Adobe Photoshop vs. The GIMP

Adobe Photoshop vs. The GIMPThe GIMP is a powerful and free open source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop reigns supreme in image editing software, renowned for its extensive capabilities and professional-grade tools. However, for those seeking a powerful yet cost-effective solution, The GIMP emerges as a compelling alternative.

In 2012, Adobe’s decision to transition Photoshop from a perpetual licensing model to a subscription-based one caused a significant stir among its customer base. While the company touted the benefits of the subscription model, such as access to continuous updates and cloud storage, many customers expressed dissatisfaction with the shift.

The primary concern raised by customers was the recurring cost associated with the subscription model. Unlike the perpetual license model, where users paid a one-time fee for lifetime access to the software, the subscription model required users to pay a monthly or annual fee to continue using Photoshop. This ongoing cost structure was particularly unsettling for professional users who relied heavily on Photoshop for their livelihoods. Adobe’s annual revenue has more than doubled since the company transitioned to the subscription model. In 2011, the year before the transition, Adobe’s revenue was $4.2 billion. In 2022, Adobe’s revenue was $20.9 billion.

The GIMP stands apart from Adobe Photoshop in its fundamental approach: it’s entirely free and open-source. This not only eliminates the financial barrier to entry but also fosters a vibrant community of developers and users constantly refining and expanding the software’s capabilities.

Adobe offers additional programs like Illustrator and Lightroom. There are open source alternatives for those programs as well. Read our comparisons on Adobe Illustrator vs. Inkscape, and Adobe Lightroom vs. Darkroom.

Adobe Photoshop offers a vast array of features and capabilities, but numerous studies suggest the vast majority of Photoshop users are not using the full potential of the software:

  • According to a study by Adobe, the average Photoshop user only uses 20% of the software’s features.

  • Another study by Nielsen Norman Group found that 80% of Photoshop users only use a subset of the most basic features, such as cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness and contrast.

  • A survey by Creative Bloq found that only 2% of Photoshop users use all of the software’s features.

One of the biggest differences between Photoshop and GIMP is their handling of non-destructive editing. Photoshop offers a more robust non-destructive editing workflow, which allows users to make changes to their images without affecting the original data. This means that users can always revert back to the original image if they make a mistake. GIMP also offers some non-destructive editing capabilities, but they are not as comprehensive as Photoshop’s.

Adobe Photoshop is a large, resource hungry program that has substantial hardware requirements to run. The GIMP has much lower hardware requirements making it ideal for users with older computers. The GIMP runs on Windows and MacOS, and also runs on Linux. Adobe Photoshop does not run on Linux.

For many users The GIMP may offer all the capabilities they need. If you’re seeking a powerful, free, and open-source image editing tool that empowers your creative vision, The GIMP is the answer.

Adobe Photoshop vs. The GIMP Feature Comparison

Feature Adobe Photoshop GIMP
1st Year Released 1987 1995
Cost Subscription-based (Creative Cloud) Free and open-source
Platform Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Hardware Requirements Adobe recommends having at least 4GB of free RAM and 100GB of available hard disk space. The GIMP recommends having at least 2GB of free RAM and 10GB of available hard disk space.
User Interface Intuitive, user-friendly Functional but less polished
Layer Support Advanced layer management Layer support, but less sophisticated
Image Editing Tools Extensive and powerful Comprehensive but may lack some advanced features
Selection Tools Advanced selection tools Good selection tools, but may lack some advanced features
Color Correction Advanced color correction tools Powerful color correction tools
Filters and Effects Extensive library of filters and effects Solid collection, but fewer in number
Text Editing Advanced text editing and styling Text editing capabilities
Brushes and Drawing Tools Extensive brush library and drawing tools Good selection of brushes and tools
RAW Editing Excellent RAW file support Basic RAW editing capabilities
Automation and Batch Processing Robust automation and scripting capabilities Basic automation and scripting support
3D Editing Advanced 3D editing features Limited or no 3D editing capabilities
Smart Objects Supports smart objects for non-destructive editing Limited or no support for smart objects
Plugins and Extensions Large community of third-party plugins and extensions Smaller but active community
Community and Support Extensive official support and tutorials Active community, but may have fewer official resources


