Photoshop is the first word in graphic design software and like most leading software products, it demands a fee from anyone who wants to use it. In fact, to access Photoshop, you'll need to fork out about $19.99 every month. Personally, I don't have an issue with this given how powerful Photoshop is but there are those who do.
Gimp vs Photoshop elements have become a target for retouchers and photographers` interest. Gimp is a retouching program that may replace Photoshop in photo editing service according to some minds, but is it really so? Or Photoshop will stay irreplaceable forever having no competitors at all?
In the following article we are going to find an answer to a question is Gimp better than Photoshop? For this we will try to efficiently compare the Gimp vs Photoshop elements by discussing their similarities and differences as well as sphere of everyday application. Firstly, let`s begin with a piece of video. You will see the real difference between Gimp and Photoshop.
Lots of contemporary retouchers considered Photoshop or maximum Lightroom as the only retouching programs that are suitable for everyday professional work. Still, this idea now has a tendency to be doubted and even completely ruined. Today these two programs are not the only ones that have no substitutes. And we will prove it by a number of facts that will be revealed in the article.
Photoshop is the first word in graphic design software and like most leading software products, it demands a fee from anyone who wants to use it. In fact, to access Photoshop, you'll need to fork out about $19.99 every month. Personally, I don't have an issue with this given how powerful Photoshop is but there are those who do. In addition to photo editing, Adobe Photoshop Elements doubles up as a reliable photo management program. Overall, Adobe Photoshop Elements is a great photo editing software like photoshop. Download Adobe Photoshop Elements 12. Photo Pos Pro is a complete image editing suite rivaling the expensive Photoshop software when it comes to enhancing photos and creating stunning pieces of art. The interface is organized in a simple and easy to understand way, unlike other free Photoshop alternatives like GIMP. Easily edit, create, organize, and share your photos with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 powered with Adobe Sensei AI technology.
Currently retouchers demand to be provided with informative comparison on Photoshop and Gimp utility. In this article we satisfy this wish and will try to reveal all secrets about both problems. In order to understand which retouching program is better and more suitable for everyday or professional work, we will firstly present two overviews. One will be devoted to the informative description of modern Gimp. You will discover its history, peculiarities of using and much more. In the second overview we will focus our attention on Photoshop. Again we will shed light to the process and reasons of its creation as well as to main specific features of its using by professional retouchers. After gathering all pieces of information together we hope that every photographer or retoucher will realize which program will be more suitable.
Every invention without exceptions and not only in the sphere of photo retouching must be doubted and challenged. Besides, about one of such inventions you may read in Google photo editing – future has already come.
Usually they are compared with inventions of the same kind and in case that is not possible, with a slightly different sample. The same will be done with Photoshop or Gimp. From the first sight and without deep knowledge in digital graphic design, both programs seem to be equally in power concerning common picture improving tasks. But that is only for the first view and nothing more, as this theory contains a lot of discrepancies. They are mainly connected with used tools, resources and plug-ins. They precisely make one retouching program better than other and force photographers to have a question “Is Gimp as good as Photoshop”?
That is a photo retouching software that is free for using. Like other modern samples, it is combinable with all existing versions of operating systems. It has a quite recognizable emblem on which a funny wolf with a brush is depicted, so you will not confuse it with other retouching programs.
The first you should know about Gimp in order to consider Gimp vs Photoshop elements is how Gimp looks like, meaning its interface. Gimp has a typical and fixed arrangement of pop-up windows. This is important for efficient retouching work. Let`s consider each of them separately.
This is the definite heart of GIMP. It contains the main menu, buttons with all necessary icons, clicking on which retouchers and photographers select tools and other useful things important for picture improving.
It is located in the bottom of the toolbar. The “Tool Options” pop-up window displays the parameters of the selected tool. Here retouchers find additional setting for an option they have already chosen.
Each photo in GIMP program is displayed in a special separate window. https://zylkpb.over-blog.com/2021/01/video-and-audio-recording-software-mac.html. That makes retouching simpler and more organized and proves that is Gimp as good as Photoshop. You can simultaneously open a large number of images, as much as the system resources allow. You even use GIMP without a single open image. You may do it for informational purposes.
