Installing GIMP on Ubuntu is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you meet the three-headed Linux package dragon: APT, Snap, and Flatpak. The good news? None of them bite if you know which one to choose. GIMP, short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a free, open-source image editor used for photo retouching, web graphics, thumbnails, digital art, screenshots, and “I need to remove this awkward background object immediately” emergencies.
This guide explains how to install GIMP in Ubuntu using the safest and most practical methods: Ubuntu’s default repositories, the Snap Store, Flatpak from Flathub, and the AppImage option. You will also learn how to launch GIMP, update it, remove it, fix common installation problems, and choose the right method for your workflow.
What Is GIMP and Why Install It on Ubuntu?
GIMP is a powerful raster image editor, meaning it works with pixel-based images such as photos, PNG graphics, JPEG files, web banners, screenshots, and layered design files. It supports common editing tasks like cropping, resizing, color correction, masks, layers, selections, filters, brushes, text, transparency, and file format conversion.
For Ubuntu users, GIMP is especially attractive because it fits naturally into the open-source desktop ecosystem. You do not need a subscription, a cloud login, or a small ceremony involving your credit card. Install it, open it, edit your image, and move on with your day.
GIMP is not a perfect one-to-one replacement for every professional Photoshop workflow, but it is more than capable for bloggers, developers, photographers, students, content creators, and small business owners who need serious image editing without expensive software.
Before You Install: Choose the Best GIMP Method for Ubuntu
Ubuntu gives you several ways to install GIMP. The best choice depends on whether you want maximum stability, the newest release, simple updates, or portable use.
| Method | Best For | Main Benefit | Possible Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| APT | Most Ubuntu users | Stable, simple, integrates with system updates | May not always be the newest GIMP version |
| Snap | Users who want a newer packaged version | Easy installation and automatic refreshes | Sandbox behavior may affect file access or plugins |
| Flatpak | Users who prefer Flathub apps | Often close to upstream releases | Requires Flatpak setup on Ubuntu |
| AppImage | Portable testing | No traditional installation required | Compatibility and updates are more manual |
For beginners, start with APT. For users who want a newer upstream-style package, choose Flatpak or Snap. For testers, reviewers, or people who like portable apps, AppImage can be useful, but it is not usually the easiest long-term option on Ubuntu.
Method 1: Install GIMP in Ubuntu Using APT
APT is Ubuntu’s traditional package manager. It installs software from Ubuntu’s repositories and updates it alongside the rest of your system. This is the cleanest method for many users because it behaves like a normal Ubuntu application.
Step 1: Update Your Package List
Open Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Then run:
This refreshes Ubuntu’s software index so your system knows what packages are available. It is the Linux equivalent of checking the pantry before cooking dinner.
Step 2: Install GIMP
Now install GIMP with:
Press Y if Ubuntu asks for confirmation. APT will download GIMP and the required dependencies. When the installation finishes, GIMP is ready to use.
Step 3: Check the Installed Version
To confirm GIMP installed correctly, run:
If you see a version number, congratulations. Ubuntu has successfully invited GIMP to the desktop party.
Step 4: Launch GIMP
You can launch GIMP from the terminal:
Or open the Ubuntu application menu, search for GIMP, and click the icon. On some systems, it may appear as GNU Image Manipulation Program.
Method 2: Install GIMP in Ubuntu Using App Center
If you prefer clicking buttons instead of typing commands, Ubuntu’s App Center can install GIMP through a graphical interface.
Steps to Install GIMP from App Center
- Open App Center from the dock or application menu.
- Search for GIMP.
- Select the GIMP listing.
- Click Install.
- Enter your password if Ubuntu asks.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
Ubuntu may show Snap packages before Debian packages when both are available. That does not mean anything is broken; it simply reflects how App Center presents software. If you specifically want the traditional APT/Deb version, the terminal method gives you more direct control.
Method 3: Install GIMP in Ubuntu Using Snap
Snap is a universal Linux package format developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. Snap packages bundle many of their dependencies and receive automatic refreshes. On standard Ubuntu desktop installations, Snap support is usually already installed.