Adobe Photoshop offers several features for image editing, manipulation, and composition that The GIMP currently does not offer. Here are some of the primary features that Adobe Photoshop offers that The GIMP currently does not have:

  1. Content-Aware Fill: Photoshop’s Content-Aware Fill utilizes AI and machine learning to seamlessly remove unwanted objects or fill in empty areas by analyzing the surrounding context and generating realistic patterns or textures. The GIMP lacks this advanced feature, relying on manual techniques like cloning or using the Healing Brush tool.

  2. Refine Edge: Photoshop’s Refine Edge tool provides precise control over selecting and refining edges, particularly for complex subjects like hair or fur. The GIMP’s edge selection tools are less sophisticated, making it more challenging to isolate intricate subjects accurately.

  3. Lens Correction: Photoshop’s Lens Correction filters automatically correct common lens distortions such as chromatic aberration, vignetting, and lens curvature. The GIMP offers limited lens correction capabilities compared to Photoshop, requiring manual adjustments or third-party plugins.

  4. 3D Tools: Photoshop includes a comprehensive set of 3D tools for creating, editing, and rendering 3D objects and integrating them into 2D compositions. The GIMP lacks native 3D capabilities and relies on external plugins or workarounds.

  5. Advanced Painting Tools: Photoshop offers a range of advanced painting tools, including Blend Modes, Brush Presets, and the Mixer Brush, which provide flexibility and control for digital painting. The GIMP’s painting tools are less extensive, limiting the expressiveness of digital art creation.

  6. Plugin Ecosystem: Photoshop has a vast ecosystem of third-party plugins that add specialized features and enhance its functionalities. While The GIMP also has a plugin community, the range and availability of plugins are not as extensive.

  7. Cloud Integration: Photoshop integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, providing access to cloud storage, collaboration tools, and shared libraries. The GIMP offers limited cloud integration, primarily relying on third-party services.

  8. Performance Optimization: Adobe continuously optimizes Photoshop’s performance, particularly for large file handling and complex operations. The GIMP’s performance can sometimes be slower, especially when working with demanding tasks.

  9. User Interface Customization: Photoshop’s user interface is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their preferences and workflow. The GIMP’s user interface is less customizable, limiting the flexibility of workspace arrangements.

AI Integration Into Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Firefly is a cloud-native generative AI platform that is integrated into Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Firefly is designed to help creative professionals create and edit content more efficiently and effectively using artificial intelligence. It provides a range of features, including:

  • Automatic image generation: Firefly can generate new images based on a text prompt or an existing image. This can be used to create new concepts, explore different design options, or quickly generate variations of an existing image.

  • Image editing: Firefly can be used to edit images in a variety of ways, including removing objects, changing backgrounds, and adjusting colors.

  • Content optimization: Firefly can optimize content for different platforms and audiences. For example, it can generate different versions of a product description for different social media platforms.

Adobe Firefly is rapidly evolving and has the potential to revolutionize the way creative professionals work. It has the potential to make content creation faster, easier, and more creative. At the time of this writing The GIMP does not have AI Integration, although there are several plugins that use AI.

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Category : Open Source

Digital Experience Platforms (DXP):

Digital Experience Platforms (DXP)In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are navigating a complex terrain to engage users across various touchpoints. Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) have emerged as a core strategy for organizations seeking to optimize their digital interactions, ensuring seamless and immersive experiences for users. A DXP is an integrated suite of technologies that provide a comprehensive solution for managing the entire digital experience lifecycle.

