved by contributors who engage directly with users.”
“A Hacker News commenter said they had been 'thoroughly impressed' with Krita after years of use and specifically praised its Wacom tablet support and radial menu implementation.”
Hacker News: Krita – A professional free and open source painting program
“Users recommending Krita to former Photoshop users frequently described it as an excellent replacement for illustration work, with some preferring it over Photoshop for drawing.”
“TechRadar highlighted Krita's extensive brush engine, tablet support, resource sharing community, and intuitive interface, calling it one of the best Photoshop alternatives for artists.”
“Experienced users noted that Krita lacks some advanced image-manipulation features found in Photoshop and often requires plugins or workarounds for certain workflows.”
“Artists transitioning to Photoshop cited collaboration challenges, explaining that most professional peers still rely heavily on PSD-centric workflows and Adobe tools.”
“Users evaluating Krita as a Photoshop replacement cautioned that while it excels at illustration, it is not designed primarily for professional photo editing and some functions require extra steps.”
“Community members pointed out that Krita lacks the broader ecosystem integration available in suites such as Adobe Creative Cloud, which can matter in team environments.”
“Some users considering a switch mentioned concerns about performance and workflow differences on large canvases, particularly compared with software they had already mastered.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pricing of GIMP compare to Krita?
Both GIMP and Krita operate on a Free model.
Are GIMP or Krita open-source software?
Both GIMP and Krita are open-source applications with source code publicly available on gitlab.gnome.org and GitHub.
Which app has better macOS & Apple Silicon compatibility?
Both apps feature full Universal (Intel & M-Series) support on macOS.
What do Mac users on Reddit say about GIMP vs Krita?
On Reddit, users praise GIMP for "A Reddit user recommended GIMP as a free Photoshop alternative, noting that while 'the UI takes some getting used to,' the PhotoGIMP addon makes it feel much more familiar to Photoshop users.", while Krita is commended for "A Reddit user who switched from Photoshop described Krita as 'easy to use and really powerful,' saying it had every feature they needed and worked better for their workflow than GIMP.".
