How to Install GIMP in Ubuntu?

Installing GIMP, the powerful open-source image editor, on your Ubuntu system is a straightforward process, offering several methods to suit your preferences for stability, features, and update frequency.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, converting between different image formats, and more specialized tasks. Ubuntu users have multiple reliable ways to install GIMP, ensuring they can access this essential tool for their creative and editing needs.

Quick Summary of GIMP Installation Methods

Method	Description	Best For
Ubuntu Software Center / APT (Default)	Easiest for beginners, installs a stable version from Ubuntu's official repositories.	General users seeking stability and ease of use.
PPA (Personal Package Archive)	Installs the latest stable version not yet available in official repositories.	Users who want the newest features and bug fixes quickly.
Snap	Containerized package, often the very latest version, isolated from the system.	Users prioritizing the absolute latest features and sandboxed applications.
Flatpak	Another containerized package format, similar to Snap, providing modern, sandboxed applications.	Users who prefer Flatpak ecosystem for app management.

Method 1: Installing the Latest GIMP via PPA (Recommended for Latest Stable)

For users who want the absolute latest stable version of GIMP that might not yet be available in Ubuntu's default repositories, using a Personal Package Archive (PPA) is an excellent choice. This method ensures you get recent features and performance improvements.

Step-by-Step Installation:

Add the GIMP PPA Repository:
Open your terminal (you can find it by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T) and add the GIMP PPA. This PPA typically provides the most recent stable versions of GIMP.
```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp
```
You may be asked to press Enter to confirm adding the repository.
Update Your APT Repository Cache:
After adding a new repository, it's crucial to update your system's package list so it's aware of the new software available.
```
sudo apt update
```
Install GIMP:
Now that your system knows about the latest GIMP package, you can install it using the apt command.
```
sudo apt install gimp
```
Confirm the installation by typing Y and pressing Enter if prompted.
Run GIMP:
Once the installation is complete, you can launch GIMP from your application menu or by typing gimp in the terminal.
```
gimp
```
Practical Insight: PPAs are maintained by third-party developers, but the GIMP PPA maintained by Otto Kesselgulasch is widely trusted in the Ubuntu community for providing up-to-date GIMP versions.

Method 2: Installing GIMP from Ubuntu's Default Repositories

This is the simplest and most common method, especially if you prioritize stability over having the absolute latest features. The version available here is thoroughly tested and guaranteed to work well with your specific Ubuntu release.

Step-by-Step Installation:

Open Terminal:
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open your terminal.
Install GIMP:
Use the apt package manager to install GIMP directly from Ubuntu's official repositories.
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gimp
```
The sudo apt update command ensures your package lists are current before installation.
Launch GIMP:
After installation, GIMP will appear in your applications menu. You can also run it from the terminal:
```
gimp
```
Advantages: This method is highly reliable and integrates GIMP seamlessly with your system. The downside is that the version might be slightly older than the very latest release.

Method 3: Installing GIMP via Snap (Containerized Package)

Snap packages are self-contained applications that run in isolation from the rest of your system. They often provide the latest versions of software and are easy to manage.

Step-by-Step Installation:

Ensure Snap is Installed:
Snap is pre-installed on most modern Ubuntu versions. If not, you can install it:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd
```
Install GIMP Snap:
Use the snap install command to get the GIMP package.
```
sudo snap install gimp
```
This command downloads and installs the GIMP Snap package from the Snap Store.
Launch GIMP:
You can start GIMP from your applications menu or by running:
```
snap run gimp
```
Practical Insight: Snap packages often include all necessary dependencies within the package, which can lead to larger download sizes but ensures consistent functionality across different Ubuntu versions.

Method 4: Installing GIMP via Flatpak (Containerized Package)

Flatpak is another universal packaging system similar to Snap, offering a way to distribute applications that run across different Linux distributions. It also provides sandboxed environments for applications.

Step-by-Step Installation:

Install Flatpak:
If Flatpak is not already installed on your system, you'll need to install it first.
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak
```
Add the Flathub Repository:
Flathub is the primary repository for Flatpak applications. Add it to your system:
```
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
```
Install GIMP Flatpak:
Now you can install GIMP from Flathub:
```
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
```
You might be prompted to confirm the installation and the associated runtime.
Launch GIMP:
After installation, GIMP can be launched from your applications menu or via the terminal:
```
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
```
Advantages: Flatpak applications often receive updates quickly and benefit from a consistent user experience regardless of your underlying system.

Updating GIMP

Keeping GIMP updated is crucial for security patches, bug fixes, and new features. The update method depends on how you installed GIMP:

APT / PPA:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```
This command updates all packages installed via apt, including GIMP.
Snap:
```
sudo snap refresh gimp
```
Or to update all Snap packages:
```
sudo snap refresh
```
Flatpak:
```
flatpak update org.gimp.GIMP
```
Or to update all Flatpak applications:
```
flatpak update
```

Removing GIMP

If you ever need to uninstall GIMP, the command depends on its installation method:

APT / PPA:

sudo apt remove gimp
sudo apt autoremove # To remove unused dependencies

If you installed via PPA and want to remove the PPA as well:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp
sudo apt update

Snap:
```
sudo snap remove gimp
```
Flatpak:
```
flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMP
```

By choosing the method that best fits your needs, you can quickly get GIMP up and running on your Ubuntu system, ready for all your image manipulation tasks.