Change Image Size

Comparison of GIMP and Adobe Photoshop

-

for Basic Photo Editing Tasks

Karlie Sudweeks
English 317 Technical Writing
University of Idaho
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................3
METHODS...................................................................................................................................................3
TASKS .......................................................................................................................................................3
TEST METRICS.........................................................................................................................................4
EVALUATION..........................................................................................................................................4
TESTING………………………………………………………………………………………….……..4
RESULTS.....................................................................................................................................................5
CHANGE IMAGE SIZE………………….………………………………………………………...…..5
WORK WITH LAYERS……………………………………………………………………..…………6
ADJUST IMAGE QUALITY…………………………………………………………………………..6
MAKE SELECTIONS………………………………………………………………………………….7
FOCUS ON SUBJECT, BLUR REST……………………………………….…………………………8
DRAWING SIMPLE OBJECTS…………………………………………………………..……………9
ADD TEXT AND SHAPES…………………………………………………………………………...10
COMBINE IMAGES…………………………………………………………………………………..11
APPLY FILTERS……………………………………………………………………………………...11
EXPORT IMAGE TO COMPUTER AS JPG…………………………………………….…………...12
CONCLUSIONS…………………………………................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX 1- RAW DATA…................................................................................................................ 14
Introduction
Photo and graphic editing software can be used for a wide range of illustrations and users. Users

from Novice photo editors to elite graphic designers and every user in between can use photo

editing software like photoshop and GIMP to edit their graphics, photos, advertising materials,

and many other tasks. Adobe photoshop can be very pricey, and a complex interface that deters

many beginner users from using it. This white page describes the results of the usability test that

compared Adobe photoshop to GIMP, a free similar editing software on how easy it is to

perform basic photo editing tasks.

Methods
Tasks
Ten tasks were evaluated for their performance in both photo editing software programs. These tasks
are as follows:

1. Change Image Size

2. Work with Layers
3. Adjust Image Quality
4. Make Selections
5. Focus on Subject, Blur Rest
6. Drawing Simple Objects
7. Add Text and Shapes
8. Combine Images
9. Apply Filters
10. Export Image to Computer

Photoshop has a lot more options for photo editing tasks than GIMP which gives it an unfair advantage
so to level the plane I chose simple editing tasks that both programs have and ignored the rest. Both
programs require a download to use their features but only requires download once.
Test Metrics
For this usability comparison, identical tasks in both photo editing programs will be tested for five
metrics. These metrics are as follows:

Effective: The goal of the task was successfully administered.

Efficient: Task could be completed in minimum number of actions

Engaging: Style of the required tool for a task enhances the editing process

Tolerant: Errors were easily corrected, and/or gave hints to how to fix the error

Easy to Learn: Tool this task required was easy accessible, and instinctive

Evaluation

Strongly Partially Strongly

Agree Disagree
Agree Agree Disagree
5 4 3 2 1

There are five metrics each evaluated on a five-point scale, the maximum score for each task
will be 25 points; and the possible score will be 100 each.

Testing
Both software programs were used on a 2017 Dell Business Flagship with a Windows 10 pro
operating system. The use of a laptop makes it easier for universal use in different locations.
Many users use laptops as their operating unit of choice, so I chose to as well. A Samsung tablet
was used to view the excel sheet to do the evaluation of the programs. Each program was left
open for easy access to make it easier to compare programs for similar tasks.
Results
Task 1
Change image size for a desired print canvas.

GIMP
When I went into the program to change the image size to
the size of print I want I couldn’t find a button that said
change image size or image size, but I did find one that
said scale image. I hoped scale image size was the correct
button, but I was sure. However as shown in Figure 1,
You can see that scale image is the button that is
necessary to change the size of the image. Scale image
seems like an easy name to decide what the function is,
but it could have not the button I was looking for. The
wanted function was successful, the function was
completed in few steps, it wasn’t very engaging, but it
was intuitive. Figure 1: Changing Image Size in GIMP

Photoshop
When I went into the program to change image size
there was a button that specifically said image size.
The button specifically saying image size makes you
know that is what the functions will relate to. By
clicking the task, it was easy to get the desired effect, it
only took two clicks to get to the mainframe that
allows you to move the image size, the function allows
you to see a preview of the function you are using
which makes it engaging, and image size makes it very
intuitive and easy to understand. Usability comparison
is shown on Table 1 of the Appendix shown on page
A-1.

Figure 2: Changing Image Size in Photoshop

Task 2
Working with layers.

GIMP
Shown in figure 3, you can see that there are many
functions that involve layers. The complexity of options
makes it confusing for the user to find the function they
want. There is no direction of what button they need to
press to get the desired effect to their photo.

Figure 3: Layer function of GIMP

Figure 4: Layer function of Photoshop
Photoshop
As shown in figure 4, you can see that there are also
many functions related to layers on photoshop.
However, the titles are more intuitive than GIMPs
titles were. If the user wanted to create a layer mask
they could just select the layer mask function. The
tool bar on the side also has layer functions. Though
most of the functions use symbols, which could
make it hard for the viewer to know which symbol
represents the function they want, it is still intuitive
for the user to know. This is accomplished by
having the titles of the symbols appear when the
users mouse hovers over the symbol.

