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.

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At a glance

Price

Free

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Linux

Outputs KDP-ready files

Not stated

Touches your KDP account

No

Categories

Cover Design & Mockups

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.

Best for

• Free photo editing and compositing for cover artwork

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: Krita is a free, open-source digital painting app for illustrators that publishers use to paint cover art and children's book illustrations.
• Photopea: Photopea is a free browser-based image editor similar to Photoshop that opens PSD files and can export PDF for print covers.
• Inkscape: Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac and Linux that can lay out covers and low-content pages and export PDF.

Sources

Facts on this page come from the vendor and these pages. Prices change; confirm on the vendor site.

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

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