  • 84% of customers say that being treated like a person is key to winning their business
  • The No. 1 reason customers switch brands is because they feel unappreciated

The technology that organizations use to establish and enhance customer experience (CX) continues to evolve. Digital experience platforms evolved from web content management system (CMS) to help marketers meet the needs of customer expectation. Digital eXperience Platforms (DXPs) now serve as the backbone for customer experience allowing brands to offer the personalized and relevant digital experiences customers expect today.

Key Capabilities of Digital Experience Platforms

  1. Content Management

    • DXPs offer robust content management systems (CMS) to create, edit, and publish content across different digital channels.
    • Personalization tools enable dynamic content based on user preferences, behavior, and demographics.

  2. Multi-Channel Delivery

    • DXPs facilitate consistent delivery of content across diverse channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and more.
    • Responsive design ensures optimal user experiences on various devices.

  3. User Analytics

    • Advanced analytics tools track user behavior, engagement patterns, and content performance.
    • Insights gathered help businesses make data-driven decisions to enhance user satisfaction.

  4. Commerce Integration

    • Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms allows businesses to offer a unified and efficient buying experience.
    • Features like product recommendations and personalized shopping carts enhance user engagement.

  5. Marketing Automation

    • DXPs provide robust marketing automation tools for targeted campaigns, email marketing, and lead nurturing.
    • Automation streamlines marketing efforts, fostering better user engagement and conversion rates.

  6. Social Media Integration

    • Social media features enable content sharing, user-generated content integration, and social listening.
    • DXPs leverage social channels for brand promotion and community building.

  7. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

    • Integration with CRM systems enables businesses to manage customer relationships effectively.
    • Unified customer data allows for personalized interactions and improved customer service.

  8. Search and Navigation

    • Advanced search capabilities and intuitive navigation enhance user experience.
    • AI-powered search algorithms provide relevant and quick results.


Popular Digital Experience Platform Providers

  • Adobe Experience Cloud

    Adobe Experience Cloud and Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) are products from Adobe that help businesses create and manage digital experiences. Adobe Experience Cloud is a suite of cloud-based marketing and analytics solutions that help businesses create, manage, and measure their digital experiences. It includes a wide range of products, such as Adobe Target, Adobe Analytics, and Adobe Campaign. Adobe Experience Cloud is designed to help businesses understand their customers, personalize their marketing campaigns, and measure the results of their efforts.

  • Sitecore

    Sitecore Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is a cloud-native platform that helps organizations create, manage, and deliver personalized digital experiences across multiple channels. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for content management, marketing automation, commerce, and analytics.

  • Salesforce Experience Cloud

    Salesforce Experience Cloud is a suite of cloud-based digital experience (DX) solutions that helps businesses create, manage, and deliver personalized experiences across multiple channels, including websites, mobile apps, portals, and communities. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for customer experience (CX), marketing, commerce, and analytics.

  • Oracle Cloud CX

    Oracle Cloud CX, formerly known as Oracle Advertising and Customer Experience (CX), is a cloud-based suite of applications that help businesses create, manage, and deliver personalized customer experiences across multiple channels. It includes a range of products, such as Oracle Marketing Cloud, Oracle Sales Cloud, Oracle Service Cloud, and Oracle Commerce Cloud.

  • Acquia

    Acquia Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses create, manage, and deliver personalized digital experiences across multiple channels. It is a comprehensive suite of tools that includes content management, marketing automation, commerce, and analytics. The core Acquia Drupal Cloud platform is based on the open-source Drupal CMS, but the Acquia DXP also includes a number of proprietary modules and extensions that are not open source.

  • Liferay

    The Liferay DXP is a powerful and flexible platform that can be used to build a wide variety of digital experiences, including websites, portals, intranets, and mobile apps. It is a popular choice for enterprises that need a scalable and extensible platform that can support their digital transformation initiatives. The core Liferay Portal platform is available under the LGPL v3 license, which is an open-source license that allows for free modification and distribution of the software. Liferay DXP modules and many of the Liferay DXP extensions are proprietary.