Task 3
Adjust Image Quality
Usibility Comparison of Adjusting
GIMP Image Quality Function
This task was difficult to find on GIMP. There 6
was no specific button for this task. Through
4
my testing I still couldn’t find it. I’m certain
this task can be completed but I was unable to 2
complete this task. The lack of function 0
buttons is why I rated this program very Effective Efficient Engaging Error Easy to
ineffective, unengaging, and not easy to learn Tolerant Learn
for this specific task as shown in Figure 5. Gimp Photoshop

Figure 5: Evaluation ratings of Adjusting Image Quality Functions of both editing software.
 Photoshop
Immediately in the interface there is an
adjustment section on the toolbox that allows
you to mess with the image quality, as you can
see in figure 6. There are separate adjustment
buttons from the rest of the editing buttons
which makes it easier for users to navigate to
the functions they want instead of searching
through all the function possible. Each
function has a specific symbol that also
includes the name of the function that will
occur if pressed. As shown in figure 5 the
results were that the easy accessibility makes
it easier for users to use, learn, and
successfully complete the task. The location of
the adjustment tab also makes it engaging for
users.

Figure 6: Adjusting image quality using photoshop

Task 4
Making Image Selections

GIMP
The making image selection tool is a lasso and takes a lot
of clicks to select all the portion of the image you want.
There isn’t a tool to make the edges fine-tuned so that
you can get a clean selection. Its very time consuming
and is hard for a person that is a perfectionist. As you can
see in figure 7 the selection tool doesn’t work if you have
an odd shaped portion you want to select. The goal was
completed but not very neat, it wasn’t very effective
because it took too many clicks to get there, the tool
looked like a lasso and it didn’t make sense that it was a
selection tool, and it wasn’t very intuitive.
Figure 7: Making Selections
 Photoshop
Photoshop has many selection tools but the easiest of them would be the mask selection tool. The
many options make photoshop easy to select portions as well as gives it a bit of complexity for
new users. The selection tool had a more in detail selection tool that was easy to use to create
clean selection borders. Overall, the efficiency of the selection tool makes it very effective to
use, better than GIMP.

Task 5
Focus on Subject, Blur the Rest

GIMP
The selection tool is not error friendly which makes it time consuming and frustrating.
The help page shows that you can blur the background but there was no specific button
for me to press that would allow me to blur the background once I made the mask
selection of the subject of the picture. After several mi0nutes, I found the blur tool in
one of the tab bars; however, once selected it didn’t do anything. This was very
frustrating and not error tolerant at all. I failed this task using this program.
 Photoshop
There is a whole section devoted to
adjustments, levels, filters, and things that
alter the appearance of the photo. This you can
see in figure 8. It is easily accessible which
makes it super-efficient. You must first create
a selection of the photo which is also easily
accessible but takes a little bit more time to
make the selection you desire. Once, you
make the selection into a layer than you can
alter the look of the background. This option
however wasn’t very error tolerant.

Figure 8: Focus on subject, blur the rest

Task 6
Drawing Simple Objects.

GIMP
There was a pencil icon that I tried to use but it
only erased part of the picture I scrolled with.
The paint brush icon had the same effect. Its not
very error tolerant. Overall, I failed this task
using GIMP so not very beginner friendly.

Figure 9: Drawing tool on GIMP

Photoshop
As you can see in figure 10, photoshop
has a line design icon, a shape design
icon, and a section where you can add
3D objects. The easy access of design
icons on the toolbox makes it very
efficient to be effective. It isn’t very
error tolerant but photoshop does have
an undo button. There is a task
description that pops up when you move
your mouse over the icon which makes it
easy to learn.

Figure 10: Adding shapes using photoshop

Task 7
Add Text and Shapes

GIMP
There was a tab icon with an A, as you can see
in figure 11, that is easily accessible to add text
to the image. The text fonts were easy to use
and select. This tool was engaging with an A
and easy to learn. The task was able to be
completed and was efficient to use.

Figure 11: Adding text using GIMP

Photoshop
The text icon is a T which makes it easy
for beginner users to know that’s what
the icon is for. Shown in figure 12. The
fonts are easy to select. With the easy
access it makes it efficient and effective.

Figure 12: Adding text using photoshop

Task 8
Combining Images

GIMP
GIMP is unable to combine images.
You can do small editing tasks but
there isn’t a way to make two images
become one. This task failed.

Photoshop
The task was not basic after further investigation. All
the tools necessary were easily accessible but it just
took many steps to complete the task. You had to
mask the selection of the image you want and then
transparent out the rest and insert it into the other
photo. It wasn’t very error friendly and it was time
consuming and difficult to remember the steps for
beginner users.

Task 9
Applying Filters

GIMP
GIMP has a tab for filters that is easy to
access. The filter was easy to apply to the
image which made it effective and
efficient to do the task. As shown in figure
13, the filter tab is easily accessible on the
home tab.

