gimp

Open-source image editor for photo retouching and graphic design

TLDR

Start GIMP

$ gimp

Open an image

$ gimp [image.png]

Open multiple images

$ gimp [image1.png] [image2.jpg]

Run in batch mode without UI

$ gimp -i -b '(gimp-quit 0)'

Start without splash

$ gimp --no-splash

gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful open-source image editor. It provides tools for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring, supporting numerous file formats.GIMP features layers, masks, filters, color adjustments, and drawing tools. It supports scripting through Script-Fu and Python for automation. The plugin architecture enables extensive customization.

PARAMETERS

FILES

Image files to open.

-b COMMAND, --batch COMMAND

Run batch command non-interactively. May appear multiple times.

--batch-interpreter PROC

Procedure to process batch commands (default: Script-Fu).

-n, --new-instance

Start new instance.

-i, --no-interface

Run without UI (for batch mode).

--no-splash

Don't show splash screen.

-d, --no-data

Don't load patterns, gradients, or brushes.

-f, --no-fonts

Don't load fonts.

--verbose

Show detailed startup messages.

--help

Display help information.

CONFIGURATION

~/.config/GIMP/3.0/ (or ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/)

User configuration directory, versioned per major release.

gimprc

Main configuration file containing preferences and tool settings.

sessionrc

Session configuration storing window positions and dialog states.

CAVEATS

GTK application requires graphical environment. Large images can be memory-intensive. Plugin compatibility varies by version.

HISTORY

GIMP was started by Spencer Kimball and Peter Mattis in 1995 at UC Berkeley. It became a GNU project and remains one of the most popular open-source graphics applications. GIMP 3.0 was released in 2025 with GTK3 support and non-destructive editing.