GIMP 3.0 welcome screen
After seven years of development since version 2.10, The launch of the has finally been announced the new version of GIMP 3.0, an update that completely redefines the experience of the popular image editor and brings with it a series of significant improvements, from a revamped interface to performance optimizations and new editing tools.
One of the key changes with the launch of this new version, is the adoption of a new, more frequent and predictable release cycle, which instead of accumulating large modifications in a single version, the developers have opted for a modular approach, where each new update will focus on improving specific aspects.
Under this new release model, GIMP 3.2 is expected to arrive approximately one year from now, with minor updates focused on bug fixes and stability optimizations occurring between major releases.
GIMP 3.0 Main New Features
One of the most notable changes in GIMP 3.0 is the transition to using the GTK3 library, that introduces a CSS-like styling system and a new window decoration model Based on CSD (Client-Side Decorations). Support for HiDPI displays has also been optimized, allowing for appropriate scaling of the interface based on system settings.
The Traditional five design themes have been simplified into two main options: System and Default, each with three variants (light, dark, and gray). Similarly, the four icon sets have been reduced to two: Legacy and Default, with color and symbolic versions, which automatically adjust to the selected color scheme. Additionally, the welcome screen has been redesigned to offer more intuitive access to basic settings, file creation, and official documentation.
Other improvements introduced by GIMP 3.0 are: new editing and productivity features, since it is now possible select multiple layers at the same time using Shift + Click for a range or Ctrl + Click for individual selections. This makes it easier to apply transformations such as moving, grouping, deleting, merging, and duplicating layers simultaneously.
In addition, GIMP 3.0 introduces a New way to apply filters and effects without altering the image original. Instead of merging with the base layer, the effects are layered on top of each other, allowing for modifications without losing information.
The tool Brush now has an option to automatically expand the layer when the stroke exceeds its boundaries. Parameters such as the expansion size and fill type can be configured.
New tools and support improvements
In GIMP 3.0 it is now possible edit elements outside the canvas without restrictions. Additionally, the canvas size dialog offers new alignment options and default templates based on standard formats such as A4, A3, A2, etc.
It also presents a new tool based on segmentation algorithms which allows you to create progressive selections using quick brush strokes, making it easier to isolate specific areas with greater precision.
Uno of the most anticipated advances has been the integration of basic support for the CMYK color model, with the ability to perform conversions when exporting images. The color management system has also been modernized, eliminating intermediate conversions that degraded final quality.
In addition to this,or new import and export options, including JPEG-XL, ICNS, PAM, QOI, Amiga IFF/ILBM, DCX, FITS, ANI, Farbfeld, PIX, HEJ2 and WBMP, and improved support for Adobe Photoshop PSD files, and a redesigned RAW export dialog allowing greater control over color depth.
La The text tool has been enhanced with advanced options for non-destructive strokes and fills. on letter outlines. Three styles have been introduced: fill, stroke, and a combination of both, as well as an option to hide the edit box and display only the final text.
It's also now possible to scale and rotate the canvas with touch gestures, making editing more intuitive on touchscreen devices and touchpads. Keyboard shortcuts and modifier customization for transformation tools have also been optimized.
New APIs and performance optimization
GIMP 3.0 also introduces a completely new API for plug-in development, based on GObject Introspection, allowing for integration with multiple programming languages. Additionally, a public API for filters has been implemented, utilizing the GEGL library, facilitating instant visualization of changes and the use of non-destructive editing.
To improve performance, a render cache has been added to optimize operations such as scaling, color adjustments, filters, and masks. Writing XCF files has also been significantly accelerated thanks to a multi-threaded packaging system.
If you are interested in being able to know more about it about this new released version, you can check the details In the following link.
Download and install GIMP 3.0
For this version, GIMP has been packaged in AppImage and Flatpak formats for Linux systems on x86_64 and ARM64 architectures. For those interested in installing this new version of GIMP on their systems, They should only have the support to be able to install applications from Flatpak.
Just run the following command to install the application on your systems:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
Yes already have GIMP installed by this method, they can update it by running the following command:
flatpack update
When you run it, you will be shown a list of the applications installed by Flatpak that have an update. To proceed, just type "Y".