After seven years of active development, GIMP 3.0 has been officially released! If you want to try the latest GIMP 3.0 on Linux, you're in the right place. This brief guide explains different ways to install GIMP 3.0 on Linux.
Table of Contents
What is GIMP?
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor used for tasks like photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design.
Key Features of GIMP
- Free & Open-Source – No cost, with full access to the source code.
- Cross-Platform – Works on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Advanced Editing Tools – Supports layers, masks, filters, and customizable brushes.
- Plugin Support – Extensible with third-party plugins and scripts.
- Wide File Format Support – Handles PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and more.
- Non-Destructive Editing – (In GIMP 3.0) Allows re-editable effects and filters.
It is often seen as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop, especially for Linux users.
What's New in GIMP 3.0
The latest GIMP version 3.0 is released two days ago with many new features.
GIMP 3.0 release focuses on modernising the user interface with an upgrade to GTK3, introducing non-destructive layer effects, enhancing colour space management, and implementing numerous usability improvements and new features.
While the core focus was the GUI library update, GIMP 3.0 delivers substantial advancements for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and other users. It also brings significant changes for developers with an updated API and broader language support for plug-ins.
Here are some of the best new features in GIMP 3.0:
1. New GTK3 User Interface
- Upgraded to GTK3, improving performance and look.
- Better HiDPI support for high-resolution screens.
- Themes now use CSS, allowing more customization.
- Native Wayland support, while still supporting X11.
2. Non-Destructive Editing
- Live filters can be re-edited without undoing everything.
- Filters can be toggled on/off or deleted individually.
- Traditional merge options still available for old workflows.
3. Improved Color Management
- Support for RGB color spaces beyond sRGB, keeping color accuracy.
- Better soft-proofing tools in the status bar.
- Lays groundwork for CMYK support in the future.
4. Layer & Tool Enhancements
- Multiple layer selection for easier bulk edits.
- Layer locks moved to a clearer pop-over menu.
- Layer groups & search for better organization.
- Auto-expand layers while drawing, preventing cut-off strokes.
5. Enhanced File Format Support
- Better PSD support with improved layer handling.
- New support for ICNS, CUR, ANI (Windows cursors), and Amiga formats.
- Can load JPEGs and TIFFs with Photoshop metadata.
6. Text Tool Improvements
- More accurate font rendering.
- Non-destructive text outlines for stylized text.
7. Plugin & API Changes
- Plugins now use Python 3, replacing outdated versions.
- New API functions allow better integration with GEGL filters.
- Some older plugins may not work due to API changes.
8. Performance & Technical Improvements
- Switched to Meson for faster compilation.
- Better multi-threading support for speed improvements.
- More efficient memory and resource handling.
9. Updated Translations & Usability Enhancements
- Improved multi-language support.
- Small tweaks to make the interface more user-friendly.
While there are many other usability improvements and new features, these stand out as some of the most impactful changes in GIMP 3.0. For more details, check out the GIMP 3.0 official release notes.
Install GIMP 3.0 in Linux
It's always best to use the official package from your Linux distribution if it's available. However, since GIMP 3.0 was released just two days ago, most official repositories (Arch, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.) likely still provide GIMP 2.10.
If you prefer installing GIMP through your distribution’s package manager, you may need to wait a few days for the update.
For those who don’t want to wait, you can install GIMP 3.0 using Flatpak or AppImage. The latest version is available on the official GIMP downloads page.
Install GIMP via Flatpak
GIMP 3.0.0 is available as a Flatpak for x86-64 and AArch64 architectures. Make sure you have installed flatpak and enabled the flathub repository on your Linux distribution.
Next, install GIMP using the following command:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
After installation, if GIMP doesn't appear in your applications menu, you might need to run it via the command line using:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
The Flatpak installation also provides regular auto updates. You can manually update your Flatpak installations using the command:
flatpak update
Download GIMP 3.0.0 AppImage
GIMP 3.0.0 is also available as an AppImage for x86_64 and ARM64 (AArch64) architectures. As of writing this guide, the supported operating system for the AppImage is Debian 12 or a newer distribution.
You can download the AppImage directly or via BitTorrent. For security, SHA256 hash sums are provided for the AppImage files, allowing you to verify their integrity.
wget https://download.gimp.org/gimp/v3.0/linux/GIMP-3.0.0-x86_64.AppImage
Once downloaded, make it executable:
chmod +x GIMP-3.0.0-x86_64.AppImage
Now launch GIMP 3.0 using the following command:
./GIMP-3.0.0-x86_64.AppImage
If you have installed GIMP 3.0 via flatpak, you can launch it from the Menu or by using this command:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
That's it! Start designing and editing your images with GIMP 3.0.
If you're new to GIMP, check out the official tutorial section to get started. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic to advanced levels.
