PhotoWorks vs Gimp: Which Software is Better

By Eva Williams 2 days ago, Software Reviews

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Looking for a multi-functional program for editing? Still doubt what to choose ‒ PhotoWorks or Gimp? Both programs have a large toolset and numerous overlays and effects. You can fix defects and remove unnecessary objects, as well as change the background.

PhotoWorks is one of the best photo editing software for beginners with many handy tools. The program has different filters, which you can apply in a single click.

GIMP is a free open source photo editor that works flawlessly on Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. GIMP has tools similar to those of Photoshop and allows editing layers.

What Is PhotoWorks?

PhotoWorks pleases users with a minimalistic and clear interface. The program has a good set of tools and features for photo retouching, white balance adjustment, makeup applying, background replacement, face recognition, etc. What’s more, this photo editing software for PC allows adding watermarks, signatures, logos, clipart, stickers, and other image layers.

The software is great for photographers and may be used for editing pixel images and converting RAW files. PhotoWorks offers various color correction options. You can use it to change saturation, brightness, sharpness, tint, exposure, contrast, light areas, shades, whiteness, and black textures.

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PhotoWorks: Strengths and Weaknesses

Batch processing feature. PhotoWorks may be used to improve several dozens of images at a time. You can correct saturation, contrast, HSL balance, increase sharpness as well as adjust colors and add filters. Besides, it is possible to preview the applied changes before saving the result.

Auto editing. This function is particularly important for beginners. When you open a new photo in the program, you will see a notification about possible auto corrections. Using this feature, you can adjust sharpness, improve colors and saturation. Also, you can correct contrast to enhance the general mood of an image.

Pro retouching. PhotoWorks has a range of effective presets to smooth the skin tone by removing spots and redness, adding suntan, or whitening teeth. There are also presets for manual photo correction.

The program has a face recognition function. It allows changing the size and shape of a nose or eyes by moving several sliders.

Work with light effects. You can use PhotoWorks to change light effects in a photo. You may experiment with different colors or add sun rays to an image. This way you can create a warm glow effect.

Using the tone mapping function, you can stylize a photo by adding color effects or applying a grain effect. You can perform such operations and change color intensity in several mouse clicks.

Work with fonts. In PhotoWorks, you can find various font effects and text styles. You can also add signatures to a photo, a logo for signature, and stickers. It is also possible to change photo frames, and add animation.

No panorama feature. Unfortunately, PhotoWorks can’t generate panoramas from shots.

No layers. Most users regularly apply layers to their images, but PhotoWorks doesn’t have any.

What Is GIMP?

GIMP is a feature-rich program suitable for drawing (thanks to the support for graphic tablets) and editing, especially if you are interested in batch processing. It is very popular among pro and beginner photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators, and can become your go-to tool both for commercial and personal projects.

GIMP has many tools for work with images, drawing logos, design elements, and components of websites and layouts. It also allows users to change the theme of a widget, logo size and alter options on the panel. Users especially appreciate the possibility to create layered masks to highlight tones, adjust tints, configure exposure, and automate the entire workflow.

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GIMP: Strengths and Weaknesses

Rich format support. PhotoWorks or GIMP – much depends on the type of files you are going to work with. The thing is that GIMP supports lots of file formats starting with standard JPEG, GIF, PNG, and TIFF, and ending with special formats like Windows icon files with different resolutions.

With a transparent virtual file system, you can upload and save files from remote locations using protocols such as FTP, HTTP, or even SMB (MS Windows Shares) and SFTP/SSH.

Scaling function. It is a really handy feature as you can zoom in on a photo and see what pixels a particular photo segment consists of. In GIMP, you can use this tool to enlarge an entire image or its specific part. Activating this function is very easy by pressing the Z key. Thus, you can scrutinize elements of landscape, clothes, etc.

System of layers. GIMP uses a system of layers, allowing users to add layer masks, group layers, and set layer modes. In fact, the software offers more blend modes than Photoshop.

Advanced retouching tools. A collection of tools deserves a special note in my PhotoWorks vs GIMP comparison. You will find the Healing tool, the Clone tool, and the Warp Transform tool. They all work smoothly, so you can get a professional result in a trouble-free manner. The toolset also includes all the basic tools for detailed work with images – layers, curves, Burn & Dodge, and more.

A wonderful set of filters. The software is packed with multiple filters for creative edits. You can use sharpening and blurring filters, the Long Shadow filter, and more. Most filters are powered by an open-source engine known as GEGL, which provides better performance and allows for split-view previews.

Problems when working with layers. GIMP doesn’t support adjustment layers. Besides, you cannot select multiple layers at the same time, so you have to rely on layer groups and linked layers to move multiple objects. This isn’t a problem if you only have three layers, but if you are working with a complex image composition with tens or even hundreds of layers, you will soon face problems with layer hierarchy and visibility.

PhotoWorks VS GIMP: Price

GIMP is available absolutely for free. But that isn’t the case with PhotoWorks. Though there is a free trial version, most of its functions are limited. As for paid versions, you can choose from 3 variants.

PhotoWorks Standard costs $19.25 as a one-year license. It contains all the tools you need to work with images, automatic retouching of portraits and the function of removing unwanted objects. PhotoWorks PRO is also licensed for a year at $39.20 and you get 150+ photo effects in addition to the features of the standard plan.

PhotoWorks Ultimate is a perpetual package that costs $79.80. It includes all the features of the above-mentioned packages along with 180+ effects and 3D LUTs.

PhotoWorks vs GIMP: Who Wins?

PhotoWorks makes it easy to improve portraits, enhance images, change the background, restore old photos, remove unwanted objects, and apply stylish effects. Users can quickly master the program and even make customizations if needed. The software is a great option for beginner users.

GIMP attracts users with many useful features including support for curves, layers, levels, cloning, channel mixing, and more. Besides, you can diversify its functionality with plug-ins and extensions. Users can take advantage of rich scripting capabilities that allow them to automate all sorts of tasks. GIMP is an open-source program available for free, which gives it a bonus point in the PhotoWorks vs GIMP stand-off.

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Bonus Tools

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Download and use this collection of GIMP textures to make your workflow streamlined. They can give your photos a stylish finishing in an instant. There are many textures to try depending on the effect you want to achieve. Some of them embellish images with vegetation prints, imitate wooden surfaces, add beautiful clouds, etc.

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