Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
GIMP vs Krita
2 tools, 7 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
GIMP or Krita?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
GIMP
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
KKrita
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
GIMP
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Open source under the GNU General Public License, with commercial use explicitly allowed.
- Imports and exports PSD files with layers intact.
- Batch processing from the command line, driven by Script-Fu scripting.
Cons
- Full CMYK editing is not shipped; the project describes it only as a roadmap item.
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- Runs only as installed desktop software, with no web or mobile version.
KKrita
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Opens and saves PSD files with layers intact.
- Transform masks and filter masks apply edits non-destructively.
- A documented Python scripting API and plugin support extend the app.
Cons
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- No batch processing across multiple files, only per-file Python scripting.
- No iOS or iPadOS version; it runs on Windows, macOS and Android in beta.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1995 | 1998 |
| HQ | — | Netherlands |
| AI model | None | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (beta) |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | Yes, the whole app | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| All plans | Free — Free | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photo editors who want a free, open-source desktop editor they can extend with their own plug-ins | Artists who want a free, open-source painting and image editor with PSD support and CMYK painting |
| Differentiator | GIMP is free, open-source software with no company behind it, extended through a documented plug-in API. | Krita is a free, open-source painting app that works in CMYK and opens and saves layered PSD files. |
| Competitors | Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, Photopea | Procreate, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop |
Section 03
GIMP vs Krita: common questions
Is GIMP or Krita cheaper?
GIMP's cheapest paid plan is Free and Krita's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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