GIMP 3.2.6 for Windows

GIMP 3.2.6 for Windows is a free, open-source image editor for retouching photos, editing pictures and creating graphics. You can download it from gimp.org or the Microsoft Store; below we look at who it suits best and who may be happier with something else.

What GIMP is

GIMP is a raster graphics editor, originally created by Peter Mattis and Spencer Kimball. Its first release dates back to 21 November 1995, and today it is developed as a GNU package with ties to the GNOME project. The program is written in C and licensed under the GNU GPL version 3.0, which means it costs nothing and its code is open to everyone. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and the 3.x series brought a refreshed interface and a new generation of the program. The current release is 3.2.6 from 10 September 2026, available on the official downloads page.

Who GIMP is for

• Hobby photographers who want to crop, fix exposure, retouch and export images without a subscription.
• Students and teachers who need a free editor on school computers.
• Web designers and bloggers preparing banners, thumbnails and screenshots.
• Open-source users who work on several systems and want the same tool everywhere.
• Tinkerers who like to extend a program with scripts and plug-ins.

Who may prefer something else

If your studio or clients exchange layered files from a commercial editor every day, a paid program may save friction. People who only need to resize a picture now and then will find a lighter tool quicker to learn.

Requirements and downloads

The official page offers Windows builds for x86_64 and ARM64 processors, a direct download and a BitTorrent option, plus a Microsoft Store version. The installer is about 181.5 MB according to catalogue data. Give the program enough free disk space and memory for large photos; big multi-layer images use a lot of RAM.

How to install

1. Open gimp.org/downloads and choose Microsoft Windows.
2. Pick the direct download, the torrent or the Microsoft Store link.
3. Run the installer and keep the default components.
4. Start GIMP and set your preferred language and theme in Edit, then Preferences.

Is it safe?

Yes, when it comes from gimp.org or the Microsoft Store. The site publishes SHA256 checksums, so you can confirm the file you downloaded is the original. Avoid bundles from unknown sites.

Pros and cons

• Pro: free, with no licence fees or account.
• Pro: deep toolset for photo work and graphics.
• Pro: extendable with plug-ins and scripts.
• Con: the learning curve is steep for beginners.
• Con: some workflows differ from commercial editors.

Alternatives

Other image editors in our listings: Adobe Photoshop, Photoscape and Paint. The release notes list what is new in each GIMP version.