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Sketch vs GIMP
Sketch vs GIMP
A side-by-side look at Sketch (the paid SaaS) and GIMP (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.
| Sketch | GIMP | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Mac-first interface design tool. | Long-running open source raster image editor. |
| License | Proprietary SaaS | GPL-3.0 |
| Pricing | Standard from $10/editor/month. | Free to self-host |
| Self-host option | No | Yes — difficulty 1/5 |
| Hosted cloud available | Yes (only option) | No |
| Desktop apps | Varies by product | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Mobile apps | Official apps typically available | None official |
Ad slot — between tables
Best for
Photo-heavy or raster-based design tasks.
GIMP strengths
- Full feature set for photo retouching and painting.
- Huge plugin ecosystem.
- Totally free — no subscription.
GIMP weaknesses
- UI is dated and takes time to learn.
- Non-destructive editing (layers/effects) is limited vs Photoshop.
- Performance on very large files can lag.
What's the catch with Sketch?
- Mac-only desktop app.
- Collaboration lags behind Figma.
- Subscription shift disappointed long-time buyers.
Still unsure?
Check the full list of alternatives to Sketch: see Sketch alternatives, or learn more about GIMP on its project page.