Following two decades, GIMP presents a potential for becoming the long-awaited free replacement for Photoshop.
After a delay of over half a year, the GIMP Development Team has finally released GIMP 3.0, the latest version of the free and open-source image editing software. This update brings numerous improvements and new features, making GIMP a more viable alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
One of the key changes in GIMP 3.0 is its shift to the GTK3 framework. This shift improves performance and adds native support for Wayland and HiDPI displays. Customisation of the UI is now possible via a CSS-based theme system, offering users more control over the look and feel of the software.
GIMP 3.0 now supports the Adobe RGB color space, expanding its colour management capabilities. It also offers improved compatibility with Photoshop formats, making it easier for users to work with files from both applications.
In terms of functionality, GIMP 3.0 introduces several new features. Automatic layer expansion is now available for paint tools, simplifying the editing process. Multiple layers can be selected, moved, and transformed simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency. GIMP's text editing and styling options have been expanded, including outlines, shadows, and bevels.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of non-destructive editing for the most common filters. This means that changes can be seen in real-time with on-canvas preview, allowing for more precise adjustments. However, it's worth noting that no AI tools are currently included in GIMP 3.0.
GIMP 3.0 also supports collaboration with PSD file users, making it easier for teams to work together on projects. Digital artists may still prefer Krita over GIMP for its painting tools, but the improvements in GIMP 3.0 make it a strong contender for many users.
The GIMP Development Team has announced that future updates will be more frequent, promising continued development and improvement of the software. For more information on GIMP, see the GIMP vs Photoshop comparison or the guide on how to get pro results from GIMP.
GIMP 3.0 can be downloaded from gimp.org. With its improved performance, expanded features, and native support for modern operating systems, GIMP 3.0 is a significant step forward for this free and open-source image editing software.
