GIMP — Image, Video, and Audio Production

A free open-source graphics editor for photo retouching and image editing.

Basic information

What is this program?

GIMP is a program for editing bitmap images. It is used for tasks that directly manipulate pixels, such as photo color correction, removing unwanted parts, compositing multiple images, and creating logos and icons.

Layers, masks, and selection tools are provided by default, and repetitive tasks can be automated with plugins and scripts. Its biggest strength is that you can create commercial results without a paid editor.

What problems does it solve?

• Corrects brightness, color, and distortion in captured photos.
• Removes unwanted objects or replaces backgrounds.
• Adjusts the dimensions and file size of images for web and documents.
• Combines multiple images to create banners and thumbnails.
• Applies the same correction process repeatedly to multiple images with scripts.

Key features

Layers and masks

Stack multiple images and effects and control visible areas with masks.

• Use case: Used when doing composite images or partial correction work.
• Result: You can make step-by-step edits without overwriting the original.
• Limitations: More layers increase file size and memory usage.

Selection and path tools

Specify areas to edit with free selection, color-based selection, and path tools.

• Use case: Used when erasing only the background or changing the color of a specific object.
• Result: Smooth edges for natural results.
• Limitations: Complex boundaries require manual correction time.

Color management and correction

Adjust color and manage color profiles with Levels, Curves, and Hue-Saturation tools.

• Use case: Used when matching colors for print and web output.
• Result: You can precisely adjust exposure and color balance.
• Limitations: Ignoring color profiles can cause output colors to shift.

Plugins and scripts

Automate repetitive tasks with Script-Fu and Python-Fu.

• Use case: Used when applying the same resize or watermark to hundreds of images.
• Result: Greatly reduces manual work and keeps results consistent.
• Limitations: Requires learning script syntax, and APIs differ by version.

Installation and execution

Linux (Flathub recommended)

The Flatpak method recommended by the official documentation. You can use the same version regardless of distribution.

flatpak install --user https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.gimp.GIMP.flatpakref
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP

Linux (AppImage / Snap)

Run without installation or install as a distribution package.

# AppImage (x86_64)
chmod +x GIMP-3.2.6-x86_64.AppImage
./GIMP-3.2.6-x86_64.AppImage

# Snap
sudo snap install gimp

Windows / macOS

Download and install the installation file from the official download page.

Windows: Run the installer (Windows 10 1903 or later)
macOS: Open the dmg file and copy it to the Applications folder (macOS 11 or later)

Practical usage examples

Basic photo correction steps

Open the image, adjust levels and color, then export at the required size.

File > Open  →  select an image
Colors > Levels  →  adjust brightness balance with input sliders
Colors > Hue-Saturation  →  correct naturally
Image > Scale Image  →  enter output size
File > Export As  →  save as JPG or PNG

Batch resize multiple images with a script

Run Script-Fu from the command line to repeat the same task (example command; varies by batch configuration).

gimp -i -b '(batch-resize "*.jpg" 1280)' -b '(gimp-quit 0)'
# -i: run without GUI, -b: command to execute

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Free and under the GPL license, allowing commercial use.
• Provides professional editing features such as layers, masks, and paths.
• Can automate repetitive tasks with plugins and scripts.
• Can be used the same way on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Points to consider before use

• Shortcuts and interface differ from paid tools, so they may feel unfamiliar at first.
• If you do not understand color management settings, output colors may shift.
• Very large images and many layers use a lot of memory.
• Some professional features (e.g., CMYK print workflows) are more convenient in other tools.

Comparison with similar programs

Official resources and further learning

• Official website — https://www.gimp.org/
• Official documentation / knowledge base — https://docs.gimp.org/
• Official download — https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
• Release notes — https://www.gimp.org/release-notes/gimp-3.2.html
• Source / development resources — https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp

Version and supported environment information was confirmed on the official site as of 2026-10-18. Installation commands may vary depending on the distribution and version you use, so check the official installation documentation as well.

Actual execution screen

The screen below is a composite example created under the assumption of checking the installed version on a production server (not an actual execution result). The screen is a composite example, not an actual execution result.

!GIMP installed version check example

Actual production server

Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/apps/media/gimp.html This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.