Picking a disc-based GIMP release for creative photo video audio software often comes down to whether the newer feature set or the lower listed price matters more. Both CDs run on Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11, install from a physical disc, and come as open-source software with a lifetime license. The two candidates are the GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) and the GIMP 2024 edition, with a listed price spread of $6.00.
Quick verdict: The GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) Pro Graphic Design CD is the pick if you want a GIMP 3 package with GPU-accelerated performance, RAW camera processing, and old-photo restoration tools. The GIMP 2024 CD is the pick if you're comfortable with the earlier release and want professional-grade editing with layers, masks, and a customizable interface.
| Product | Price bar | Listed price | Format | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) | USD 20.99 | CD | Lifetime | |
| GIMP 2024 | USD 14.99 | CD | Lifetime |
Where each product wins
- The GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) wins for users who want the specific GIMP 3 feature emphasis: GPU-accelerated performance, RAW camera file processing, image restoration, and the ability to create social media images, banners, flyers, and original artwork. It is also the version that offers an offline install after setup.
- The GIMP 2024 wins for users who want the same open-source editing foundation with advanced layer support, masks, channels, blending modes, retouching, and a highly customizable workspace.
GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) Pro Graphic Design - Photo Editing Software Program on CD
The GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) is the version that carries the GIMP 3 label, and its description highlights GPU-accelerated performance, RAW processing, and tools for restoring old photos. The CD installs offline, so you don't need an internet connection after setup. This is the choice if the 2025 edition's feature emphasis matters to you, especially for graphic design, marketing materials, and photo restoration. The trade-off is that it is the newer release, so it may be more than you need if your workflow is limited to straightforward edits. For a Windows 10 or 11 user with an eye on RAW files and GPU-accelerated workflows, this edition offers the most complete set of described tools.
GIMP 2024 Photo Editing Software - Graphic Design, Image Enhancement & More CD
The GIMP 2024 CD is the earlier release, and its description emphasizes advanced layer support, masks, channels, blending modes, photo retouching, color correction, and a customizable interface. It installs from a disc with no subscription and no expiration. The concrete reason to choose it is that it delivers professional-grade layer-based editing and interface customization in a straightforward CD package. The trade-off is that this is the 2024 release rather than the GIMP 3 2025 edition, so you're not getting the version number and the newer feature emphasis that comes with the 2025 package. If the GPU acceleration and RAW processing details in the 2025 listing aren't essential, the 2024 edition is a capable fit.
Final choice by use case
If your priority is a GIMP 3 edition with GPU-accelerated performance and RAW processing, choose the GIMP 3 (2025 Edition) at USD 20.99. If your priority is a lower listed price and you still want layers, masks, and customization, choose the GIMP 2024 at USD 14.99. The $6.00 price spread reflects the different feature emphasis between the two editions, so match the version to the work you actually do.
