# GIMP

GIMP is a free, open-source desktop image editor for Windows, Mac and Linux that publishers use to build and edit book cover artwork.

- Canonical page: https://kdp123.com/t/gimp/
- Official site: https://www.gimp.org
- Categories: Cover Design & Mockups
- Price: Free
- Platforms: windows, mac, linux
- Outputs KDP-ready files: Not stated
- Touches your KDP account: No
- Official Amazon product: No
- Last checked: 2026-11-09

## Summary

GIMP edits raster images with layers, text and filters, and can lay out a KDP paperback wrap on the cover calculator template and export it as PDF. It edits in RGB only: GIMP 3 can export CMYK JPEG, TIFF, PSD and JPEG XL using a soft-proofing profile, but has no CMYK editing mode, while KDP recommends CMYK images and a single PDF cover. There are no built-in book templates or spine calculation.

## Pros

- Free and open source, no account or subscription
- CMYK export to TIFF, JPEG and PSD with a soft-proof profile since GIMP 3

## Cons

- No native CMYK editing mode
- Steeper learning curve than template tools

## Alternatives

- [Krita](https://kdp123.com/t/krita/)
- [Photopea](https://kdp123.com/t/photopea/)
- [Inkscape](https://kdp123.com/t/inkscape/)

## Sources

- https://www.gimp.org/
- https://www.gimp.org/release-notes/gimp-3.0.html
- https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201953020