Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

GIMP VS ArcReader

Compare GIMP VS ArcReader and see what are their differences

GIMP logo GIMP

GIMP is a multiplatform photo manipulation tool.

ArcReader logo ArcReader

ArcReader is a free, easy-to-use desktop mapping application that allows you to view, explore and print maps & globes. View high-quality interactive maps authored by ArcMap and published with the ArcGIS Publisher extension.
  • GIMP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30
  • ArcReader Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-19

GIMP features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    GIMP is completely free to use and open source, allowing users to download, modify, and distribute the software without any cost.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    GIMP is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.
  • Extensive Plugin Support
    GIMP supports a wide range of plugins, which can be used to enhance functionality and customize the software to suit specific needs.
  • Powerful Editing Tools
    GIMP offers a comprehensive set of image editing tools for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of GIMP

  • Complex Interface
    The user interface can be overwhelming and not as intuitive as other commercial software, which can pose a steep learning curve for new users.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users experience performance issues, such as slow rendering times, especially when working with large files or applying multiple layers and effects.
  • Limited Professional Features
    Compared to industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP lacks some advanced features and tools that professionals might need for high-end work.
  • Inconsistent Updates
    Updates and new features can be inconsistent, as the development relies on a community of volunteers rather than a dedicated team.

ArcReader features and specs

  • Free to Use
    ArcReader is a free software tool provided by Esri which allows users to view, explore, and print maps created in ArcGIS.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Designed for non-GIS users, ArcReader features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and interact with maps.
  • View Published Maps
    Users can view high-quality, interactive maps that have been published by GIS professionals using ArcGIS Publisher.
  • Robust Map Interaction
    ArcReader allows users to zoom, pan, and query spatial data, providing a reasonably interactive experience without needing advanced GIS skills.
  • Offline Use
    ArcReader does not require an internet connection, which allows users to view maps in locations where internet access is unavailable.

Possible disadvantages of ArcReader

  • Limited Functionality
    ArcReader is primarily a map viewing tool and lacks advanced GIS capabilities such as map editing or spatial analysis.
  • Dependency on ArcGIS Publisher
    Maps must be published by ArcGIS Publisher for them to be viewable in ArcReader, making it dependent on other Esri products for map creation.
  • No Customization
    Users cannot create or customize their own maps; functionality is limited to viewing maps published by others.
  • Lacks Online Sharing Capabilities
    ArcReader does not offer features for sharing maps online or collaborating with other users through web-based platforms.
  • Outdated Technology
    As a more traditional desktop application, ArcReader may not integrate well with modern, web-based GIS solutions, and its features have seen limited updates compared to other Esri products.

Analysis of GIMP

Overall verdict

  • GIMP is generally considered a good alternative to commercial image editing software, especially for those who are looking for a cost-effective solution. While it may not have all the advanced features or polished interface of some paid options, it is powerful enough for most editing tasks and keeps improving with regular updates.

Why this product is good

  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor that offers a wide range of tools and features for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It is highly customizable and supports various plugins, making it a flexible option for different design needs. Its active community provides extensive support and resources for users.

Recommended for

    GIMP is recommended for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals who need a robust image editor without a financial commitment. It's suitable for users who are comfortable with learning open-source software and those who need a tool for basic to mid-level image editing tasks.

GIMP videos

Gimp vs Photoshop - Photo Editing Software - COMPARISON 2018

More videos:

  • Review - GIMP 2020 Preview and GIMP 2019 Recap
  • Review - 10 Reasons to Use GIMP in 2020 Over Photoshop

ArcReader videos

No ArcReader videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to GIMP and ArcReader)
Graphic Design Software
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Image Editing
100 100%
0% 0
Digital Drawing And Painting

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare GIMP and ArcReader

GIMP Reviews

  1. Clipping Path universe
    ยท Working at Clipping Path ยท
    A great site

    This is a great site for photo editing and the software is supper.

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Trusted

12 Best Free PosterMyWall Alternatives and Competitors
You can use GIMP as a basic paint tool, a high-quality photo editor, a tool to process many images at once online, a way to make lots of images, or even to change the format of an image. GIMP can do even more because you can add extra features to it using plugins and extensions. You can make it do just about anything you like.
Source: mockey.ai
10 Best Photopea Software Alternatives in 2024 (Free & Paid)
There are 1,439 votes for GIMP and 14 votes for Photopea. GIMP gets 4.3/5, and Photopea gets 4.8/5. These rankings come from real user reviews and can help you choose between the two based on your industryโ€™s needs.
Best Adobe Photoshop alternatives of 2024
In our experience, GIMP was slightly less responsive and used a few more resources than its proprietary counterpart, but this can be easily forgiven on the basis that GIMP always has been and always will be free and open source.
10 Best Adobe Illustrator Alternatives
Check out GIMP, one of the best free Illustrator alternatives which is ideal for any creative.
16+ Best Web Design Software in 2022 (Ranked by a Trusted Expert)
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. Itโ€™s a free and open-source software for editing images and a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.

ArcReader Reviews

We have no reviews of ArcReader yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, GIMP seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 59 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

GIMP mentions (59)

  • Yurt Calculator
    Image Creative Commons (CC) BY-SA-NC 2005-2017, developed, designed and written by Renรฉ K. Mรผller Graphics & illustrations made with Inkscape, Tgif, Gimp, PovRay, GD.pm Web-Site powered by FreeBSD & Debian/Linux - 100% Open Source. Source: over 2 years ago
  • I just cannot understand why they did Paint so bad
    Paint.NET for a familiar paradigm with nicer features. Pinta for an old school, simple Paint experience. Krita for more advanced drawing. Gimp for editing/manipulating photos. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Had to make This after seeing all the post over and over again
    If you don't want to pay for photoshop, check out the Gnu Image Manipulation Program at http://gimp.org which is free. It has most of what you'd want photoshop for. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Super, just Super.
    As good as this suggestion is, without proper links and explanation it means nothing. GEGL is a type of plugins for GIMP, which can adjust the settings of already present effects and create new ones. The most notable ones are made by LinuxBeaver. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Useful apps for Ux designers
    GIMP: FOSS alternative to Photoshop. Like Inkscape, itโ€™s not directly related to UI, but might be handy. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

ArcReader mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ArcReader yet. Tracking of ArcReader recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing GIMP and ArcReader, you can also consider the following products

Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Photoshop is a webtop application for editing images and photos online.

Adobe InDesign - Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software application.

Krita - Krita is a professional FREE and open source painting program. It is made by artists that want to seaffordable art tools for everyone. Concept art. texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.

iBooks Author - iBooks Author, free from the Mac App store, allows you to create beautiful Multi-Touch textbooks โ€” and just about any other kind of book.

Affinity Photo - Affinity is the imaging and design suite for creative professionals exclusively for Mac.

Microsoft Publisher - Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing solution.