GIMPShop Editor's Review

GIMPShop is a modified version of The GIMP to make it look more like Adobe Photoshop. 

If you worked with these kinds of programs, you probably heard or already tried the original product, The GIMP. This software comes with the same support. The engine is the same, but the look and the feeling are different. 

Since this is a program dedicated to the designers, I can't tell you how you feel when using it or what kind of features you can find or you can't find. I say this because I am not a designer. A person who is used with this kind of programs could say many things about an application like this.

From the editor's point of view, I can say that it uses the same amount of resources as the original program. It has a comparable startup speed. However, the first startup is an exception, because the application builds in that moment its icon cache. 

The tools from the main window are the same, but the modifications can be seen in other windows such as the picture window or the tools window. Comparing it to the original product, you can see modifications into the menus and modifications to the tools. 

I like some additional tools in this program, which you can use in order to make the application behave better. 'Drop menurc on me.app' and 'menurc' can be used in order to use Photoshop shortcuts for the graphics editing. In case something doesn't work, search for further reference. The included 'Read Me' file can be your life savior. 

Another nice tool is the 'Turn On X11 Focus Follows Mouse'. Since GIMPShop uses a three window-working mode, is not that easy to activate the window's behavior by clicking it every time you would like to do an action inside it. This tool removes this behavior, so the window activates itself when you hover it. 

Pluses: it is free because its Open Source licensing and because of this can be a strong alternative to the commercial solutions. It's easier to make a switch to this application, because it behaves like Photoshop. 

Drawbacks / flaws: 

In conclusion: if you like it, use it. 

version reviewed: 2.2.11