The GIMP
Edit digital photos and create unique artwork with this free alternative to the likes of Photoshop Elements - Open Source
Filesize: 19766KB
Licence: Freeware
Restrictions: None
System: XP/ 2003/ Vista/ Win7
Version: 2.6.11 (24/01/12)
Website: http://www.gimp.org
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PC Utilities review:
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is one of the most powerful freeware image-editing tools available, offering a wide range of tools and effects for creating images and enhancing photos. One of the first things that many new users notice is the interface (or GUI) of the program. Instead of the usual contained program window, the software uses a collection of floating windows and pallets. The tools, history, main canvas and other sections float around the screen independently, meaning users have a truly customisable display. This is enhanced further by the ability to drag and drop sections of the various panels around the screen, forming a totally new interface arrangement.
The GIMP has all the tools and options you'd expect to see in any self-respecting image-manipulation program. In the main tool window you'll find the drawing tools, such as the pencil, paintbrush, airbrush, line tools and so on, and you'll be able to access the shape tools, as well as fill, text, and lasso. The main toolbar also houses the various scaling and rotation tools, which enable you to manipulate the image by playing around with its size and orientation. Continuing the photo-retouching theme, a selection of touch-up tools is provided, which include a blur and sharpen tool, and smudge, burn and dodge functions. These can be very useful for making small refinements to images, and can really make a difference when used well.
The GIMP has full layer support, which can be accessed from the Layer panel. This panel contains a wealth of different options and is a very important part of the program. The layer window presents a full list of the layers you currently have in the image. You can make layers invisible, reorder them, scale individual sections of the image and, should you need to, merge (or flatten) all of the current layers. A useful tool when working with two different images (on frames of animation, for example) is the Opacity slide bar at the top of the window.
Like Photoshop, The GIMP's feature set can be expanded through the use of plug-ins. A great site to visit for GIMP plug-ins is The GIMP Plug-in Registry at http://registry.gimp.org. There are far too many plug-ins on offer for us to list them here, but you'll see that the available files are split into various categories, including Render, Transform, Artistic and Extension. So, if you're looking for a specific function that The GIMP doesn't have, you should pay a visit to this site.
If you're keen to gain all the functions of a commercial photo-editing suite without the usual expense, The GIMP is far and away your best option.
Review last modified 16/04/09. Each month PC Utilities magazine reviews scores of great new programs. Have you considered taking advantage of our no-risk subscription offer?
User reviews:
mandi says: I have been using the Gimp for quite some time. It is a wonderful program! And at the price Photoshop asks, you can't beat this deal! Once you get the hang of this program, the sky is the limit! You can even download plugins and such. Awesome! (22/11/2008)
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