Brazilian YouTuber Recreates Photoshop in GIMP for Free 2026

A Brazilian YouTuber has recreated the Photoshop experience inside GIMP, giving users a free and open-source alternative that Adobe cannot legally prevent. The project, called PhotoGIMP, is a free patch that reorganizes GIMP's interface, shortcuts, and settings to make it feel much more familiar to anyone coming from Adobe's software.

GIMP has long been one of the most prominent open-source alternatives to Photoshop, but its interface can be off-putting for users accustomed to Adobe's ecosystem. PhotoGIMP was created specifically to solve that friction.

What Is PhotoGIMP and Who Made It?

PhotoGIMP is a set of configuration files that replace GIMP's default settings. It is maintained by Dionatan Simioni, known online as Diolinux, a Brazilian YouTuber who focuses on Linux and free software.

The project is distributed openly under the GPL-3.0 license via GitHub, meaning anyone can use, modify, and distribute it freely. This open licensing is a key reason why Adobe has no legal ground to stop it.

Importantly, PhotoGIMP does not add new features to GIMP or turn it into Photoshop. As stated in the project's official repository, it is a free, community-maintained patch that transforms GIMP's interface to make it easier for Photoshop users to transition. The editor behind the interface remains GIMP, with all its strengths and limitations.

How PhotoGIMP Bridges the Gap with Photoshop

PhotoGIMP touches several elements of the user experience to reduce the learning curve. It rearranges toolbars, menus, and panels to mimic Photoshop's layout. It also remaps keyboard shortcuts so that common commands like copy, paste, and transform feel intuitive to Adobe users.

Beyond layout, the patch adjusts various default settings to better match Photoshop's behavior. This means users spend less time hunting for options and more time editing. The goal is not to clone Photoshop but to make GIMP's powerful features more accessible.

Because PhotoGIMP is just a configuration layer, it does not alter GIMP's core functionality. Users still get GIMP's native tools, filters, and scripting capabilities. The difference is purely in how those features are presented and accessed.

Why Adobe Can't Do Anything About It

Adobe has no legal mechanism to stop PhotoGIMP because the project does not infringe on any copyrights or patents. It does not use Adobe's code, trademarks, or proprietary assets. Instead, it simply rearranges GIMP's open-source interface.

GIMP itself is released under the GPL, which grants users the freedom to modify and redistribute the software. PhotoGIMP operates entirely within that legal framework. As long as it does not misrepresent itself as official Adobe software, it is protected.

This situation highlights a broader trend: open-source communities can create compatible or familiar experiences without violating intellectual property laws. Adobe's subscription-based model faces increasing competition from free alternatives that mimic its interface.

Key Takeaways for Creators

• Free alternative: PhotoGIMP offers a Photoshop-like experience in GIMP at no cost.
• Open source: Licensed under GPL-3.0, allowing free use and modification.
• Community-driven: Maintained by Diolinux and contributors on GitHub.
• No new features: It only changes the interface, not GIMP's capabilities.
• Legal protection: Adobe cannot stop it because it doesn't use proprietary code.

PhotoGIMP vs. Photoshop: What to Expect

While PhotoGIMP makes GIMP more familiar, it is not a perfect substitute. GIMP lacks some advanced features found in Photoshop, such as certain AI-powered tools and cloud integration. However, for many users, GIMP's core editing capabilities are more than sufficient.

The table below compares key aspects of both tools to help you decide.

For budget-conscious creators or those who prefer open-source software, PhotoGIMP is a compelling option. It lowers the barrier to entry for GIMP and provides a familiar environment for Adobe refugees. Context on how this played out before sits in Brazilian YouTuber Recreates Photoshop in GIMP for Free.

How to Get Started with PhotoGIMP

To try PhotoGIMP, you first need to install GIMP. Then, download the configuration files from the official GitHub repository. The installation process involves replacing GIMP's default settings with PhotoGIMP's files, which is typically straightforward. The background to this story is set out in Technology: latest articles. A related thread runs through Digital Sovereignty Expert: Europe's Trust in US Hyperscalers Is Gone.

Detailed instructions are available on the repository, and the community is active in providing support. Since it's a free patch, you can experiment without risk. If you don't like it, you can revert to GIMP's default settings. Earlier coverage in Linus Torvalds: No Longer a Programmer, Now a People Manager shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Denmark's Open Source Office Pilot Struggles With Microsoft Dependency.

It's worth noting that PhotoGIMP is primarily aimed at Linux users, given Diolinux's focus, but it can work on other platforms with some adjustments. The project's open nature means contributors may expand compatibility over time. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Playwright: What It Is and How It Automates Your Browser. The same theme surfaces in Elon Musk Calls Kimi K3 'Impressive' as Open-Source AI Race Heats, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

PhotoGIMP represents a significant step in making open-source creative tools more accessible. By mimicking Photoshop's interface, it lowers the learning curve and offers a viable alternative for those unwilling to pay for subscriptions. As the project evolves, it could attract even more users to the GIMP ecosystem.