# Affinity Photo vs GIMP

**Leader by vioscaleAI score:** Affinity Photo

| Attribute | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 68.7 (54% (medium)) | 42.5 (74% (medium)) |
| content.faq | `[{"answer":"An image editor available at no cost, offering photo adjustment, raw file processing, and unlimited-layer composition. It imports Photoshop files with editable structure intact and supports real-time collaborative workflows. It is indexed under Design & Creative Software.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"What is Affinity Photo?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Affinity Photo offers a free tier, so you can start without paying. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"Is Affinity Photo free?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Affinity Photo supports Windows and macOS. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"What platforms does Affinity Photo support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have independently confirmed GDPR for Affinity Photo. Certifications we do not list are ones we have not been able to verify from public sources, which is not the same as Affinity Photo not holding them. Always confirm compliance directly before you rely on it.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/de/privacy/","question":"What security certifications does Affinity Photo have?","confidence":0.7},{"answer":"Affinity Photo is available worldwide. The vendor is headquartered in the United Kingdom.","source":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","question":"Where is Affinity Photo available?","confidence":0.75}]` | `[{"answer":"GIMP is a free, open-source cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows and other operating systems. It provides sophisticated tools for photo manipulation, artwork creation, graphic design, and desktop publishing workflows. It is indexed under Design & Creative Software.","source":"https://www.gimp.org/news/2011/01/11/plans-for-28-and-beyond/","question":"What is GIMP?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"GIMP is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://www.gimp.org/news/2011/01/11/plans-for-28-and-beyond/","question":"Is GIMP free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"GIMP supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://www.gimp.org/news/2011/01/11/plans-for-28-and-beyond/","question":"What platforms does GIMP support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. GIMP can be deployed self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://www.gimp.org/news/2011/01/11/plans-for-28-and-beyond/","question":"Can GIMP be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6}]` |
| deployment.options | - | `{"self_hosted":true}` |
| description.long | An image editor available at no cost, offering photo adjustment, raw file processing, and unlimited-layer composition. It imports Photoshop files with editable structure intact and supports real-time collaborative workflows. Features pixel manipulation, vector design, and layout tools in one customizable application with automated batch operations. | An open-source image editor supporting multiple operating systems, offering tools for photo manipulation, creative artwork, and programmatic image processing through scripting. |
| features.capabilities | `{"dtp_layout":true,"generative_ai":true,"pricing_model":"freemium","psd_ai_import":true,"free_available":true,"raster_editing":true,"vector_editing":true,"realtime_collab":true,"digital_painting":true,"platform_breadth":"macOS, Windows, iOS","vector_illustration":true,"realtime_collaboration":true}` | `{"cmyk_print":false,"dtp_layout":false,"open_source":true,"pricing_model":"open_source","free_available":true,"raster_editing":true,"vector_editing":false,"color_management":true,"digital_painting":true,"platform_breadth":"GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and more operating systems","plugin_ecosystem":"Python, Scheme, C, C++ with extensive community-developed plugins and scripts","vector_illustration":false}` |
| integrations.count | 2 | 2 |
| integrations.list | `[{"name":"Photoshop","native":true,"category":"design","direction":"bidirectional"},{"name":"Canva","native":true,"category":"design","direction":"bidirectional"}]` | `[{"name":"Scribus"},{"name":"Inkscape"}]` |
| market.availability | `{"hqCountry":"GB","primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | - |
| platform.support | `{"mac":true,"windows":true}` | `{"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"free","plans":[{"free":true,"name":"Affinity","summary":"Completely free with no restrictions or payment required","features":["RAW development","Photo retouching","HDR merge","Focus merge","Astrophotography stacking","Batch processing","Macros","Unlimited layers","PSD import with layer fidelity","Pixel studio","Vector studio","Layout studio","Customizable workspace","Free updates with new features"],"components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":0,"currency":"USD"}],"description":"Full photo editing suite with all tools included","contactSales":false}],"summary":"Completely free. Optional Canva AI tools available with premium Canva subscription.","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/","retrievedAt":"2026-09-04T16:00:51.799Z"}` | `{"type":"open_source","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://www.gimp.org/news/2011/01/11/plans-for-28-and-beyond/","retrievedAt":"2026-08-13T16:58:40.245Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | free | open_source |
| pricing.price_level | free | free |
| pricing.transparent | yes | yes |
| security.gdpr | yes | - |
| security.trust_center | - | https://www.gimp.org/about/privacy.html |

## Capabilities (Design & Creative Software)

| Capability | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Discipline** |  |  |
| Raster / photo editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vector illustration | ✓ | ✗ |
| DTP / page layout | ✓ | ✗ |
| Digital painting | ✓ | ✓ |
| **Platform** |  |  |
| Platform breadth | macOS, Windows, iOS | GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and more operating systems |
| **Output** |  |  |
| CMYK / print production | - | ✗ |
| **Interoperability** |  |  |
| PSD / AI import | ✓ | - |
| **Collaboration** |  |  |
| Real-time collaboration / cloud | ✓ | - |
| **AI** |  |  |
| Generative AI features | ✓ | - |
| **Extensibility** |  |  |
| Plugin / template ecosystem | - | Python, Scheme, C, C++ with extensive community-developed plugins and scripts |
| **Pricing** |  |  |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open-source (free) |
| Free / open-source available | ✓ | ✓ |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-16T20:56:21.924Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*