This dialog displays the layers of the active picture. It allows operating with them. Undisputedly, some simple operations can be performed without it. But even not very experienced users consider it necessary to have constant access to the dialog of layers. Photographers usually name every layer in order not to be confused with done work.
The panel is located exactly under the layers “Dialog”. Here you will find all necessary extra settings for the enumerated tools. The icons located here show the currently selected GIMP elements, such as: a brush used by all drawing tools. The texture used to fill the selected areas, and the tool gradient that is applied when you want to create a smooth color transition.
To structure all information about Gimp logically and in an understandable way, we present an enumeration of its functions. Gimp compared to Photoshop has not less functions. So, having downloaded Gimp, you surely will:
1. Make your photos more saturated and juicier, so that they will more accurately convey the necessary mood;
2. Remove unnecessary elements from photographs;
3. Create collages and posters of various kinds
4. Prepare web site design and cut ready layouts;
5. Draw different pictures using graphic tablets (Wacom, Genius, etc.)
6. Process various scientific data (FITS, DICOM).
Of course that is not all and that proves that is Gimp as good as Photoshop. Creators have made Gimp quite useful for modern designers, illustrators, photographers and even scientists. People of all enumerated professions use it for making advertising icons, different graphical elements of design and varied mock-ups.
Additionally, Gimp compared to Photoshop is rather simple in using. It has a customizable specific interface. Its users are allowed to change colors, themes, widget spacing and even icon size. We have mention that Gimp is popular among designers. That is so because this modern program can work with PSD files.
One more appealing feature is that different programming languages can be used in Gimp. That attracts young specialists that need to train Perl or Python, for example. And the last fact. When you finish your retouching, full screen view will be displayed for you.
Adobe Photoshop is the most powerful graphics retouching program today. The possibilities of this program cover the whole spectrum of various operations and techniques that are related to professional work with graphics. We will enumerate them. They are photo processing, creating own drawings, creating posters, mock-ups, covers for different products, creating postcards and much more.
Photoshop contains hundreds of tools, thousands of techniques and definitely a million of mind-blowing effects. The interface in the program is simple, as in Gimp, and quite intuitive to use. There is always an opportunity for retouchers to add a lot of new effects, brushes and gradients that will make retouching work professional and unusual. Mainly it is combinable with Mac and certainly Windows.
Modern versions of Photoshop have a prefix CS. For example the latest version is CS6. So, what can be done in case you have downloaded Photoshop and have paid for its services?
1. You may change size of photos.
2. You can optimize photos of various formats.
3. Adding effects to pictures is also possible.
4. The program mainly works with bitmap images, but there are also some vector tools.
Photoshop has one undeniable minus. It is almost impossible to study it thoroughly. The reason for this is that Photoshop is constantly modified. Developers tend to add something new. Still, for these modifications Photoshop has such immense success and the main evidence for this is that Photoshop is already used as a verb. People say: “Will you, please, photoshop my photos?” and the message is clear.
For many people Photoshop is a rather expensive pleasure. In general, it costs from $9 to $80 per month. If you do not need to have everyday professional support or it is not required by your profession, you do not need to pay so much.
Unfortunately, these two programs cannot be compared due to a considerable number of discrepancies that are crucial for modern photographers and most of all retocuhers. GIMP is installed as the special image editor for mainly Linux operating systems. Photoshop is still not supported by this operating system. In this sense, the statement that GIMP can become a substitute for Photoshop for current but not numerous Linux users is true. In this way for the question “Is Gimp better than Photoshop and why?” we may answer positively.
But this circumstance in does not make GIMP a better alternative to Photoshop, because The only reason why Linux users deal with Gimp is that Photoshop is not supported by this operating system. Maybe, if it wasn`t so, those who use Linux will pay attention to Photoshop. So, Photoshop or Gimp is still an opened question.
