Sunday 6 November 2016

Open Source Photoshop alternatives for Linux - GIMP

There are ways by which you can run Adobe Photoshop in Linux Ubuntu like running Photoshop through WINE or setting up a virtual box inside your Linux system and running Windows in it to run Adobe Photoshop. But both of have some issues. With WINE, the setting up of Photoshop is a complex process and some features might not work. With setting up of virtual box, you will eventually need Windows License to install and run Adobe Photoshop.

GIMP logo
GIMP logo


So what's the way forward? Choose an open source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Though Photoshop is a highly used and polished software and it's impossible to have a software of that excellence, but with the below alternatives you can very much perform all tasks that you can in Photoshop. Let's see the best Open Source Photoshop alternatives for Ubuntu / Linux : GIMP.

GIMP 


GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It's a cross platform image editor for Linux / Windows / OS X, is free and open source and does almost all the things you need. There are various third party customization options and plugins developed for GIMP that will help you in the process. GIMP provides high quality photo manipulation - from retouching to restoring to creative composites. Some of the GIMP features include Customizable interface, photo enhancements, digital retouching, various hardware support and supports most of the file formats. With large numbers of professional-level editing tools and filters, you can edit, enhance, retouch photos, create drawings etc.

You can download the current Stable version from GIMP website : https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

GIMP is available in various languages and provides the best alternative for Adobe Photoshop for a Linux environment (and even to Windows / OS X if you do not wish to spend $$$).

Installing GIMP in Ubuntu


You can install GIMP in Ubuntu through the Ubuntu Software Center. Open Software Center and search for GIMP Image Editor. Click on install and it will install GIMP in your Ubuntu System. 



Installing through command line:

Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and type the following command : 

sudo apt-get install gimp

This will install the current stable GIMP in your system. You can launch it from the Graphics filter in Application Lens in the Dash. Alternatively, you can type gimp in terminal to launch the application.

I'm clearly not a good photo editor :D 

Installing GIMP in Linux Mint 


Most probably, GIMP is already installed in your Linux Mint. If it isn't, open the software manager and search for GIMP and you can install it from there. 

You can install it through the terminal too by typing

sudo apt-get install gimp

Let us know in the comments if GIMP is a perfect alternative for Photoshop for you.

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