The GNU Image Manipulation Program—better known as GIMP—has officially released version 3.0 as a release candidate—a very late beta—two decades after the last major update. The open-source image editor, often compared to Photoshop, introduces long-awaited features and updates aimed at keeping digital artists, photographers, and post-production professionals in the loop. Simplicity and stability are key here, but let’s see if GIMP 3.0 delivers on those fronts.
GTK3: New Looks, Same Roots
The biggest visible change: GIMP now runs on GTK3, a modern graphical toolkit that brings long-overdue improvements to the user interface. Menus look cleaner, icons sharper, and the overall design better fits modern operating systems. That applies across platforms too: Windows, macOS, and Linux users finally share a consistent experience. Of course, ‘consistent’ doesn’t mean revolutionary—expect the familiar GIMP aesthetic with subtle tweaks, not a complete redesign.
Non-Destructive Editing (Kind of)
Non-destructive editing has entered the chat—but cautiously. GIMP 3.0 now supports non-destructive workflows for adjustments like transforms, thanks to updated layer functions. It’s not fully node-based or adjustment-layer driven like Photoshop, but it’s progress. Artists can now tweak edits without permanently altering base pixels, saving headaches during complex edits.
Multi-threading: Faster and (Possibly) Smoother
Performance takes a leap forward with multi-threading support. Tasks like filters and layer operations can now utilize multiple CPU cores, offering a speed boost for heavier projects. While real-time graphics and VFX workflows may still lean on other tools, GIMP 3.0 becomes more viable for quick edits and asset adjustments without endless progress bars. However, the GPU remains unused, so don’t expect hardware acceleration to lighten the load just yet.
Color Management Gets Practical
For professionals, GIMP 3.0 doubles down on color management. It’s now baked into the workflow, ensuring color profiles (like sRGB or CMYK) are properly handled. That’s critical for anyone working across multiple screens or preparing images for print. HDR support is still missing, so you might want to temper expectations if you’re aiming for full-color workflows.
GIMP in the Modern Age?
So, has GIMP kept up with the times? Sort of. The open-source nature still appeals to artists avoiding subscription fees, but tools like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Krita maintain their edge for specific needs. Stability remains a priority—fact-check GIMP 3.0’s multi-threaded performance before relying on it for production-heavy edits.
GIMP 3.0 is free to download from the official GIMP website. Pricing remains unbeatable: zero. But as always, free tools come with trade-offs. For artists who want full non-destructive workflows or deep compositing features, GIMP may still feel like an intermediate step.
