High quality photo manipulation
GIMP provides the tools needed for high quality image manipulation. From retouching to restoring to creative composites, the only limit is your imagination.
Stable 3.2.4 · Updated Apr 2026
GIMP free image editor download for real creative work
GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program, a free open-source photo and graphics editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Get version 3.2.4 with clear build details, integrity checks, and install guidance.
Free for Windows, macOS, and Linux · Open source under the GPL
What GIMP is for
Creative work across photo, art, design, and code
The same capability areas highlighted on the GIMP project site, shown here with the matching artwork from this site media library.
Original artwork creation
GIMP gives artists the flexibility to transform images into truly unique creations with brushes, layers, and non-destructive vector work in 3.2.
Graphic design elements
GIMP is used for producing icons, graphical design elements, and art for user interface components and mockups.
Programming algorithms
GIMP is a high quality framework for scripted image manipulation, with multi-language support such as C, C++, Python, Scheme, and more.
Key component in a desktop publishing workflow
GIMP provides top-notch color management features to ensure high-fidelity color reproduction across digital and printed media. It is best used in workflows involving other free software such as Scribus and Inkscape.
Extensibility & flexibility
GIMP provides extensibility through integration with many programming languages including Python, Scheme, and more. The result is a high level of customization as demonstrated by the large number of scripts and plug-ins created by the community.
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)
Category context
GIMP vs common editors
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.
Transparency
Trust before you run the installer
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.
User voices
What people actually say
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.
Quick answers
Short FAQ
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.
Ready when you are
Download GIMP 3.2.4 with version clarity
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