GIMP 3.0 major update released after seven years with GTK3, non-destructive filters & more
GIMP 3.0 has finally been released after seven years of development, offering a major update to the open-source free image editor. This new version is built on GTK3, providing a modernized user interface with improved HiDPI scaling for better adaptation to various screen resolutions. Users of drawing tablets will find enhanced input support, which alleviates previous driver-related issues. The update introduces a CSS-based theme system for easy customization and adds Wayland support to ensure compatibility with modern Linux environments. Non-destructive filters allow users to edit and manage filters without permanently altering layers, while expanded color management now supports wider RGB profiles with plans for future CMYK and LAB support.
The update also features a new Welcome Dialogue for quick project starts and interface personalization. Layer management has been improved with enhanced search and multiple selections, and off-canvas editing along with customizable shortcuts streamline workflows. Right-to-left language support has been refined, and file format compatibility now includes macOS ICNS, Windows CUR/ANI, among others. The text tool has been revamped, offering improved typeface recognition and non-destructive text outlines.
Additionally, soft-proofing and reduced motion settings are aligned with system-wide preferences, enhancing accessibility. Advanced text editing features have been introduced, enabling users to toggle the on-canvas text editor. GIMP 3.0 is now available for download, with detailed information on its new features and improvements included in the release announcement.
- Image Editor
- Free • Open Source
Related news
External links
- GIMP 3.0 Release NotesGIMP • Official source
- GIMP 3.0 Image Editor Is Now Available for Download, Here's What's New9to5Linux
- After a Decade of Waiting, GIMP 3.0.0 is Finally Here!It's FOSS News
- GIMP 3.0 Released: A Major Overhaul After Seven Years in DevelopmentLinuxiac
- GIMP 3.0 Finally Released with a HUGE Set of ChangesOMG! Ubuntu
- Freeware image editor GIMP 3.0 arrives after seven years of incubationTom's Hardware
- GIMP 3.0 is here -- the best free Photoshop alternative just got a huge upgradeBetaNews
Comments
Total agreement with UserPower and mimumu.
I sometimes think that The GIMP team deserves to be cut some slack. Just looked at the effort the team is spending to give a powerful piece of kit for free. It's wonderful that there is a community to support the progress (code contribution, training videos, etc), but I do wonder if they get enough donations and whether the team has not grown. It may not look like Photoshop (does it really have to?) but if you're willing to spend time on learning it, the results speak for themselves. Just imagine what you can achieve by combining Krita and The GIMP.
So huge congrats and well done to the team! I hope they can keep up the momentum.
I understand all the criticism about ui and ux, but frankly one has to marvel at the achievements of projects like this. No billion-dollar corporation behind, no millions of paying customers, no industry support and yet is definitely one of the best editors that exist. Been using the beta since a few months back, and it really is a significant jump in some important areas. Nothing to say other than thank you and congrats to all the dedicated people that works on this.
Congratulations to the GIMP team! More than 20 years after the 2.0, we can say that this 3.0 was very awaited, and let's hope they will find a faster release cycle pace (like Blender). I've switched to Krita many years ago because GIMP wasn't improving or being corrected fast enough, even if I've to recognize it still has been very stable and fast, there was still some functionalities missing (like non-destructive filters and color profiles, that were on the list for decades now). I'm still waiting for 3.1 or 3.2 to try it again to ensure most bugs (always due for big releases) have been fixed, since it doesn't seem there has been many testers for theses last versions (sadly, because testing is a great way to contribute to open source projects).