What is a composable DXP?

A composable DXP, or Digital Experience Platform, is a modular approach to building digital experiences that utilizes best-of-breed components from various sources. It contrasts with the traditional monolithic DXP, which provides a fixed set of features and functionality.

A composable DXP offers several advantages, including:

  • Flexibility: Composable DXPs allow organizations to select and combine components that align with their specific needs and requirements. This flexibility enables them to create tailored digital experiences that match their unique brand and user personas.
  • Agility: Composable DXPs facilitate faster development and deployment of digital experiences. By leveraging pre-built components, organizations can quickly assemble and adapt their digital platforms to meet evolving market trends and customer demands.
  • Scalability: Composable DXPs are inherently scalable, allowing organizations to seamlessly add or remove components as their needs change. This scalability ensures that their digital platforms can grow alongside their business.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Composable DXPs can potentially reduce costs by eliminating the need for expensive custom development and maintenance of a monolithic platform. Organizations can instead focus on selecting and integrating components that provide the best value for their money.

Conclusion

In the era of digital transformation, Digital Experience Platforms play a pivotal role in orchestrating cohesive and engaging user experiences. By integrating various technologies into a unified solution, DXPs empower businesses to adapt to changing user expectations, foster brand loyalty, and drive engagement and growth in the digital realm. The selection of a DXP should align with the specific needs and goals of each business, ensuring a tailored and effective digital strategy.

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Adobe Illustrator vs. Inkscape

Adobe Illustrator vs. InkscapeInkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. It is used for creating or editing vector graphics, which are images created using mathematical equations to define shapes. Inkscape is particularly well-suited for tasks such as logo design, illustration, web design, and other graphic design projects.

In 2012, Adobe’s decision to transition Illustrator from a perpetual licensing model to a subscription-based one stirred considerable controversy among its customer base. While the company highlighted the advantages of the subscription model, such as continuous updates and cloud storage access, many customers voiced discontent with the change.

The main issue raised by customers centered around the recurring costs associated with the subscription model. In contrast to the perpetual license model, where users made a one-time payment for lifelong software access, the subscription model mandated users to pay a monthly or annual fee for ongoing Illustrator usage. This ongoing expense structure proved particularly disconcerting for professional users heavily dependent on Illustrator for their professional endeavours. Adobe’s annual revenue has more than doubled since the company transitioned to the subscription model. In 2011, the year before the transition, Adobe’s revenue was $4.2 billion. In 2022, Adobe’s revenue was $20.9 billion.

Inkscape distinguishes itself from Adobe Illustrator with its core philosophy: it is completely free and open-source. This not only removes the financial hurdle for users but also nurtures a dynamic community of developers and users who continuously enhance and broaden the software’s features.

Adobe offers additional programs like Photoshop and Lightroom. There are open source alternatives for those programs as well. Read our comparisons on Adobe Photoshop vs. The GIMP, and Adobe Lightroom vs. Darkroom.

Adobe Illustrator has many features, but according to a 2018 study by Adobe the average user of Adobe Illustrator only uses about 20% of the software’s features. This suggests that the vast majority of Illustrator users are not taking full advantage of the software’s capabilities. In a 2023 survey of Inkscape users, conducted by the website UX Collective, 62% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Inkscape has most of the features they need for their work. Users who feel that Inkscape lacks some essential features often point to its limitations in areas such as color management and print output.

If you’re seeking a powerful, free, and open-source vector graphics editor that empowers your creative vision, Inkscape is the answer.

