GIMP already offers powerful features, but installing third-party plugins can take image editing to a whole new level. Whether you want to enable non-destructive RAW editing, apply artistic effects, or perform batch image editing, there's a plug-in for every use case. Here are the best GIMP plugins to unlock the full potential of this free Photoshop alternative.
Unlike other software solutions, there is still no dedicated store where you can find and install GIMP plugins. The company is working on a unified solution for GIMP 3, which is due to be released later this year. As of now (version 2.10), you have to search for and download plugins from their official websites or from GitHub. The steps to install plugins vary depending on your desktop operating system.
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8 Dark table
Source: Darktable
One of the glaring limitations of GIMP is the lack of RAW support. The software cannot open and edit RAW files, which discourages professionals and even experienced users from switching to GIMP. This is where a third-party plugin called Darktable comes into play.
Darktable stands out for its non-destructive RAW editing capabilities. The original image file is left unchanged, while changes are saved as instructions that are applied when the final image is exported. This gives you freedom and flexibility to experiment without damaging the original photos.
Darktable also offers a long list of tools for RAW development, including exposure and tonal control, color correction and grading, lens correction, noise reduction, local adjustments, and more. The plugin opens RAW files directly in GIMP, transfers them to Darktable for editing, and returns them to GIMP for the final polish and export process. Darktable is open-source software and free to download and use. However, there is a learning curve involved and RAW editing requires a high-end computer.
7 G’MIC
Source: G'MIC
G'MIC is another must-have plugin for GIMP users. It unlocks a range of image processing tools for your favorite software. The list of key features includes an extensive collection of filters and effects, image enhancement tools such as adjustments, contrast, color correction and noise reduction, artistic effects and more.
You can also create a custom filter or effect using the scripting language or download additional filters from the G'MIC community. The plugin offers a user-friendly interface and is free to download and use due to its open-source nature.
6 BIMP
Source: BIMP
BIMP stands for Batch Image Manipulation Plugin and does exactly what its name suggests. If you often edit multiple images at once, the process in GIMP can feel limiting and time-consuming. This is where you need to explore the BIMP plugin for GIMP.
You can apply numerous manipulations such as cropping, resizing, rotating, watermarking, renaming, adjusting colors, blurring, sharpening, and more. BIMP also allows you to create and save custom workflows with specific sequences and apply the same action in the future with a single click. Overall, it is an indispensable tool for automating repetitive tasks in GIMP. It may look outdated at first glance, but the developer has confirmed that a major update is in the works.
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5 Resynthesizer
Source: Resynthesizer
Resynthesizer is another excellent addition to your GIMP setup. It unlocks powerful features that will enhance your image editing experience in GIMP. The plugin offers a selection and transparency tool to fill specific areas with new patterns. You can remove unwanted objects as well as photobombers from your images.
The plugin also supports smart removal selection for removing complex objects, the ability to generate new textures based on existing ones, and more.
4 Raw therapist
Source: RawTherapee
As the name suggests, RawTherapee is a GIMP plugin for RAW editing. It is a powerful alternative to Darktable. It offers non-destructive editing for more flexibility. The list of tools includes exposure and tone control, white balance and color correction, lens correction, noise reduction, detail enhancement tools and more.
The whole workflow is very similar to Darktable, where you can edit RAW images in RawTherapee and send them back to GIMP for final editing and exporting.
3 Hugin
Source: Hugin
Hugin is an excellent plugin for image enthusiasts. It allows you to create panoramic images directly in GIMP. You can stitch multiple images together and create a stunning panoramic image in no time. It supports various projections and offers much-needed flexibility with various visual effects.
Hugin receives frequent updates and since it is open source software, the plugin can be downloaded for free.
2 Elsamuk's Filter
Source: Elsamuko
As the name suggests, this plugin unlocks several trendy filters in your GIMP setup. You can apply an Instagram-worthy Lomo filter, turn your images into a vintage image with a perforation hole filter, add film grain, and apply other popular effects to your boring images in a snap.
1 OpenVINO AI
Source: OpenVINO
Let's end the list with the OpenVINO AI plugin for GIMP. As the name suggests, it is an AI image generator plugin that allows you to generate unique images for your projects directly in GIMP. Note that it only works with the latest developer preview of GIMP 2.99. It also requires dedicated hardware, Intel NPU drivers, and Python to complete the integration. You can read the developer's dedicated guide to complete the installation.
Once you've finished setting it up, just open the Stable Diffusion menu and start typing text to generate an image. You can even add a negative prompt, choose a number of images, an orientation scale, and more.
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Whether you're a hobbyist photographer, a professional designer, or someone who wants to recreate their Photoshop setup in GIMP for free, these hidden gems can transform your workflow and boost your productivity in no time. If you're still not sure whether to switch from your trusted Photoshop setup, check out our comparison guide with GIMP to see if you're ready to make the switch.