Gimp 3.2 is now available, marking the first major release since Gimp 3.0 last year. Gimp 3.0 was a significant revision of the software, seven years in the making, that improved the overall user experience.
This update brings new capabilities, expanding what the software can do for image editing while continuing to steadily address long-standing limitations.
Some highlights of this release include the addition of two non-destructive layer types: Link Layers and Vector Layers.
Link Layers allow external images to be incorporated into compositions, with the layer’s content automatically updating when the source file changes. This enables multi-application workflows, for example using Inkscape to edit a vector image and seeing the edits immediately reflected in the Gimp composition. These layers can be scaled, rotated, and transformed without losing quality or sharpness. Vector Layers can now be created using the Path tool, allowing shapes to be drawn with adjustable fill and stroke settings.
Wilber (created with vector layers) by Reju.
Other improvements include an upgraded MyPaint Brush tool, now featuring 20 additional brushes and the ability to automatically adapt to the canvas zoom and rotation for a more dynamic painting experience. Additionally, a new Overwrite paint mode allows drawing over existing colors without blending their transparency.
Gimp 3.2 also introduces several workflow enhancements to the on-canvas Text Editor. The editor can now be moved freely across the canvas and supports common keyboard shortcuts for operations such as applying bold text and pasting unformatted text. The Text Outline feature has more options to control the outline direction.
Screenshot of new Outline Direction option in the text tool.
The software has received a variety of UX and UI refinements based on user feedback. These include a better experience in dark themes, the ability to drag and drop images onto the image tab to open them, keyboard shortcuts for the Shear and Flip tools, and a new System color scheme that automatically matches the OS color scheme.
This release also adds compatibility with additional file formats. New entries range from well-known formats like APNGs to obsolete archival formats such as Seattle FilmWorks photos. It also supports Sony PlayStation TIM and Sega Dreamcast PVR textures, which can be useful for retro game developers.
Other formats now have export capability, including JPEG 2000 and Photoshop (large document) PSB. The DDS plug-in now handles exporting in the modern BC7 format. The inclusion of vector layers also enables improved SVG export and expanded vector options for PDF files. The update features other file format enhancements and improved palette format support.
Other additions include Non-Destructive Filter updates, stability and regression fixes, and enhancements for script and plug-in developers.
For the full list of changes, be sure to visit the official Gimp 3.2 release notes.