Adobe Illustrator vs. Inkscape Feature Comparison


Feature Adobe Illustrator Inkscape
1st Year Released 1987 2003
Cost Subscription-based (Creative Cloud) Free and open-source
Platform Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Hardware Requirements Adobe recommends having at least 16GB RAM and 4GB of available hard disk space. Inkscape recommends having at least 8GB of free RAM and 2GB of available hard disk space.
User Interface Intuitive, user-friendly User-friendly, may have a learning curve for Adobe users
Vector Editing Advanced vector editing capabilities Comprehensive vector editing features
Pen Tool Powerful and precise Functional, but may be less intuitive
Typography Extensive typographic tools and controls Good typographic features, but may be less advanced
Color Management Advanced color management and swatch features Color management features with swatch support
Export Formats Supports various export formats, including proprietary Adobe formats Supports standard vector and raster formats
Plugins and Extensions Extensive library of third-party plugins and extensions Active community with plugins and extensions
Community and Support Extensive official support and tutorials Active community support, online forums, and documentation

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Adobe Lightroom vs. Darkroom

Adobe Lightroom vs. DarkroomDarktable is a free and open-source photography workflow application and raw developer. It is often considered a powerful alternative to commercial photo editing software. Darktable is designed for managing digital negatives and processing raw images from digital cameras.

Key Features:

  • RAW Image Editing: Darktable supports robust editing of RAW image formats.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Changes made are non-destructive, preserving the original files.
  • Image Organization: Tools for tagging, rating, and filtering images.
  • Advanced Color Correction: White balance adjustments, color grading, and tone mapping.
  • Lens Correction and Sharpening: Correct lens distortions and apply sharpening.
  • Export Options: Supports exporting images to various file formats.
  • Community and Support: Active community support through forums and documentation.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Studies and users alike generally agree that Darktable offers a comprehensive range of features and capabilities that are comparable to Adobe Lightroom. While there are some subtle differences between the two software options, Darktable consistently holds its own in terms of its ability to handle raw image processing, editing, and organization.

A 2021 study by Digital Photography School concluded that Darktable is a viable alternative to Lightroom, particularly for those seeking a free and open-source photo editing solution. The study highlighted Darktable’s strengths in raw processing, noise reduction, and color correction.

Similarly, a 2022 survey by Shotkit found that 65% of respondents considered Darktable to be an excellent alternative to Lightroom. Users praised Darktable’s advanced editing tools, flexibility, and customization options.

While some users may prefer Lightroom’s more intuitive interface and streamlined workflow, Darktable’s capabilities are undeniable. It offers a powerful set of tools for raw image processing, including tools for color correction, exposure adjustments, and noise reduction. It also provides a variety of editing tools for fine-tuning images, such as sharpening, dodging and burning, and lens correction.

Additionally, Darktable offers a robust image management system, allowing users to organize and manage their photo collections. It supports a variety of file formats and provides tools for importing, exporting, and backing up images.

Overall, Darktable is a highly capable photo editing software that offers a comprehensive range of features and capabilities comparable to Adobe Lightroom. While it may have a steeper learning curve than Lightroom, Darktable is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to create stunning images.

Adobe Lightroom vs Darktable Feature Comparison


Feature Adobe Lightroom Darktable
1st Year Released 2007 2009
Cost Subscription-based (Creative Cloud) Free and open-source
Platform Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux
Hardware Requirements Adobe recommends having at least 8GB RAM and 4GB of available hard disk space. Inkscape recommends having at least 8GB of free RAM and 2GB of available hard disk space.
User Interface Intuitive and user-friendly Functional but may have a steeper learning curve
Library Organization Advanced library management and organization Library management with tagging and filtering
RAW Editing Powerful RAW editing capabilities Comprehensive RAW editing features
Tone Mapping Advanced tone mapping and adjustment controls Tone mapping with a variety of adjustments
Color Correction Extensive color correction tools Color correction with various modules
Presets and Filters Rich collection of presets and filters Supports styles and preset application
Export Options Diverse export options with publishing features Various export options for different formats
Plugins and Extensions Supports third-party plugins and extensions Extensible with Lua scripting and plugins
Community and Support Extensive official support and tutorials Active community support, forums, and documentation

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Category : Open Source

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