GIMP as a Linux alternative to Adobe Camera Raw

Updated October 21, 2026

Our verdict

GIMP is a viable replacement for Adobe Camera Raw if you are comfortable with a different workflow. It handles RAW decoding via plugins like Darktable or RawTherapee, which you can integrate or use alongside GIMP for the heavy lifting. GIMP excels at the final retouching, compositing, and export stages that ACR users often perform in Photoshop. It is not a direct drop-in plugin, but as a standalone editor, it covers the core needs: non-destructive layers, ICC color management, and batch scripting. It is best for users who want a free, open-source stack and do not mind learning a new interface.

Feature parity65%

License: GPL-3.0+ AND LGPL-3.0+
Price: Free
Latest version: 3.2.6 (September 10, 2026)
Rating: —

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GIMP screenshot — Scene 4 cut 15 of "ZeMarmot" being edited in GIMP. Illustration by Aryeom (CC by-sa 4.0 International)

What works the same

Supports non-destructive editing via layers and history
Full ICC color management and profile support
Batch processing capabilities through scripting or plugins
Extensive format support including JPEG, TIFF, and PNG
Basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, and white balance

What is different

GIMP is a standalone application, not a plugin for another editor
RAW decoding often requires external plugins or companion apps like Darktable
Interface is more complex and less streamlined for basic photo adjustments
Lacks the specific, dedicated RAW development engine built into ACRA
Batch processing is powerful but requires more setup than ACRA's simple queue

Opening your Adobe Camera Raw files

GIMP can open and export common formats like JPEG, TIFF, and PNG directly. It can also open PSD files, which may contain layers from Photoshop. However, GIMP does not natively open Adobe Camera Raw .xmp sidecar files or .cr2/.nef RAW files without specific plugins or external tools. If you rely heavily on specific ACRA presets stored in .xmp files, you will need to convert or recreate them in GIMP's format.

Switching from Adobe Camera Raw to GIMP, step by step

Install GIMP and a RAW plugin like Darktable or RawTherapee if needed
Set up your color management profiles in GIMP preferences
Import your RAW files and apply basic adjustments in the RAW plugin
Open the processed image in GIMP for further retouching and compositing
Use GIMP's batch processing or scripting for exporting multiple files
Test your workflow with a small batch of images to ensure consistency

Key features of GIMP

Layer-based editing with masks, blending modes, and transparency
Advanced brush engine for digital painting and retouching
Support for Photoshop-compatible plug-ins (via compatibility layers)
Batch processing and scripting with Script-Fu, Python, or GEGL
Non-destructive editing possible through plug-ins like G'MIC
Extensive format support: PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, WebP, and more
Customizable interface with dockable panels and themes
Color management with ICC profile support

How to install GIMP on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install gimp

Debiansudo apt install gimp

Fedorasudo dnf install gimp

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S gimp

openSUSEsudo zypper install gimp

Frequently asked questions

Can GIMP open RAW files directly?

GIMP can open RAW files if you install a compatible plugin, such as the Darktable plugin or use RawTherapee as a companion app. Without these, GIMP may not recognize all camera-specific RAW formats.

Is GIMP's non-destructive editing as good as ACRA's?

GIMP's non-destructive editing is robust but works differently. It uses layers and masks rather than a single history stack. You can achieve similar results, but the workflow requires more manual management of layers.

Can I use GIMP for batch processing like ACRA?

Yes, GIMP supports batch processing through Script-Fu, Python, or its built-in batch mode. It is powerful but less intuitive than ACRA's simple queue system, requiring some scripting knowledge for complex tasks.

4 other alternatives to Adobe Camera Raw

darktabledarktable is a free, open‑source photo editor that manages raw files and offers a full non‑destructive…Open sourceFreeFlatpakdarktable vs Adobe Camera Raw

RawTherapeeRawTherapee is an open‑source, cross‑platform raw photo development program.Open sourceFreeFlatpakRawTherapee vs Adobe Camera Raw

KritaKrita is a full‑featured open‑source digital painting and illustration program.Open sourceFreeFlatpakKrita vs Adobe Camera Raw

ShotwellShotwell is a GNOME photo manager for importing, organizing, and lightly editing images.Open sourceFreeFlatpakShotwell vs Adobe Camera Raw

All alternatives to Adobe Camera Raw

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