What is the main difference between GIMP and RawTherapee?

GIMP and RawTherapee are both photo editing software but differ in their approach, features, and target audience. Compare their GitHub stats, technology stack, and community adoption to make the best choice.

Which is better: GIMP or RawTherapee?

The choice between GIMP and RawTherapee depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and team preferences. Both are quality open source solutions with active communities.

Can I migrate from GIMP to RawTherapee?

Migration between GIMP and RawTherapee is possible but requires careful planning. Consider data export/import capabilities, feature parity, and potential workflow changes.

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GIMP vs RawTherapee

Learn how GIMP and RawTherapee differ in their key features, development activity, technology stack and community adoption, so you can decide which of these photo editing software is best for you.

GIMP

Free, open-source image editor with professional tools for photo manipulation, digital art creation, and graphic design. Cross-platform support.

Visit GIMP Read more

6,456stars+72(+1.1%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
7 hours ago
Repository age
14 years
Repository
gnome/gimp

RawTherapee

Free, cross-platform raw image processor with 32-bit floating point engine, advanced demosaicing algorithms, and professional-grade editing tools for photographers.

Visit RawTherapee Read more

4,186stars+39(+0.9%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
1 day ago
Repository age
11 years
Version
5.13
License
GPL-3.0
Repository
rawtherapee/rawtherapee

Detailed Comparison

Both GIMP and RawTherapee have their unique strengths and serve similar purposes effectively. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, technology, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

GIMP wins

Community & Popularity

GIMP leads in popularity with 6,456 stars vs 4,186 stars for RawTherapee. The 54% higher star count indicates stronger community adoption. In terms of developer contributions, GIMP has 896 forks, indicating moderate developer engagement.

Comparable

Growth Momentum

GIMP and RawTherapee are moving at much the same rate, adding 72 stars and adding 39 stars respectively over the last 30 days (+1.1% vs +0.9%). Neither is pulling away from the other on momentum alone.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with GIMP last updated 7 hours ago and RawTherapee 1 day ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

Both tools share common technology foundations, being built with CSS, Bash, Python, C, Objective-C, C++, Perl. However, they differ in their additional technology choices: GIMP uses JavaScript, Lua while RawTherapee leverages C#.

GIMP wins

Project Maturity

GIMP has been in development longer, starting 14 years ago, compared to RawTherapee which began 11 years ago. This 3.2-year head start suggests GIMP may have more mature features and established processes.

RawTherapee wins