Photo work that holds up
Retouch, restore, and build composites with a full raster toolkit. How far you go depends on the edit, not a paywall.
Stable 3.2.4 · April 2026 release
Download GIMP for serious image work, without a subscription
GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program: a free, open-source editor for photos and graphics on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This site covers build 3.2.4 with clear package facts, integrity checks, and install notes.
Free on Windows, macOS, and Linux · Licensed under the GPL
Where GIMP fits
Photo, illustration, interface art, and scripted pipelines
The same creative roles the GIMP project calls out, paired with artwork from this site media set.
Drawing and illustration
Paint and invent with brushes, layers, and the non-destructive vector tools introduced in the 3.2 series.
A solid piece of a print-ready workflow
Color management helps keep digital and print output consistent. Many teams pair GIMP with free tools such as Scribus and Inkscape.
Extend it when you need to
Python, Scheme, and other language hooks support custom scripts and plug-ins. Community add-ons show how far you can tailor the editor.
Header image: Niagara Rainbow by Ville Pätsi (CC BY)
High Quality Photo Manipulation background image by Pat David (CC BY-SA)
Original Artwork Creation background image by David Revoy (CC BY)
Graphic Design Elements background image by community contributors (CC BY-SA)
Context
How GIMP compares on paper
Specific criteria from public feature sets and licensing, for people deciding where to download first.
| Criteria | GIMP 3.2.4 | Adobe Photoshop | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| License cost | Free (GPL) | Subscription | Paid license (no Adobe subscription) |
| Source code | Open source | Closed | Closed |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, iPad |
| Non-destructive layers | Text, Link, Vector layers in 3.2 | Smart Objects, adjustment layers | Live filters and non-destructive stack |
| Plug-ins / scripts | Python, Scheme, GEGL community plug-ins | Extensive commercial ecosystem | More limited extension model |
| Learning curve | Powerful but can feel less friendly at first (Softonic reviews) | Industry standard UI polish | Designed for Photoshop switchers |
Need install help after switching? See GIMP troubleshooting guides.
Before you install
Check the file, then run it
GIMP is widely trusted open-source software. Still verify hashes and signatures, especially when antivirus heuristics fire.
Integrity checklist
- Confirm the build is GIMP 3.2.4 for your OS architecture.
- Compare the published SHA-256 for
gimp-3.2.4-setup.exe: ec31d757dd82831d201ffcf47ffeac4175df739e0c02d5122e89aeeadfb988cc - On Windows, open Digital Signatures on the file and confirm the signature validates.
- If SmartScreen warns, treat it as reputation lag on a new build, then verify the hash before continuing.
From real users
Notes from people who use it
Language drawn from Softonic user reviews (about 3.7/5 across 29 reviews) and common forum themes. Hover the strip to pause.
“I like the simplicity of installation… compatibility with all main image formats. I have a XP-Pen Deco 01 graphic tablet for GIMP work (photo retouching). For GIMP it's powerful and well integrated.”
“Recommend it because it is free, but not that user friendly.”
“A very good app, helping a lot of editions in photos and pictures.”
“Frankly, in my opinion, GIMP is way up there with the best of them… I would highly recommend this fine utility.”
Forum users often report antivirus false positives on brand-new installers. Checking the SHA-256 against the published value is the usual fix path.
In brief
Common questions
Direct answers to the searches people run before they download GIMP.
Yes. GIMP is free and open source under the GPL. There are no trials, subscriptions, or paid feature tiers on the official builds.
Yes. GIMP 3.2.4 supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 1903 or later for the standard 64-bit installer.
Official GIMP releases are clean open-source software. Some antivirus products raise false positives on new installers. Verify SHA-256 and the digital signature, then restore quarantined files if needed.
Yes. GIMP and Photoshop can coexist on the same computer without installation conflicts.
GIMP is a professional editor and needs reasonable resources. It runs well on most modern PCs with at least 4 GB RAM and a dual-core processor; large canvases benefit from more RAM.
Next step
Get 3.2.4 with the facts in one place
See platform builds, system requirements, changelog timeline, and SHA guidance on the download page.
Page updated 21 Aug 2026 · Facts aligned with GIMP 3.2.4 project materials