The GIMP team has launched the first release candidate ahead of GIMP 3.0 version

The GIMP development team has released the first release candidate for GIMP 3.0, marking a significant milestone for the open-source image editor. This version introduces a new logo, splash screen (used to illustrate this article), and improved vector UI icons that adapt to user preference settings. A key focus has been on enhancing color management, addressing bugs and areas that required color space awareness, following the updates in version 2.99.18.

GIMP 3.0 RC1 also stabilizes the public API and refines non-destructive filter functionality, adding an optional “Merge Filters” feature for immediate merging post-commitment. User interface updates include expanded multi-select capabilities and the restoration of using the mouse scrollwheel for navigating dockable dialogue tabs.

Additional enhancements include plugin updates, support for 64 bits per pixel BMP images, the ability to load layers from TIFFs saved in Sketchbook format, and updates to GEGL and babl libraries. These changes aim to improve the overall user experience and functionality of GIMP as it approaches its official 3.0 release.