GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a versatile and powerful open-source image editor, widely recognized for its extensive range of features, including photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design. GIMP is a popular alternative to commercial image editors like Adobe Photoshop, offering tools for both basic editing tasks and advanced digital art creation. With support for various plugins and customizations, GIMP can be tailored to meet the specific needs of photographers, designers, and artists.
On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, GIMP can be installed through several methods. The first option is via the Ubuntu default APT repository, which provides a stable version that is well-integrated with the system. For users who want access to the latest features and updates, GIMP can also be installed via a Launchpad PPA, which is actively maintained to provide newer builds. Alternatively, GIMP can be installed via Flatpak from Flathub, offering a sandboxed environment and potentially quicker updates. This guide will walk you through these installation methods, allowing you to select the one that best suits your requirements.
Method 1: Install GIMP via APT
Update Ubuntu Before GIMP Installation
Before proceeding with the installation, it’s essential to ensure your system is up to date to avoid any potential issues. First, update the package index by running the following command:
sudo apt updateNext, upgrade any outdated packages on your system with the following command:
sudo apt upgradeChoose your GIMP APT Installation Option
There are two recommended options for installing GIMP with the APT package manager:
Option 1: Install GIMP with Ubuntu Repository
Using the Ubuntu repository is the easiest and most secure way to install GIMP. This method does not require adding additional repositories, making it straightforward and reliable. It is also considered safer, as it does not risk breaking your system’s functionality, unlike using third-party repositories like Launchpad PPAs.
To install GIMP using the Ubuntu repository, enter the command below in the terminal:
sudo apt install gimpOption 2: Install GIMP via PPA
The following method is to import a well-known PPA, which contains the latest version of GIMP for Long-term Ubuntu releases.
First, import the PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/gimp -yRun a quick update to sync the newly imported PPA with your APT cache:
sudo apt updateNow even if you have already installed GIMP via the Ubuntu default repository and want to upgrade it or it is a fresh installation, run the following command:
sudo apt install gimpMethod 2: Install GIMP with Flatpak and Flathub
This section will explore an alternative method to install GIMP using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a popular option, similar to Snap, and is featured across many Linux distributions as a third-party installation package manager for obtaining the latest packages.
Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.
Enable Flathub for GIMP Installation (Situational)
Before installing GIMP through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including GIMP.
Install GIMP via Flatpak Command
With Flathub enabled, you can now install GIMP using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP -yLaunch GIMP via CLI Commands or GUI
After successfully installing GIMP, it’s time to learn how to launch the application. Depending on your preference and installation method, there are several ways to open GIMP.
CLI Commands to Launch GIMP
The first option to launch GIMP is directly from an active terminal window. To do this, enter the following command:
gimpIf you have installed GIMP using Flatpak, you can launch the application from the terminal. Enter the following command:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMPGUI Method to Launch GIMP
A typical way to launch GIMP is through the desktop environment’s Applications menu. To open GIMP using this method, follow the steps below:
- Click on Activities in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select Show Applications (represented by a grid of dots).
- Locate the GNU Image Manipulation Program icon and click on it.
Additional GIMP Commands
Update GIMP
Use the appropriate command for your installation method to check for and install updates.
APT Update Command for GIMP Installations
To check for updates and update GIMP installed via APT, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt updateFlatpak Update Command for GIMP Installations
To update GIMP installed via Flatpak, execute the following command in your terminal:
flatpak updateRemove GIMP
If you no longer need GIMP on your system, uninstall it using the appropriate command based on your installation method.
APT Remove Commands for GIMP
To uninstall GIMP installed via APT, along with its associated data and configuration files, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt remove gimpIf you imported the GIMP PPA, use the following command to remove this also:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/gimp -yFlatpak Remove Command for GIMP
To uninstall GIMP installed via Flatpak, including its data and configuration files, execute the following command in your terminal:
flatpak remove --delete-data org.gimp.GIMP -yConclusion
Installing GIMP on your Ubuntu system is straightforward, whether you choose the default APT repository for stability or the Launchpad PPA for more frequent updates. The Flatpak option provides additional flexibility with a sandboxed environment, which can be beneficial for certain workflows. Regular updates through these methods will ensure that your GIMP installation remains current, allowing you to take full advantage of its powerful image editing and graphic design capabilities on Ubuntu.
Useful Links
Here are some valuable links related to using GIMP:
- GIMP Official Website: Visit the official GIMP website for an overview of features, latest news, and download options.
- GIMP Documentation: Access comprehensive GIMP documentation to guide you through installation, configuration, and advanced usage.
- GIMP Tutorials: Explore a variety of tutorials to learn how to use GIMP for different projects and enhance your skills.
- GIMP Developer Resources: Check out the developer resources for contributing to GIMP, including source code, development guidelines, and issue tracking.