GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)

A freely distributed program for tasks like photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.

Summary

When you think Open Source software, you may think of half-baked programs too hard to use, or perhaps lacking power. Well, think again. This Open Source image editor packs a surprising amount of power, and is well-designed, if a bit eccentric in layout. Even though it's free, it compares favourably to the power of Photoshop, and includes many of the kinds of photo-editing tools that come with that program, including filters, effects, masks, layers, and more. Of course there are the basics tools you'd expect in a photo editor, such as red eye removal, but there is plenty more here. If you're looking for professional-level photo editing, but don't want to spend a bundle -- or even a penny -- this is the program for you. Note: This link takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the version of the software appropriate to your system. Note from developers: GIMP releases available from gimp.org and its mirrors contain the source code and have to be compiled in order to be installed on your system. --Preston Gralla

Software
Platform Version Release Date Size
Mac OS X 10.6 2.6.8 March 26, 2010 76.8 MB Download
Windows 2000, 7, 95, 98, Vista, XP 2.6.8 Dec. 15, 2009 17.4 MB Download

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