Vector

Hello Fellow Hoggers,

I read that GIMP started out as a free alternative to Photoshop way back when. Has anyone made the transition from GIMP to Photoshop? if so, how easy or difficult was it? Did using GIMP help with learning Photoshop?

Thanks!

tramsey Loc: Texas

I've been using GIMP since way back when. I has everything I want plus. I've looked at what Photo Shop has and what it offers I have no interest in so I stick with GIMP. I use a couple of others also but GIMP is my go to fixer.

Vector

Tramsey,

If you don't mind me asking, what other PP software do you use and do you use them for special tasks?

Bill_de Loc: US

I don't think Gimp was around when I started using PhotoShop. PhotoShop progressed way beyond my needs. Gimp is not a smooth as PS, but gets the job done. If you are set on using PhotoShop, watch the available tutorials and jump in with both feet. If you just want to get your feet wet, PhotoShop Elements is a good place to start.

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rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

You can customize GIMP such that it looks and acts very much like Photoshop. That may make the transition a little easier. Tutorials on how to customize GIMP in that manner are not too difficult to find on the internet.

Canisdirus

GIMP is fine for basic retouching...and free.
After that...Photoshop pretty much owns GIMP.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

I looked into GIMP and had 2 issues. One, Apple doesn't like apps unless they're from Apple's App Store ($?). Two, I couldn't find a GIMP quick selection brush like Photoshop's. I tried to learn the pen tool so I could use that in GIMP but I just don't get along with the pen tool. So I bought Photoshop Elements.

I'm not sure what happened but when I upgraded the Mac's OS, Photoshop CS 5 quit working. 32 vs 64 bit? Perhaps.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Graphic Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is a member of the "Open Source" Community where there is most likely a program available that embodies the features of popular commercial programs. They are quite feature-packed and operate quite robustly. They are not "freeware" software and there are no nag-screens.

Like most feature-rich programs there is a bit of a learning curve to operate them at a master level. The good news is that there is a wealth of tutorials free for viewing on YouTube and other media outlets.

The closest "pay once and done" Photoshop alternative is Affinity Photo and it accepts many of the add-on plugins that Photoshop uses so all one needs to do is to identify the path and they work seamlessly. Frankly, I am blown away that what appears to be a Photoshop clone sells for a single $55 U.S.D. price. If one has ever used Photoshop, transition to Affinity is quite simple. No subscriptions and updates are always included.

Both would be a solid alternative to Photoshop with GIMP being free with a learning curve and Affinity Photo being a modest one time price with more Photoshop useability faster learning curve.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

GIMP = "GNU Image Manipulation Program"

GIMP also uses a lot of PS plugins. It does most all that PS does - don't argue, it does. Gimp has a learning curve like most compes programs.

hrblaine

>Has anyone made the transition from GIMP to Photoshop?

I went from Gimp to Elements. I didn't find it difficult. Harry

Canisdirus

It's still Photoshop light...which makes perfect sense.
GIMP doesn't have the color science that PS has.
PS is very deep...no doubt...and if it is too complicated...GIMP is the answer.
But it can't compete with PS.
If it could...Adobe would be forced to drop its pricing...notice that hasn't happened.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

What is the "color science?" I don't understand.

Thanks.
Ed

Bill_de Loc: US

https://fstoppers.com/education/what-color-science-and-should-it-actually-matter-photographers-298843


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DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I started using GIMP because price. I was just getting into PP around 2006 or 07. I consider it was a good introduction to layers and masks. Eventually I paid the big bucks for PS because it did more things that I wanted to do. At the time the GIMP and PS UIs were quite different so there was a learning curve to deal with. But I don’t regret using it.

Canisdirus

Here is a link to a good breakdown of some of the major differences between GIMP and PS.
Color science is covered in point number 1.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/can-photoshop-gimp-cant/