Photoshop has established itself as the most used software in photo retouching sphere. That has led to the situation when any other graphics editors should be compared with Photoshop before being judged as practical or not. Gimp program is not a logical exception. Therefore, many retouchers try to find important difference between Gimp and Photoshop.
Photoshop is a successful commercial project, so it has certain obligations to the users who bought it. Depending on this undeniable fact, it must provide many functions and support from its creators. These components are natural for all commercial software. GIMP, on the contrary, is free software and is supported only by voluntary enthusiast developers. Thereafter, this software does not have any obligations to users. You see that situation with commercial customers is totally different, as they may expect all-day-round support, as they have paid for the Photoshop program. Judging from this point of view, every retoucher or photographer should think independently what to choose, or to be more exact, what is more important: saving money or professional support.
In addition to all mentioned facts, comparing the features of one image retouching program with another in terms of possible provided actions and sphere of application is incorrect. We will explain this idea. Any function that is not presented in the program at the moment can be added later. At the same time, future updates of the program may not meet user expectations, as for instance free Gimp. From this sight Gimp compared to Photoshop loses points.
The main difference, of course, that is visible for every person even for not a professional one is the price. GIMP is absolutely free software. In addition, it has open source. Contemporary photographers can use this program for free. If they want and need, they can donate amounts of money to its developers. Proceeding from this fact, free modern GIMP can be very useful for beginner designers, who just want to try and to decide what they require and who do need to pay for Photoshop.
In addition, GIMP is a cross-platform. That means it is completely suitable for various operating systems. It can be used on Mac, Windows, and definitely Linux.
Still, provided functions are important. In terms of opportunities for drawing, retouching and design, Photoshop has incomparably more useful functions than free GIMP. For this the bigger part of contemporary users prefers exactly Photoshop. For professional targets it is more suitable.
Nevertheless, GIMP is much more than just a common set of raw functions. It does not stop in its developing. The creating community continues to develop interesting and very useful plug-ins for it one by one, making it more and more competitive. So, maybe in few years we will be able not to doubt. Is Gimp better than Photoshop? The answer will be positive.
If you need a tiny combination of functions for use, it’s more logical to consider switching to free GIMP. You just do not pay for the acquisition and do not waste your time learning sophisticated Photoshop. The problem is that you will completely rarely use most of them or even do not use at all. So, estimate your skills and needs, consider Gimp vs Photoshop elements and choose retouching program depending on this criterion. You should not follow all tendencies without clear realization of your personal needs. Photoshop is not always good and beneficial. GIMP is harder to learn since many beginners and experienced users consider its user interface quite confusing for every beginner. Still, it depends.
If you hesitate whether you can fast switch from common Photoshop to a little different Gimp, we are going to present a secret for you. If Gimp interface seem unclear, unusual and sophisticated for you, the practical idea will be to find GIMPshop. That is a specified program that has nearly the same capabilities as in Gimp, but all of them are adjusted to Photoshop interface. Simply, standard Gimp interface is replaced with those to which you are already used. This interface is made to facilitate the transition from Photoshop to modern GIMP.
Still, you have to realize this idea in the right way. GIMPshop does not support Photoshop add-ons at all. It works only with native GIMP applications. We mean brushes, plug-ins, gradients, etc., but all of them look exactly like in Photoshop.
The choice between these samples is a complicated one, but it is not a crucial one. Much more depend on the human factor. We may come to the conclusion that no matter what the automation is, it will not replace good human hands. One more great idea to practice your skills is Shutterstock. To know more read Shutterstock photo editor – How does it work.
Still, to sum up Gimp has the following weak points:
1. It is less popular and thus supported.
2. Its tools are not as beneficial as in Photoshop.
3. It takes more time to load.
Among its pluses we name:
1. The range of tools is almost the same.
2. It has open source.
3. The current interface is almost similar to PS.
4. It may work with Linux.
In terms of contemporary Photoshop, it has such strong points:
1. It has professional support and popularity.
2. The range of tools is wider.
And minuses:
1. It is expensive.
2. There are lots of pirate copies.
3. You will need license validation all the time.
Our service is ready to help not only with this question, but also with retouching your images. We have modest photo editing prices, so that you will not feel them.
