GIMPLinux
vs
Windows PhotosWindows
GIMP as a Linux alternative to Windows Photos
Updated
Our verdict
GIMP can replace the basic viewing and editing features of Windows Photos, but it is aimed at power users rather than casual photo browsers. It excels at cropping, rotating, resizing and advanced retouching, yet it lacks built‑in photo organization, face recognition and video playback. For users who need a lightweight viewer with automatic album management, GIMP is overkill; for those who want a free, capable editor and are comfortable setting up their own library tools, it works well.
- License
- GPL-3.0+ AND LGPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.2.6 (September 10, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports JPEG, PNG and WebP
- Basic edits: crop, rotate, resize
- Free and open‑source
- Runs natively on Linux
What is different
- No built‑in photo cataloguing or tagging system
- No video playback capability
- No face‑recognition or AI sorting
- Heavier UI and slower startup than a simple viewer
Opening your Windows Photos files
GIMP opens all common raster formats that Windows Photos handles, including JPEG, PNG and WebP, and can export to those same formats. It also reads TIFF and PSD files, which Windows Photos cannot. Export options are straightforward, but GIMP does not handle proprietary RAW containers as seamlessly as dedicated photo managers; you may need additional plugins for some camera formats.
Switching from Windows Photos to GIMP, step by step
- Install GIMP from your distro repository or Flathub.
- Copy your Pictures folder to a location accessible from Linux.
- Open images in GIMP to verify they display correctly.
- If you need batch resizing, create a simple Script‑Fu or use the built‑in batch mode.
- Set GIMP as the default image editor for JPEG/PNG if you want double‑click editing.
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 install flathub org.gimp.GIMPsudo apt install gimpsudo apt install gimpsudo dnf install gimpsudo pacman -S gimpsudo zypper install gimpFrequently asked questions
Can GIMP replace Windows Photos for quick image previews?
It can, but opening a file launches the full editor, which is slower than a dedicated viewer like eog.
Does GIMP organize photos into albums or tags?
No, you will need a separate tool such as digiKam or Shotwell for library management.
Is video playback supported in GIMP?
No, GIMP handles only still images; use a media player (e.g., VLC) for video files.
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