Graphic Design Software

Affinity vs GIMP

Both are graphic design software. The short answer: choose Affinity if you are designers wanting pro tools without a subscription; choose GIMP if you are free, open-source photo editing.

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Affinity logo AffinityGIMP logo GIMP
Best forDesigners wanting pro tools without a subscriptionFree, open-source photo editing
Free planVerifyYes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesGraphic Design SoftwareGraphic Design Software
Strengths
  • Professional features
  • No Adobe subscription
  • Completely free
  • Powerful
Watch out for
  • Smaller plugin ecosystem
  • Interface differs from Photoshop
Visit AffinityVisit GIMP

Which should you choose?

Affinity: Professional design, photo and layout software from Serif, now part of Canva.

GIMP: Open-source raster image editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all graphic design software compared.