GIMP 3.2: A Major Update for Image Editors
GIMP 3.2 is now available, bringing a range of exciting new features and improvements to the popular open-source image editing tool. Meanwhile, users can expect a more streamlined and efficient editing experience. Additionally, the new release includes non-destructive Link Layers, quick creation of Vector Layers from paths, and a better dynamic painting experience.
What’s New in GIMP 3.2?
For example, GIMP 3.2 introduces Link Layers, a feature that allows for non-destructive editing of layers. However, this is similar to Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop, but with a key difference: Link Layers are linked-only assets, not embedded in the file. Therefore, users can scale, rotate, and adjust a Link Layer without affecting the source image itself.
Furthermore, GIMP 3.2 makes it easy to create vector layers using the Path tool. Meanwhile, users can set stroke and fill settings, change color, pattern, and visibility, and tweak the stroke line width and other properties. Additionally, the shape of the vector layer automatically updates whenever the path is adjusted, and it can be non-destructively rotated, scaled, and transformed.
Other Notable Changes
Moreover, GIMP 3.2 includes a range of other notable changes, such as 20 new brush presets for the MyPaint brush tool, auto-adjustment of the canvas zoom and rotation for dynamic painting, and an ‘Overwrite’ paint mode. However, the on-canvas Text Editor tool has also been improved, with support for text formatting keyboard shortcuts and extra Text Outline controls.
Additionally, GIMP 3.2 includes support for importing Photoshop pattern (.pat) files, exporting JPEG 2000, SVG, PDF vector, and Photoshop PSB files, and keyboard shortcut support for the Shear and Flip tools. Meanwhile, users can switch between the two most recent tools using the Shift + X shortcut, and drag and drop images onto the image tab to open them.
Installing GIMP 3.2
Finally, users can download GIMP 3.2.0 for all major operating systems from the official downloads page. However, Ubuntu users may prefer to install the GIMP snap package to get the latest update. Therefore, users can open the App Center (Software Center on older versions) to find the GIMP snap and click install to install it.
Meanwhile, GIMP also provides official AppImage and Flatpak builds, if users prefer those. Additionally, a range of PPAs of varying maintenance status are also available, should users prefer those.
In conclusion, GIMP 3.2 is a significant update that brings a range of exciting new features and improvements to the popular open-source image editing tool. Therefore, users can expect a more streamlined and efficient editing experience, with a range of new tools and features to help them achieve their creative goals.