Do you know where and how to get Adobe Photoshop Elements free trial? Is it dangerous and illegal to download a pirated version? What are the best alternatives of Photoshop Elements 2020? Find all your answers below. Banktivity 6 2 4 – intuitive personal finance manager interview.
The easiest way to get Photoshop Elements full version for free is to download a trial version. Photoshop Elements trial expires in 30 days. This period will be enough to see the advantages and disadvantages of the program before making a purchase.
What Happens after 30 Days of Photoshop Elements Free Trial Usage?
The program will simply stop working and, if you wish to use it further, you can pay for it on the Adobe website and it will be activated for full use. And if you want to save money, you may purchase a program on Amazon, as they have a low price for Photoshop Elements.
What are the Advantages of Using Photoshop Elements Free Trial?
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a fairly simple Photoshop version for image editing and retouching. (learn more about how to get Lightroom for free or download Photoshop free). Although it is inexpensive and easy to use, it has many powerful functions for photo editing. With the help of the program, you can easily manipulate your images, tagging them with keywords and placing them in albums. Moreover, with the help of automatic face recognition and tags, you may find a certain person in a few seconds. In order not to waste time on the photos publication, you may use a rapid content publication function in a convenient way.
The latest Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 version was created for fast photo retouching. When you open the program, you see the automatically created slideshows, as well as photos and videos collages on the main screen. With a step-by-step guide and automated functions, you may create beautiful photos being an amateur in photo editing. This program is a great tool to realize creative ideas of beginners. You can download free Photoshop actions, free Photoshop overlays, free Photoshop textures, and free Photoshop brushes to make your photo retouching faster and professional.
Photoshop Elements Free Trial FAQs:
What operating system do I need for Free Photoshop Elements?
The program can be installed on both MacOS and Windows (64-bit versions only).
Are there any discounts for students and teachers?
Pupils and students have a right for a discount if they are older than13 years and they study at an educational establishment and can also provide documents to confirm.
Teachers have a right for a discount if they can confirm their position at school by e-mail or with the help of documents. The discount is 60%.
Is this program version full?
Yes, this is a free trial version of the photo editing software that features the same functions as the full version after purchase.
Can Photoshop Elements 2020 be installed on multiple devices at the same time?
You can install Photoshop Elements only on one computer twice at most. If your computer breaks down, you will be able to reinstall the software only once. Otherwise, you will need to contact Adobe support.
Does Photoshop Elements 2020 work faster than earlier versions?
Yes, the performance of Photoshop Elements is higher and it will please you with its quick installation.
If you are a fan of mobile photo editing apps, we can offer you a great Adobe Photoshop Elements free analog – Photoshop Express. The mobile version is very simple and supports several photo formats. The program has a large number of filters and functions, that's why it is as good as Photoshop Elements 2020. Photoshop Express is available for smartphones along with the tablets operated by iOS, Android, and Windows.
As the program is created by well-known Adobe Company, even with the mobile application, you have an opportunity to connect to Adobe Creative Cloud, FaceBook, Dropbox, or Google Photos. If you use the program online, you have an access to the Cloud to store your work and synchronize your materials with Photoshop Elements free. The application can be used completely for free, an access to additional effects and functions are available after logging in your Adobe ID. You can share your works on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, WhatsApp and instantly send them via email or SMS.
The main drawbacks of Photoshop Express mobile version are an ineffective image retouching option and a bad camera in the application. Using the Photoshop Express mobile version, you can hardly achieve professional photo post processing but the program copes easily with the basic photo editing and collage creation.
Many people are constantly trying to cheat and install pirated versions of photo editing softwares to save money. Not everyone wants to buy the licensed version after the free trial period has finished. Of course, Adobe products are quite expensive and not every average worker can afford to buy Photoshop. This is the main reason why people switch to pirated program versions.
