How to Install GIMP on Fedora 39/38/37 Linux

GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, is an open-source image editor that provides robust features comparable to premium software. It’s a popular choice for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists who need a free yet powerful tool. This guide will show you how to install GIMP on Fedora Linux via two methods using CLI commands: the DNF package manager utilizing Fedora’s official repository or the Flatpak package manager with Flathub.

Key Features of GIMP:

• Advanced Editing Tools: GIMP has many editing tools, including layers, masks, filters, and brushes. These tools allow for complex image editing and high-quality graphic design.
• Customizable Workspace: The interface in GIMP is highly customizable, enabling users to set up their workspace according to their needs.
• Plugin Support: GIMP offers extensive plugin support, which allows users to add new filters, effects, and tools. This makes GIMP a highly flexible and adaptable image editing solution.
• File Format Support: GIMP can handle various file formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and PSD. This ensures that users can work seamlessly across different types of files.
• Cross-Platform Availability: GIMP is accessible on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice.
• Active Community: A large and active community supports GIMP. This community contributes to its ongoing development and offers a range of plugins and support options.
• Scripting and Automation: GIMP allows for the automation of repetitive tasks through scripting languages like Python and Scheme, which enhances workflow efficiency.

Given its rich feature set and adaptability, GIMP is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a free, powerful image editing tool. The next section of this guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install GIMP on Fedora Linux using either the DNF package manager with Fedora’s official repository or the Flatpak package manager via Flathub.

Step 1: Update Fedora Before GIMP Installation

You should update all existing packages on your system before proceeding to avoid potential conflicts.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Step 2: Select GIMP Installation Method on Fedora

Method 1: Install GIMP with Fedora Repository

The default DNF repository from Fedora is the first option for installing GIMP. It is a well-maintained software that is highly rated and can be considered a stable and secure version to install over any other package manager. However, this version may be slightly outdated compared to the alternative option of using Flatpak, which is usually up-to-date and can even be ahead of Fedora packages.

To install GIMP using the default DNF repository, execute the following dnf install command:

sudo dnf install gimp 

You can install the “devel” package using the following command if desired.

sudo dnf install gimp-devel

To confirm the successful installation and build of GIMP, you may use the following command in your terminal.

gimp --version

Method 2: Install GIMP with Flatpak and Flathub on Fedora

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. However, in most cases on Fedora, it is recommended to install the DNF version based on your preferences.

To begin the installation process using Flatpak, make sure to re-install Flatpak if you had previously removed the package manager:

sudo dnf install flatpak 

To proceed, you must enable Flatpak by executing the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

You may now proceed with the installation of GIMP using the following flatpak command:

flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

If the previous command does not work, and you receive an error message such as “Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub,” you can try using the following command instead.

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

Step 3: Launch GIMP on Fedora Linux

With GIMP installed on your system, several ways to launch the application exist. You can quickly launch the application using the following command if you have an open terminal.

gimp

For Flatpak users, the application can be launched from the terminal by executing the following command:

flatpak run org.gimp.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

Upon launching GIMP for the first time, you will be greeted with the default landing screen. This screen provides various resources to help you get started with the software. Below are some tips for using GIMP for the first time and customizing the software to your liking:

• Familiarize yourself with the interface: The GIMP interface can be overwhelming initially, but learning the different panels and tools will make your experience much smoother. The left-hand side of the screen contains the Toolbox, which houses all the basic tools for editing images, while the right-hand side contains various panels for navigation, layers, and other advanced options.
• Customize the interface: One of the benefits of GIMP is the ability to customize the interface to your liking. You can move panels around or detach them from the main window to create a more personalized workspace.
• Change the keyboard shortcuts: GIMP has extensive keyboard shortcuts to help you speed up your workflow. However, these shortcuts may not be intuitive for everyone. You can change these shortcuts in the Preferences menu under Keyboard Shortcuts.
• Set up your color profile: GIMP allows you to choose a color profile that matches your monitor, ensuring that the colors you see on the screen are accurate. You can set up your color profile in the Preferences menu under Color Management.
• Install plugins and scripts: GIMP has a large community of developers who create plugins and scripts that can add new functionality to the software. You can find and install these plugins through the GIMP Plugin Registry or other third-party sources.
• Save your preferences: Once you have customized GIMP to your liking, you can save your preferences by going to the Preferences menu and selecting Save Preferences.

Additional GIMP Commands with Fedora

Remove GIMP on Fedora Linux

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 gimp

For installations of GIMP using Flatpak, use the following command:

flatpak remove  --delete-data org.gimp.GIMP

Conclusion

In conclusion, GIMP is a powerful image editing software for Fedora Linux users. Following this article’s step-by-step guide, you can install GIMP on your Fedora machine using either the default DNF repository or Flatpak package manager. Additionally, this guide provides tips on customizing the GIMP interface and workflow to suit your preferences, such as changing keyboard shortcuts, setting up your color profile, and installing plugins and scripts. If you no longer require GIMP on your Fedora system, the guide also explains how to remove it using the appropriate command based on your original installation method. With GIMP, you can take your image editing skills to the next level and create stunning visuals for personal or professional use.