GIMP vs. Clip Studio Paint

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
GIMP
Score 8.3 out of 10
N/A
GIMP is a free, open-source graphics software. GIMP, or General Image Manipulation Program was developed in 1996 and has continued to be updated by volunteers since then.N/A
Clip Studio Paint
Score 9.4 out of 10
N/A
Celsys headquartered in Shinjuku City, Tokyo supports creators to create artistic content with digital technology. They provide solutions for content creation, distribution, and browsing, including support of creative activities through our illustration, manga and animation production app “Clip Studio Paint” and web service “Clip Studio”, as well as our e-book solution, “Clip Studio Reader”.
$49.99
one-time fee
Pricing
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Clip Studio Paint Pro
$49.99
one-time fee
Clip Studio Paint Ex
$219.99
one-time fee
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Best Alternatives
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Small Businesses
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.6 out of 10
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Adobe PhotoShop
Adobe PhotoShop
Score 9.1 out of 10
GIMP
GIMP
Score 8.4 out of 10
Enterprises
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.6 out of 10
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.6 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Likelihood to Recommend
9.7
(14 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
4.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(2 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(6 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
GIMPClip Studio Paint
Likelihood to Recommend
GIMP Development Team
GIMP is great for anyone ranging from personal use to a small business. But, if you are a large business and have a sufficient budget, I would recommend you to opt for an expensive paid software like Photoshop, that would provide not only great features but also public recognition. Its great for beginners wanting to start editing photos, there is a small learning curve that could be gotten used to in no time.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
I cannot really imagine a situation other than creating custom 3D models in which Clip Studio Paint would ever be inappropriate; it offers tools for art such as: 2D, pixel/voxel work, vectors, painting/drawing, comics, animations and more. The only place that Clip Studio Paint does not shine is in the creation of 3D models, but I think that that is fair given that it's competitor, Photoshop, also cannot do this; this was never a tool meant for 3D model design or creation, but the fact that you can import models and that there is a library of free and paid posable models native to the app is rather impressive.
Read full review
Pros
GIMP Development Team
  • GIMP has a large number of tools at your disposal for manipulating any type of image and exporting in any necessary format.
  • GIMP does a great job of making everything intuitive so that even a new user can layer images or make an image transparent in little time.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
  • Handles huge files with grace, and auto-saves back-ups while you draw.
  • Can export into any other image file format, making for easy program transfers.
  • Offers animation abilities, posable 3D models as references, mange/comic tools, and so many other options.
Read full review
Cons
GIMP Development Team
  • GIMP should make the font tool more intuitive. Make it easier to change fonts during edit process without resetting the typeface selection.
  • Build in selection/move ability within tools like the typeface tool... I.e. don't require toggle between selection tool and typeface tool when wanting to move a line of type within a layer. Likewise with shapes, etc.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
  • The UI is absolutely not user friendly out of the box, and there are an overwhelming number of keybinds and options.
  • Some huge files, while saveable, take about 3 minutes.
  • Limited cloud space even though you pay for a license.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
GIMP Development Team
Capability, open architecture, compatibility with Photoshop plugins, wide platform coverage; To me, as an open-source, freely available application, it's the nest-in-class.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
No answers on this topic
Usability
GIMP Development Team
I interface GIMP with other software--I need to. I generally use the major calculation, CAD, word processing, and photo editing programs. In my office, my use of this software is not limited to computer-aided design. However, I am sure that if I needed this software for other purposes, it would have no interface problems.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
I think that once one gets the hang of how to navigate and use Clip Studio Paint, they will find that it has so much more to offer than one might expect when looking at it for the first time. There are hidden gems all throughout this program, and they are all there to make your creative experience all the more streamlined and natural.
Read full review
Support Rating
GIMP Development Team
We have never needed to use the support functions for GIMP. Any queries we have or had about whether GIMP could complete a task we have used Google and YouTube. There is a wealth of information, guides, and forums dedicated to GIMP and how to perform certain tasks with the application.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
GIMP Development Team
As simple as can be. Download from GIMP website and install.
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
GIMP Development Team
Online services like Canva are fine for quickly designing brochures and marketing materials, videos, etc. They're user friendly and fast if you have a good connection. But if you're in production mode and need to do a lot of photo manipulation at once, without being connected to the web at all times and just want to focus, GIMP is the go-to product for you
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
I have used a handful of other free art programs, including MediBang Paint, and while they are all good, and I'm sure perfect in the hands of the right artist, I feel as though they simply do not offer the number of options necessary for my needs. They feel very limited and stale; customization is limited and their UI's are outdated. Clip Studio Paint is modern and sleek, highly customizable, and offers far more tools than the other options around it.
Read full review
Return on Investment
GIMP Development Team
  • GIMP is freeware, which allows organizations that are not graphics-centered to use the powerful toolset without spending money on very expensive alternatives
  • GIMP is fairly easy to learn and does not require extensive user training (especially, if used for basic tasks)
Read full review
Celsys, Inc
  • I think that the initial price was incredibly steep, but I managed to get it on discount. As a starting artist, this was a hard blow to take at the start, especially before these subscription options existed.
  • After years of use I have more than paid off the cost I sunk into Clip Studio Paint EX.
  • I see myself making marked profits by continuing to use the program, even with the new subscription service rather than a perpetual lisence.
Read full review
ScreenShots