Figure 13: Applying Filter using GIMP

 Photoshop
The filter tab was included with the adjustment tab located on
the layer section. There are many icons to find which makes it
not very user friendly. It is however effective to apply filters to
the image just with a little researching. The confusion can be
shown in Figure 14.

Task 10 Figure 14: Applying Filters using Photoshop

Export Image to Computer as JPG

GIMP
It was easy to access the save tab. Then it easy
to access the export as button which made it
effective to export as JPG and title the
document. The export as tab was easy to learn
since its function is titled clearly as shown in
figure 15. Then the export as module is easy to
navigate to complete the task of saving the
edited image as a JPG which is shown in figure
16.

Figure 15: Save as tab in GIMP

Figure 16: Exporting Image In GIMP as the JPG

Photoshop
Photoshop has more steps to export the
edited image as JPG to the computer
than GIMP does, but it is still effective
to get the task done. It is efficient
because its easy to navigate exporting
which is shown in figure 17.

Figure 16: Exporting Image In photoshop

Conclusion
Overall, photoshop is more equipped for advanced editing tasks than GIMP. GIMP is efficient in
low-key edits like adding fonts, shapes, and messing with filters. However, it isn’t very easy to
do complex edits like selection masks, or combing images. Photoshop is easy to use once users
get past the overwhelming feelings that is created by the name itself. The interface for photoshop
also is a negative mark against the engagement quality of users as well as the overall efficiency
of the program. My recommendation for GIMP is to make it easier to do complex tasks so that
more people will take advantage of a free photo editing software. I would also recommend
photoshop to edit their interface to be more engaging for users. The initial view is overwhelming
to users which could deter them to use the software. Through multiple tests, my final finding is
that Photoshop is more user friendly for the number of tasks that can be completed using the
programs.
Appendix: Raw Data

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
1
4 4 3 5 2 5 5 3 5 5
Notes Gimp used scale image and its not the universal word for Photoshop used image size which allowed users to
sizing image, so some people might not know if it was the know that was the right button to use.
right function

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
2
2 2 2 1 1 4 3 4 4 3
Notes Gimp layer function is hard to navigate and is quite Photoshop uses easily accessible taskbars for the tools
frustrating to use as a beginner. you need to perform layer edits. There are many steps
to working with layers, so it can be time consuming and
overwhelming. The tools necessary are easily named so
users know what task will be completed using that icon.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
3
1 1 1 1 1 5 5 3 5 5
Notes You couldn’t find the function tools for this task. The help Photoshop has an adjustment interface that is easily
page said this task could be completed but I failed to find accessible. The easy access with the appealing look
the tools to get the desired effect. makes it more engaging for users.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
4
4 2 3 1 4 5 5 3 5 5
Notes The selection occurs using a lasso tool that takes many Photoshop has many selection tools that make it easier
steps to complete. It isn’t error friendly because if you for users to accomplish their desired tasks. Photoshop
make a mistake you must start all over which the function allows user to get a cleaner, more specific selection
to do so take many steps as well so it’s not efficient. because of the masking capability so the image is
crisper.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
5
3 3 2 1 2 4 3 4 2 3
Notes Gimp selection tool does not allow for errors. The Photoshop’s more precise accuracy selection tool
selection of the portion of image you wanted to keep makes it easier to separate the image subject and the
clear wasn’t very neat because tool didn’t allow for background. The steps weren’t super error tolerant.
 precision, so it was hard to blur the rest of the photo and
have the edited version look good.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
6
1 1 1 1 3 5 5 4 5 5
Notes Gimp had a pencil icon, but it didn’t do what it was Photoshop had a line design task icon as well as several
supposed to. Couldn’t find the correct tool to draw simple other shape icons that made it easier for me to find the
objects. But if the pencil icon would work it would be very correct tools I needed. It was easy to use and the
intuitive for users to use. designs were added.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
7
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Notes Gimp has an A for the text icon which is intuitive for the Photoshop has a T icon for text which is intuitive for
users to know that the A Is for text. The font was also users to know that they will bring up text if they select
easy to find and select the desired one. this tool. Photoshop also includes a text toolbar which
makes it easy to select different fonts and preview
them before use which makes it error tolerant.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
8
1 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 3 3
Notes There is no easy way to combine two photos into one The task wasn’t basic, many steps to complete the
using GIMP. This task failed. combination of images but it was possible. The tools
needed for the task were intuitive for users but the
navigation to use it was complex and could be
frustrating for users.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
9
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 3 5 5
Notes Gimp has an easy accessible toolbox for filters. The filter Photoshop has a specific interface just for filters that is
interface is very beginner friendly. easily accessible. Each of the filters were easily named
which makes it intuitive and easy for users to learn. It is
also very error tolerant because you can take steps to
fix the issue and try again.

GIMP Photoshop
Error Easy to Error Easy to
Task
Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn Effective Efficient Engaging Tolerant learn
10
5 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 5 5
Notes The export as feature is easily accessible on the file tab Photoshop has a lot of steps to export the image as a
which makes it easy to do. It didn’t take many steps to get jpg. I don’t know why it doesn’t have to be more
to the save feature which could be less effective if it did. effective or these steps are even necessary.