GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image editor that has many powerful features for photo editing and graphic design. However, those accustomed to using Adobe Photoshop may find GIMP’s default user interface confusing or unfamiliar. Thankfully, with some customization, it is possible to make GIMP look and operate much more similarly to Photoshop.
Table of Contents
Customizing the Interface Theme and Icon Colors
GIMP comes with several premade themes that change the overall look of the interface. To access these, go to Edit > Preferences > Theme and select one you like. The “Photoshop Dark” theme makes GIMP resemble Photoshop CS6.
You can also customize things further by changing GIMP’s icon theme. Go to Edit > Preferences > Theme > Icon Theme and pick one that looks more like Photoshop’s icon style. The “Color” icon set is a good option.
Adding a Photoshop-Style Toolbox
GIMP’s default toolbox contains unfamiliar tools like the Perspective Clone tool. To add a more Photoshop-like toolbox:
- Go to
Windows > Recently Closed Docksand enable the Toolbox. - Right-click the toolbox and select
Customize. - Delete tools you don’t need by dragging them away from the list on the left.
- Arrange tools like the Move, Crop, and Transform tools at the top.
- Click
Saveto keep your edited toolbox.
Changing Keyboard Shortcuts
One major difference between GIMP and Photoshop is their keyboard shortcuts. To make things easier, install a plugin that makes GIMP use Photoshop shortcuts:
- Download the GIMP Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts files.
- Copy the downloaded
menurcfile and paste it into your GIMP settings folder:
- Windows:
C:\Users\YOUR-USER-NAME\.gimp-2.10 - Mac:
/Users/YOUR-USER-NAME/.gimp-2.10 - Linux:
/home/YOUR-USER-NAME/.gimp-2.10
- Restart GIMP and the Photoshop shortcuts will be active.
Mimicking Photoshop Panels
GIMP lacks Photoshop’s panel system but this can be replicated using dockable dialogs:
- Open dialogs like Layers, Channels, Paths, Undo History etc.
- Drag the dialogs around the edge of the screen to dock them in place.
- Use
Windows > Recently Closed Docksto reopen dialogs.
Arranging docked dialogs around the image window approximates Photoshop’s panel layouts.
Installing Photoshop-Style Plugins
While GIMP has many capable built-in tools, installing extra plugins can add advanced capabilities similar to Photoshop:
- G’MIC – Provides filters for photo restoration, enhancement, and manipulation.
- Resynthesizer – Content-aware fill for removing objects from images.
- Wavelet Decompose – Mimics Photoshop’s frequency separation capability.
Search the official GIMP Plugin Registry for more plugins.
Customizing the UI Layout
You can arrange GIMP’s interface with separate toolboxes, docks, and image windows:
- Set
Windows > Single Window Modeto OFF. - Drag tool dialogs into docks as described above.
- Drag the main toolbox to the left side of the screen.
- Open images in their own separate windows.
This will make GIMP function more similarly to Photoshop’s traditional layout.
With some customization to the interface theme, icon set, keyboard shortcuts, and layout – plus the addition of some plugins – GIMP can be transformed to have a very similar appearance and functionality to Photoshop.
While not an exact replica, these changes make it easier for those switching from Photoshop to GIMP to adapt and make full use of GIMP’s considerable capabilities. The open source program may lack some of Photoshop’s more advanced features but remains a powerful free alternative for image editing and graphic design work.
Additional Tips for a Seamless GIMP Experience
Exploring PhotoGIMP for a Photoshop-Like Setup
If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to make GIMP resemble Photoshop, consider using the PhotoGIMP patch. This customization package revamps GIMP’s interface with Photoshop-inspired layouts, tools, and shortcuts. It also includes Python-based filters like “heal selection” and provides access to hundreds of fonts. You can find the necessary files on GitHub, and installation is straightforward for users on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Optimizing Performance for Better Workflow
To ensure smooth operation while working on large projects, adjust GIMP’s performance settings:
- Navigate to Edit > Preferences > System Resources.
- Increase the allocated memory for image processing.
- Enable multi-threading if your system supports it.
These tweaks can significantly enhance your editing speed and overall experience.
Integrating Third-Party Tools
For advanced functionalities, consider integrating third-party tools like:
- Krita: A free alternative that complements GIMP with its intuitive interface and PSD support. It’s excellent for digital painting and concept art.
- Darktable: A powerful open-source tool for RAW photo editing, which pairs well with GIMP for a comprehensive editing suite.
FAQ
What is PhotoGIMP, and how does it help?
PhotoGIMP is a customization patch designed to make GIMP’s interface more familiar to Photoshop users. It modifies the layout, adds Photoshop-like keyboard shortcuts, and includes additional tools and fonts. This makes transitioning from Photoshop to GIMP much easier.
Can I revert changes made by PhotoGIMP?
Yes, you can easily revert the changes by backing up your original configuration files before applying PhotoGIMP. If needed, replace the modified files with your backup to restore GIMP’s default settings.
Are there any limitations when customizing GIMP?
While GIMP offers extensive customization options, some features—like CMYK color mode or adjustment layers—are not natively supported. However, plugins like Separate+ can address some of these limitations.
Is GIMP suitable for professional use?
Absolutely! While it may lack certain advanced features found in commercial software, GIMP is a robust tool for many professional tasks, especially when enhanced with plugins and customizations.
For more resources on customizing GIMP or exploring compatible tools, check out platforms like GitHub or community forums dedicated to open-source software enthusiasts.
