GIMP vs Affinity Photo: is it a good Linux alternative?

GIMP as a Linux alternative to Affinity Photo

Updated October 18, 2026

Our verdict

GIMP is a solid replacement for Affinity Photo if you need professional-grade photo editing and compositing without paying for software. It handles layers, masks, non-linear workflows via plug-ins like G'MIC, and has a capable brush engine for retouching and painting. RAW support works through UFRaw or Darktable. While the interface feels dated and some automation features are less polished, Linux users comfortable with open-source tools will find it powerful. It’s best for photographers, artists, and hobbyists who prioritize functionality over modern UI polish and don’t rely on native Affinity file compatibility.

Feature parity85%

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

Install GIMP Website ↗

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

What works the same

Layer-based editing with masks and transparency
Support for PSD files (open and save)
Advanced brush engine for digital painting and retouching
Non-destructive editing possible with G'MIC and GEGL
Export to JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and other common formats

What is different

No native RAW editor — requires external tools like Darktable
Interface is less polished and not as intuitive
No built-in non-linear editing timeline (relies on plug-ins)
Lacks some advanced selection AI tools found in Affinity
No native support for Affinity's .afphoto format

Opening your Affinity Photo files

GIMP cannot open Affinity Photo's .afphoto files directly — no known converter exists. However, you can export layered work from Affinity Photo to PSD before switching. GIMP reads and writes PSD files reasonably well, preserving layers, masks, and blending modes, though complex layer effects may not translate perfectly. For ongoing projects, save in PSD or use TIFF for maximum compatibility. If the original .afphoto files are all you have, you’ll need to open them in Affinity Photo first (if still installed) to export to a usable format.

Switching from Affinity Photo to GIMP, step by step

Install GIMP from your distro’s repository or Flathub
Export any Affinity Photo projects to PSD or TIFF
Install G'MIC plug-in for non-destructive editing and filters
Import PSD files into GIMP and verify layer integrity
Adjust workflow to GIMP’s interface and brush settings

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 .afphoto files?

No, GIMP cannot open .afphoto files. You must export from Affinity Photo to PSD or TIFF before using in GIMP.

Is GIMP as good as Affinity Photo for photo retouching?

GIMP is capable for most retouching tasks with the right brushes and plug-ins like G'MIC, though its tools are less automated and require more manual work.

Does GIMP support RAW images?

Yes, but not directly in the main interface. Use UFRaw or Darktable to process RAW files and import them into GIMP as TIFFs.