Adobe does its best to eliminate such cases and even moved its software to the Cloud to completely solve the pirate issue. Unfortunately, it isn’t an obstacle for all hackers. Experienced hackers managed to find a way to bypass Adobe protection and run new software versions without paying for a license, with some functional limitations. But they were unable to open access to the full-fledged work in the Creative Cloud. Can you upgrade the storage on a macbook air.
But still, why is it better not to download a pirated version?
There are several reasons why pirated programs are worse than licensed ones:
1. The Possibility to Get the Virus
A greedy free Photoshop Elements user may come across computer viruses, other malicious programs or spyware. The recovery of your PC may be identical to the cost of the licensed program. Also, not all pirated programs are free, so beware of purchasing apps in unreliable stores. For economy and safety, there is an opportunity to legally download old Photoshop versions absolutely free of charge.
2. Law Punishment
Adobe is one of a few companies that harass private users, who illegally install one of their products to their computers. Many are misled that only large companies and office workers are checked, but ordinary people aren't affected. It is far from the case. There are many ways to check whether you use a licensed program, especially if photo editing is your job.
3. Huge Fine
If law enforcement officials find out that you have a pirated version of the software on your PC, you will need to pay a fine of more than $1,500. It is 15 times more than the cost of the licensed program version.
4. Waste of Time
It will take you a couple of minutes to install the licensed version and the installation of the pirated version takes much longer to crack. Besides, there are some risks. Photoshop Elements 2020 is much cheaper than everyone's favorite Photoshop full version.
5. No Updates – No New Functions
Creative Cloud users have a chance to get updates: patches and new functions, which you won't get in the pirated version in one click. Are you sure you want to use older, less functional versions?
Photoshop (Adobe Creative Cloud) unique features and other functional peculiarities make Adobe popular. Photoshop Elements 2020 remains a great tool for retouchers around the world due to its simplicity and multitasking. But each program has analogs that can provide the majority of free Photoshop Elements functions.
I have prepared a great set of free Photoshop alternatives:
It is a free program to create images and retouch photos. It greatly resembles free Photoshop Elements actions because of the performance and easy adaptation. Also, it features a guide with detailed instructions for aspiring retouchers. The unique feature of this program is the possibility to expand through plug-ins and scripts, and use animation tools like in Photoshop.
GIMP stands out among many other free programs for its functionality. You can find the latest GIMP version with the interface similar to free Photoshop Elements. Despite its simplicity, it allows you to utilize advanced filters, color correction, layers, masks, and other features. All these functions are very easy to adjust and they work well enough.
Paint.net is a free image and photo editing software for Windows. It has a very simple interface and is excellent Photoshop free alternative. Because of its simplicity, you will figure out all its functions without any instructions. But it is meant for the usual photo editing, not for creative experiments.
Paint.net it has a wide range of automatic filters along with the tools for manual photo editing. Thanks to the quick access tabs, the program supports editing of numerous photos or images simultaneously. If you install a plug-in for masks, you’ll get layer support. This program doesn't require the latest Windows versions and powerful PCs. There are no restrictions on the size and quality of images.
Pixlr is Photoshop Elements free alternative that supports all the main functions of a basic editor. Photoshop users will immediately notice the similarity of the program interface.
Pixlr Editor is a web application, the one and only that supports masks and layers, unlike other program versions.
Pixlr editor has some similarities with GIMP – it has a set of tools that you may customize with the ribbon on top of the working space. The program has a simple and user-friendly interface with powerful features. One of them is the possibility to process numerous images in different tabs.
The application is available for iOS and Android, it may be used as a web application, which reduces installation time.
Pinta is the versatile software that is very similar to Paint.Net and free Photoshop Elements in its image editing capabilities and the toolbar location. Pinta program is free and comes with an open source code, which doesn't limit its functionality. Pinta provides you with a simple interface with many powerful functions to fulfill all your creative ideas. You can always apply layers, try new functions without being afraid of the result, as the program saves a full history of your actions. The software is compatible with Linux, MacOS, and Windows, but works best on Linux.
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