The GIMP team has released GIMP 3.2, the first major update to the open-source image editor since GIMP 3.0 last year.
A key addition in GIMP 3.2 is non-destructive layers. The new Link Layers feature lets users include external images in a composition while maintaining links to the original files. These layers can be scaled, rotated, and transformed without loss of quality, and updates to the source file are automatically reflected in the project.
Another notable novelty is the added support for vector layers. The updated Path tool enables users to create vector shapes with adjustable fill and stroke settings, simplifying the creation of scalable graphics.
Digital painting workflows are also improved. The upgraded MyPaint Brush tool now includes 20 new brushes and automatically adapts to canvas zoom and rotation, allowing for a more natural painting experience. Plus, the new Overwrite paint mode allows users to paint over existing colors without blending transparency.
The on-canvas Text Editor has received several usability enhancements. It can now be freely repositioned, supports additional shortcuts such as Ctrl+B for bold and Shift+Ctrl+V for pasting unformatted text, and offers more control options for the Text Outline feature.
The update also expands file format support. GIMP 3.2 adds DDS BC7 export, improves PSD compatibility by importing more layer styles, and, with vector layers, now supports SVG export and enhanced vector options for PDF exports.
This release introduces several interface and usability enhancements. These include theme-aware brush thumbnails for better compatibility with dark themes, drag-and-drop image opening via image tabs, keyboard shortcuts for the Shear and Flip tools, and a system color scheme option that automatically matches GIMP’s theme to the operating system.
Developers benefit from a new GEGL Filter browser, which helps script and plug-in authors find non-destructive filters more easily when building GIMP extensions. For print workflows, the CMYK color selector now displays Total Ink Coverage values.
Finally, the project has also released updated versions of two core libraries used by GIMP: babl 0.1.124 and GEGL 0.4.68.
For more information, see the announcement. GIMP 3.2 is now available for download from the project’s website.
