GIMP vs Gravit Designer: Complete Comparison (2026)

By Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editorยท12 years of experienceยทUpdated 2026-04-24ยท8 min read

In comparing GIMP and Gravit Designer in 2026, GIMP is the stronger choice for users wanting a free, open-source photoshop alternative for image editing due to completely free and open-source. Gravit Designer excels for designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including chromebook with free cross-platform vector editor. GIMP offers Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing starting at Free with a free plan. Gravit Designer provides Vector design, Cross-platform, SVG editing from $49/yr with a free tier. For teams prioritizing value, GIMP delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 81/100. GIMP and Gravit Designer compete in the design tools segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading design tools tools include Figma, Canva, Adobe XD. GIMP serves 10M+ users globally (founded 1996) while Gravit Designer reports 2M+ active users (founded 2014).

GIMP vs Gravit Designer at a Glance

GIMP
Gravit Designer
Starting Price
Free
$49/yr
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
User Rating
4.3/5
4.2/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Designers needing a free, cross-platform vector ed...
Users
10M+
2M+
Founded
1996
2014
hiltonsoftware Score
81/100
72/100
Pricing verified: March 2026 ยท Based on official vendor data
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GIMP
Design Tools
81
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED
VS
๐Ÿ”ท
Gravit Designer
Design Tools
72
hiltonsoftware.co Score

What are the main differences between GIMP and Gravit Designer?

GIMP and Gravit Designer differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. GIMP leads in 7 of 7 categories.

GIMPGravit Designer
81Ease of Use80
79Features74
72Value for Money71
70Customer Support64
69Integrations63
70Scalability62
72Learning Curve70

What are the pros and cons of GIMP vs Gravit Designer?

GIMP
+Completely free and open-source
+Very powerful for a free tool
-Outdated interface
-Steep learning curve
Gravit Designer
+Free cross-platform vector editor
+Works in browser and desktop
-Less feature-rich than Illustrator
-Acquired by Corel, future unclear

Which is better, GIMP or Gravit Designer?

After evaluating GIMP and Gravit Designer across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, GIMP earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 81/100 versus Gravit Designer at 72/100. GIMP stands out for "completely free and open-source" and "very powerful for a free tool". Gravit Designer delivers competitive advantages in "free cross-platform vector editor", making Gravit Designer a viable alternative.

Both GIMP and Gravit Designer offer free plans. GIMP paid plans start at Free while Gravit Designer begins at $49/yr. ROI depends on which features justify upgrading.

Bottom line: Choose GIMP for users wanting a free, open-source photoshop alternative for image editing. Choose Gravit Designer for designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including chromebook. Both GIMP and Gravit Designer are established design tools platforms.

CHOOSE GIMP IF:

Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.

CHOOSE GRAVIT DESIGNER IF:

Designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including Chromebook.

GIMP vs Gravit Designer: Frequently Asked Questions

Is GIMP better than Gravit Designer in 2026?
GIMP outperforms Gravit Designer in the 2026 hiltonsoftware.co analysis with a score of 81/100 compared to 72/100. GIMP excels in Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing, making GIMP the better choice for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Gravit Designer is the stronger option for Designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including Chromebook due to free cross-platform vector editor. For teams needing image editing, hiltonsoftware.co recommends GIMP.
How does GIMP pricing compare to Gravit Designer in 2026?
GIMP starts at Free and includes a free plan. Gravit Designer starts at $49/yr and offers a free plan. GIMP includes features like Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing. Gravit Designer provides Vector design, Cross-platform, SVG editing. GIMP serves 10M+ users while Gravit Designer serves 2M+ users. Evaluate total cost of ownership based on team size and required integrations.
What are the main differences between GIMP and Gravit Designer?
GIMP specializes in Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing, earning a 81/100 hiltonsoftware Score. Gravit Designer focuses on Vector design, Cross-platform, SVG editing, scoring 72/100. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Gravit Designer is best for Designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including Chromebook. Both GIMP and Gravit Designer serve the Design Tools market but target different user profiles.
Can I migrate from GIMP to Gravit Designer?
Migrating from GIMP to Gravit Designer is possible since both operate in the Design Tools space. Export data from GIMP and verify Gravit Designer import capabilities. Key features to evaluate: Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing (GIMP) versus Vector design, Cross-platform, SVG editing (Gravit Designer). Running both GIMP and Gravit Designer in parallel during a trial period ensures a smooth transition.
Is GIMP or Gravit Designer better for small business?
Both GIMP and Gravit Designer offer free plans. GIMP (81/100) is ideal for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Gravit Designer (72/100) fits Designers needing a free, cross-platform vector editor including Chromebook. Evaluate both during trial periods.

Reviewed by Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editor. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.

Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.

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