Gimp or Picasa - the differences

Gimp or Picasa are two good image editing programs. In this practical tip, you can find out the differences between the free tools.

Photoshop competitor Gimp

The Gimp image software is often considered a free Photoshop. But the program also has several advantages compared to Picasa:

Similar to Photoshop, Gimp uses the layer function: This is how you create a completely new image from several images. For example, you can cut out individual elements and paste them into another photo, or create your own elements with the drawing tools.
Gimp is also suitable for professional users: You can use the cage transformation tool to define individual areas, for example, and then distort them. Chic filters and effects are of course also features of Gimp.
In addition, Gimp contains countless other image editing features that you can usually only find in paid programs such as Photoshop.
Note: Due to the many features, the first steps in Gimp are difficult and you will need a certain training period. In our practical tips, we will help you and tell you, for example, how to create a 3D effect or create motion blur.

As a program in the Google product family, Picasa is an all-round tool - especially for social networks:

Picasa is best used with other Google services such as GMail or Google+. They are integrated directly into the tool.
The features of Picasa, on the other hand, are limited to the basics: for example, you can beautify photos with different filters or scale screenshots. You cannot create really elaborate effects with the photo tool.
The free software searches your PC for all pictures and thus also serves as a photo album. So you have all the pictures in one place.
Note: Picasa is very easy to get started with compared to Gimp. Nevertheless, we will help you in our practical tips and show you how to create a collage or burn a CD.

Picasa and Gimp are two fundamentally different programs that have their respective areas of application:

Gimp: If you are interested in professional image editing, you are very well advised with Gimp. The software is free and contains features similar to paid programs.
Picasa: The Google service places less emphasis on image editing. The tool serves as an extensive photo manager: You can sort, categorize or add your pictures directly in Google+ or to the Picasa Web Albums. Nevertheless, basic tools for image processing are available. Beginners should therefore prefer to use the Google program.

Alternatively, you don't have to install a program at all. In a further comparison, we will introduce you to the best tools for online photo editing.