The latest development version introduces non-destructive editing improvements, expanded file format support, and interface upgrades, reaffirming GIMP’s commitment to creative freedom and open-source innovation.
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), the renowned free and cross-platform image editor, has released version 3.1.2 — the first milestone in the development cycle toward the upcoming stable release, GIMP 3.2. While not intended for production use, this development version offers a glimpse into the future of GIMP, with a host of new features, enhancements, and technical foundations for continued growth.
A New Brush Mode for Pixel Artists
One of the standout additions is the “Overwrite” paint mode, a long-awaited feature that enables clean, transparency-aware pixel editing. Especially useful with the Pencil tool, this mode allows users to replace pixel data without blending transparency, making it ideal for pixel art, sprite design, and retro-style graphics.
Seamless Integration with Desktop Themes
GIMP 3.1.2 introduces theme-aware display options for brush, font, and palette selectors. This ensures a more consistent user experience across Linux and Windows, aligning UI elements with the system’s color scheme for a cleaner, more professional look.
Non-Destructive Editing Expands to Channels
Building on the non-destructive editing introduced in GIMP 3.0, this release allows non-destructive filters to be applied to channels, not just layers. This enhancement gives artists and photographers more control over complex compositions and color workflows without permanently altering their source material.
A new text outline direction feature also debuts, letting users grow text outlines inward, outward, or both — expanding creative options for typographic effects.
Richer File Format Support
GIMP 3.1.2 continues to broaden its file format compatibility, making it a more versatile tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. New and improved support includes:
- Photoshop PSD/PSB files with better handling of inner/outer shadows and effects.
- APNG for animated PNGs and full OpenEXR multilayer support.
- Export to JPEG 2000, Krita palette (.kpl), and import of Photoshop curve/level presets (.acv, .alv).
- RAW image support via ART (AnotherRawTherapee) integration.
- Additional support for vintage and experimental formats like TIM (PlayStation), JIF, AVCI, HEJ2, and Over The Air Bitmap.
UI and UX Improvements
GIMP 3.1.2 introduces subtle but meaningful quality-of-life enhancements:
- Faster tool switching without unnecessary delay.
- Consistent theme rendering across platforms.
- Palette editors now advance selection automatically upon deletion.
- Lock Pixels now supports undo history.
- The Histogram tool can display the number of unique colors in an image, a useful metric for web and game developers.
Technical Enhancements and Developer Tools
This release lays important groundwork for future innovations, including:
- New API for linked coordinate widgets in plug-in dialogs.
- Improved dialog generation for unsigned integers and boolean parameters.
- Better portability in the build system, now more POSIX-compliant and BSD-friendly.
Packaging has also been streamlined: Windows and Linux builds now auto-detect supported image formats, reducing manual configuration and setup time.
What’s Next: Vector and Linked Layers
GIMP 3.1.2 kicks off the official development cycle for GIMP 3.2, with key milestones including support for vector layers and non-destructive linked layers — long-requested features that will dramatically enhance GIMP’s capabilities in compositing and illustration.
A Strong, Global Community
This release represents over 300 commits from 29 developers, 12 translators, and countless contributors in documentation, packaging, and UX. Backed by initiatives like Google Summer of Code, the project continues to thrive through community-driven innovation.
Several experimental projects are already underway: a new GEGL filter browser, improved on-canvas text editing, and a revival of the GIMP Registry for extensions are all on the horizon.
Pre-built downloads of GIMP 3.1.2 are available from gimp.org in AppImage, Flatpak, and native installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux (including ARM builds).
Although not recommended for daily or professional use, the GIMP team invites users to test this version, report bugs, and provide feedback — helping shape the future of one of the most enduring and respected tools in the open-source creative ecosystem.
GIMP 3.1.2 sets the stage for a powerful and flexible GIMP 3.2, reaffirming its role as a true alternative in digital imaging and creative workflows.
