GIMP 3.0 Is A Much Needed Upgrade!

Summary

GIMP 3.0 has reached its stable release after seven years of development. The presenter describes it as a substantial upgrade for users seeking a capable, free image editor—particularly Linux users—and highlights its interface improvements and more flexible editing workflows.

Key Features and Changes

• Updated interface: GIMP’s move to GTK3 brings a redesigned welcome screen, improved support for high-DPI displays, and CSS-based theme customization.
• Native Wayland support: Linux users can run GIMP on Wayland without relying on compatibility layers.
• Improved tablet support: Stylus input is said to work better. The presenter also mentions using a Samsung tablet with the third-party Wellus program to draw in Linux applications.
• Color and file-format improvements: GIMP lays the groundwork for CMYK and Lab color modes, which are useful for print workflows. It also offers better PSD support and supports newer formats such as QOI and JPEG XL.
• Simpler layer handling: Pasted selections now automatically become separate layers, making them easier to reposition or revise. Multiple layers can also be selected and moved together, replacing the older, more cumbersome linking workflow. Layer controls now include options for locking position and size, pixels, visibility, and the alpha channel.
• Non-destructive layer effects: The presenter’s top feature is the ability to stack effects such as curves, color balance, sharpening, and hue adjustments on a layer; toggle or reorder them; and revisit their settings independently. Effects can be committed using Merge All Active Filters.

Demonstrations and Practical Guidance

The video demonstrates the old and new workflows for pasted layers, moving multiple layers, and applying color effects. The presenter recommends trying the latest GIMP release, especially for users who previously found the program lacking.

The release should be available in repositories on Arch and other bleeding-edge distributions. Users of stable distributions may be able to try it through Flatpak.

Caveat

Stacking many active effects can cause sluggishness, particularly on less powerful computers. The presenter notes that GIMP may feel this limitation sooner than Photoshop because it has less GPU acceleration and optimization.

Main Speaker and Source

A single narrator from the Mental Outlaw channel shares personal impressions and demonstrates the features.