As you may know, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editing software used a lot on Linux systems, as a free alternative of Adobe Photoshop (that can be used hand-in-hand with Inkscape).
It is widely used by photographers, graphic designers, illustrators and digital artists, providing a set of tools for tasks like photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design. It also includes layer masking, color corection and digital painting, making the tool very powerful.
It supports a wide variety of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and PSD, making it an ideal choice for both professionals and amateurs. The software has a customizable user interface, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their preferences. Also, the basic functionality can be extended via various community-created extensions.
As a free and open-source program, GIMP is continuously improved by a vibrant community of developers and contributors. This ensures that the software stays up-to-date with modern editing trends and tools. Whether you’re refining a photograph, creating stunning digital artwork, or designing eye-catching graphics, GIMP empowers you to bring your creative visions to life without the cost of proprietary alternatives.
The latest version
GIMP 3.0.2, released on March 23, 2025, is the first micro update following the major 3.0 release. This version focuses on addressing several bugs and enhancing overall stability. Key improvements include:GIMP
- Crash Fixes: Resolved an issue causing crashes when selecting a brush in Icon Grid view, particularly affecting macOS and Flatpak users.
- Feature Restoration: Restored missing functionalities such as Python plug-ins and the auto-update check on Windows, and reinstated certain display filters and color selectors on macOS.
- User Interface Enhancements: Corrected UI glitches stemming from system theme conflicts by implementing comprehensive CSS rules, ensuring consistent appearance across different operating systems.
- Tablet Support Adjustment: Temporarily reverted a patch intended to improve tablet support due to unintended side effects on pressure sensitivity, with plans to refine and reintroduce the fix in a future update.
Additionally, the release introduces a new plug-in development package for macOS, simplifying the creation of GIMP plug-ins on this platform. The Windows installer has also been improved to set up a Restore Point for system-wide installations and now prompts users about removing configurations during uninstallation, facilitating a cleaner reinstall process.
How To Install GIMP 3.0.2 On Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04 And Derivative Systems (via Snap)
What is Snap?
Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical, the creators of Ubuntu. It allows applications to be packaged with all their dependencies, making installations easier and reducing compatibility issues across different Linux distributions.
One of the key advantages of Snap packages is that they run in a sandboxed environment, which enhances security and stability. Additionally, Snap packages are updated automatically in the background, ensuring that users always have the latest version of an application without manual intervention.
However, some users may find that Snap applications take up more disk space due to bundling dependencies, and they may have slightly slower startup times compared to traditional DEB packages.
Prepare Snap, if needed
On Ubuntu, Snap is pre-installed, but if you are using a Linux distribution where Snap is not integrated by default, you can install it using the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdAfter installing Snap, you may need to enable and start the Snap service:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapdInstall GIMP via Snap
Since GIMP is officially available as a Snap package, installing it on Ubuntu is straightforward. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo snap install gimpThis will download and install the latest version of GIMP from the Snap Store.
Optional: Uninstall GIMP Using Snap
If you ever need to remove GIMP, you can do so with the following command:
sudo snap remove gimpHow To Install GIMP 3.0.2 On Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04 And Derivative Systems (via Flatpak)
What is Flatpak?
Flatpak is another popular package management system, designed to provide a consistent and secure way of distributing applications across various Linux distributions. Unlike Snap, which is developed and maintained by Canonical, Flatpak is an open-source project supported by the Freedesktop community.
Flatpak applications run in their own sandboxed environment, which prevents them from interfering with system files. This ensures better security and isolation while allowing applications to run on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak.
One of Flatpak’s main advantages is its decentralized nature. Users can download applications from Flathub, the main Flatpak repository, rather than relying on distribution-specific repositories. However, just like Snap, Flatpak applications can take up more space due to their bundled dependencies.
Setup Flatpak and Install GIMP
If you prefer to install GIMP using Flatpak, first ensure that you have Flatpak installed on your system. If Flatpak is not installed, you can set it up with the following command:
sudo apt install flatpakNext, add the Flathub repository, which hosts the GIMP Flatpak package:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoOnce Flatpak is installed and Flathub is added, install GIMP with:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMPOptional: Uninstall GIMP Using Flatpak
To remove GIMP if installed via Flatpak, use the command:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.gimp.GIMPConclusion
GIMP 3.0.2 is a crucial maintenance update that refines the stability and usability of the software following the major 3.0 release. By addressing critical crashes, restoring missing functionalities, and refining UI consistency across platforms, this update ensures a smoother experience for users. Additionally, the rollback of the tablet support patch highlights the developers’ commitment to delivering well-tested improvements, even if it means delaying certain features for further refinement.
With enhanced installer functionalities on Windows and a new plug-in development package for macOS, GIMP 3.0.2 not only fixes issues but also lays the groundwork for a more seamless user experience in the future. While this update focuses on bug fixes rather than introducing new features, it demonstrates the team’s dedication to maintaining GIMP as a reliable and efficient open-source alternative for digital artists and designers.
