As a graphic designer, photographer, or digital artist, you're probably no stranger to the world of image editing software. Among many of the options available, two giants normally stand out: Photoshop and GIMP. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but many people stick with the Photoshop subscription because of its intuitive interface and extensive set of features. But with just a few tweaks in GIMP, you can make it more similar to Photoshop beyond just installing PhotoGIMP. Let me show you my favorite ways to do this.
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5 Rearrange the toolbars
Make the visual layout more similar to Photoshop
One of the first things you probably notice when opening GIMP in its default state is the cluttered toolbar, which can be overwhelming even for seasoned users. But fear not — rearranging the toolbars is simple and can make a huge difference to the feel of GIMP, including making it feel similar to Photoshop's layout.
Start by opening GIMP and going to Windows -> Dockable Dialogs. This will bring up a list of all the available toolbars and panels. From there, you can add the same tools that Photoshop displays in its editing window by default, and drag them to the relevant positions. Remember to also check the Toolbox settings (Edit -> Preferences -> Interface) if you want to customize how tools are grouped.
4 Change the shortcuts
Set up shortcuts that are the same in Photoshop
Shortcuts are the unsung heroes of editing software, but memorizing a new set of shortcuts for every editor you use can get exhausting. Many of GIMP's shortcuts are already similar to Photoshop's for the same tasks — the basics actually tend to be similar across many Photoshop alternatives. However, shortcuts aren't standardized across all image editors, so you will encounter some differences.
Luckily, any comprehensive image editor will allow you to customize the shortcuts. To set up Photoshop-like shortcuts in GIMP, go to Edit -> Keyboard Shortcuts. Open the action type by hitting the little drop-down arrow, click on the action you want to change, and type in the keys. Do this until you're happy with everything and restart GIMP. Check out this list of official Photoshop default shortcuts if you need a reminder.
3 Use plugins
Get the same effects from Photoshop and Photoshop-like plugins
Another way you can give GIMP a Photoshop feel is by using plugins that offer similar effects. GMIC is probably one of the most powerful plugins that helps you achieve a wide range of tasks like color adjustments, noise reduction, sharpening, artistic effects, and image transformations. I'd say that GMIC most resembles the Nik Collection in Photoshop, and even surpasses it. BIMP is another Photoshop-like plugin that lets you apply batch edits such as resizing, cropping, and color adjustments to multiple images simultaneously, similar to Photoshop's Image Processor.
And if you want to take it a step further, you can always work with Photoshop plugins directly in GIMP using PSPI (Photoshop Plugin Interface), which will allow you to use many Photoshop-compatible plugins inside GIMP. To install Photoshop plugins, you'll need PGEI (Photoshop GIMP Extension Installer), which simplifies the process of installing those third-party plugins. Keep in mind that not all Photoshop plugins will function properly in GIMP, but the common ones, such as the older 8BF-based filters, should integrate smoothly.
Whether you're using Photoshop-like plugins or real Photoshop plugins in GIMP, both methods should help bridge the gap between the two programs.
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2 Extend PSD support
Bypass the limitations of PSD files with certain plugins
While GIMP does have native support for PSD files, there are limitations. For example, it will rasterize Smart Objects and flatten adjustment layers. But with the right plugins, you can bypass some of these roadblocks and work on PSD files in GIMP without a hitch.
For better CMYK PSD compatibility, you can use the Separate+ plugin, which lets GIMP handle the color spaces Photoshop uses. Also, check out the Layer Effects plugin (for GIMP 2.10) that brings Photoshop-like layer styles to GIMP — it won't restore all Photoshop features but will help mimic some of them, such as bevels and drop shadows.
If you collaborate with people who use Photoshop, you can ask them to rasterize Smart Objects and merge adjustment layers before sending the PSD file to you. This will ensure all the layers are visible in GIMP and can prevent data loss or unexpected issues.
1 Import Photoshop brushes
Use brushes with details that are native to Photoshop
We can't forget about Photoshop brushes, which are compatible with a wide range of graphic design software, including GIMP. Importing them is dead simple: download your brush pack of choice from a reputable source, extract the .zip file, and drag the .abr files (the brushes) into GIMP's Brushes folder. Then, refresh the brushes in GIMP and they'll be ready to use. I get my brush packs for free from Brusheezy — it's an easy way to get your hands on brushes with details that Photoshop has natively and GIMP doesn't.
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Bringing GIMP closer to Photoshop
If you don't use Photoshop and don't want to install PhotoGIMP but still want that Photoshop feel when editing, these are the easiest ways to get it in GIMP. From customizing shortcuts to extending PSD file support and importing brushes, these methods can help you transform GIMP into a Photoshop-like environment.