GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, open-source image editor used for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It offers a wide range of features including customizable brushes, layers, masks, filters, and plugins, making it a versatile tool for graphic designers, photographers, and artists. GIMP is widely recognized as a free alternative to commercial image editing software, providing professional-grade tools for creative work.
On Fedora 40 or 39, GIMP can be installed using two primary methods via the command-line terminal. The first method is through Fedora AppStream, which provides a stable and straightforward installation from Fedora’s official repositories. This method ensures a seamless integration with your Fedora system. Alternatively, GIMP can be installed via Flatpak from Flathub, which offers a sandboxed environment and potentially faster access to the latest updates and features. This guide will walk you through both installation methods, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your needs.
Method 1: Install GIMP via DNF
Update Fedora Before GIMP Installation
Prioritize updating your Fedora system’s packages with the following command to mitigate any compatibility issues during the GIMP installation:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshThis step ensures that all your system’s packages are current, reducing the risk of conflicts.
Install GIMP via DNF Command
Fedora’s default DNF repository offers a stable and secure option for installing GIMP. It’s important to note that while this repository is reliable, the GIMP version it provides may not be the latest release.
Install GIMP by running:
sudo dnf install gimp For developers or those who need additional tools for GIMP, the development package can be installed with:
sudo dnf install gimp-develVerify GIMP DNF Installation
Post-installation, it’s crucial to verify that GIMP has been correctly installed on your Fedora system. Check the version installed by executing:
gimp --versionRunning this command will display the installed version of GIMP, confirming the software is ready for use.
Method 2: Install GIMP via Flatpak and Flathub
The second available option for installing GIMP is using the Flatpak package manager, natively installed on your Fedora workstation. The primary advantage of using Flatpaks is that they can sometimes be a version or two ahead of what is available on Fedora, depending on the release cycle and updates of the software and the Flatpak package maintainer.
Verify Flatpak Installation on Fedora
Flatpak, pre-installed on Fedora, provides a sandboxed environment that often offers more recent versions of applications than those available through the DNF repositories. To ensure Flatpak is operational on your system, install it with:
sudo dnf install flatpak This command reinstalls Flatpak if it is removed, setting up your system to work with Flatpak packages.
Add the Flathub Repository For GIMP Installation
Flathub hosts a vast collection of Flatpak applications. To add Flathub as a source for Flatpak applications, execute:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command configures your system to fetch applications from Flathub, expanding your access to a broader range of software.
Install GIMP via Flatpak Command
With Flatpak and Flathub set up, you can now install GIMP. Run the following to commence installation:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMPThis command retrieves GIMP from Flathub and installs it on your Fedora workstation.
Troubleshooting GIMP Installation Issues with Flatpak
Should you encounter an error such as “Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub’,” the Flathub repository may be disabled. Enable it with:
flatpak remote-modify --enable flathubLaunch GIMP User Interface
With GIMP installed on your system, two common ways to launch the application exist.
CLI Commands to Launch GIMP
First, you can launch the application using the following command with an open terminal.
gimpFor Flatpak users, the application can be launched from the terminal by executing the following command:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMPGUI Method to Launch GIMP
If you do not have an open terminal, the most common way to launch the application is by using the application menu. You can find the application icon as follows.
Activities > Show Applications > GNU Image Manipulation Program
Additional GIMP Commands
Remove GIMP
If you no longer require GIMP on your Fedora Linux system, you can use the following commands to remove it, depending on the original installation method:
For installations of GIMP using the DNF package manager, use the following command:
sudo dnf remove gimpAlternatively, for installations of GIMP using Flatpak, use the following command:
flatpak remove --delete-data org.gimp.GIMPConclusion
With GIMP installed on your Fedora system, you have access to a comprehensive set of tools for image editing and graphic design. Whether you opt for the stability of Fedora AppStream or the flexibility and isolation of Flatpak with Flathub, each method ensures that you have the latest version of GIMP ready to use. Regular updates through these methods will keep your GIMP installation current, enabling you to create and edit images with professional precision on Fedora.