Install GIMP with Snap
Run this command:
Launch the Snap Version
After installation, open GIMP from the application menu or run:
Update the Snap Version
Snap packages normally refresh automatically, but you can manually update GIMP with:
Remove the Snap Version
If you decide Snap is not your preferred route, remove it with:
The Snap version is convenient, especially for users who want an easy install without setting up extra repositories. However, because Snap apps are confined, you may notice different behavior with file access, external folders, or certain plugins. For basic editing, this is usually not a problem. For heavy plugin workflows, test before committing.
Method 4: Install GIMP in Ubuntu Using Flatpak
Flatpak is another popular universal package format for Linux desktop applications. Many users like Flatpak because Flathub often provides updated desktop apps across different Linux distributions.
Step 1: Install Flatpak
On Ubuntu, install Flatpak with:
Step 2: Install the GNOME Software Flatpak Plugin
This plugin helps graphical software tools recognize Flatpak applications:
Step 3: Add Flathub
Add the Flathub repository:
After adding Flathub, log out and log back in if apps do not appear correctly in your menu. Yes, the ancient ritual of “turn it off and on again” still has a respectable career in Linux.
Step 4: Install GIMP from Flathub
Install GIMP with:
Step 5: Launch GIMP Flatpak
Run:
Update the Flatpak Version
To update GIMP and other Flatpak apps, run:
Remove the Flatpak Version
To uninstall GIMP installed through Flatpak:
Flatpak is a strong choice if you already use Flathub for apps such as Bottles, OBS Studio, Inkscape, or Telegram. It is also useful when the Ubuntu repository version is older than the current GIMP release.
Method 5: Use the GIMP AppImage on Ubuntu
An AppImage is a portable application file. Instead of installing GIMP through a package manager, you download the file, mark it executable, and run it. This can be handy for testing a newer version without changing your system packages.
Basic AppImage Steps
- Download the GIMP AppImage from the official GIMP download page.
- Open the folder containing the file.
- Right-click the AppImage and open Properties.
- Allow it to run as a program, or use
chmodin Terminal.
Using the terminal, the command may look like this:
AppImage is flexible, but it is not always the best default choice for Ubuntu users. Updates are manual, desktop integration may require extra steps, and compatibility depends on your system libraries. If you want the least drama, use APT, Snap, or Flatpak instead.
How to Decide Which GIMP Installation Method Is Best
Choose APT If You Want Stability
APT is ideal if you want GIMP to behave like a regular Ubuntu package. It works well with system updates, desktop launchers, themes, and file associations. It is also the easiest method to recommend to new Ubuntu users.
Choose Snap If You Want Convenience
Snap is easy because Ubuntu already supports it on most desktop installations. It handles updates automatically and can provide newer application builds than some repository packages. Choose Snap if you want quick installation and do not plan to rely heavily on older third-party plugins.
Choose Flatpak If You Already Use Flathub
Flatpak is excellent for users who prefer Flathub as their desktop app source. It often provides current app versions and works across many Linux distributions. If you use several Flatpak apps, installing GIMP this way keeps things consistent.
Choose AppImage If You Want Portability
AppImage is useful when you want to test GIMP without installing it system-wide. It is less convenient for routine updates, but great for experimentation.
How to Update GIMP on Ubuntu
The update command depends on how you installed GIMP.
Update APT Version
Update Snap Version
Update Flatpak Version
If you installed GIMP as an AppImage, download the newer AppImage manually and replace the old file. That is simple enough, but it is one more thing to remember, and your brain probably already has enough browser tabs open.
How to Uninstall GIMP from Ubuntu
Removing GIMP also depends on the installation method.
Remove APT Version
To remove configuration files too, use:
Remove Snap Version
Remove Flatpak Version
For AppImage, simply delete the AppImage file. If you created a desktop launcher manually, remove that launcher as well.
Common GIMP Installation Problems in Ubuntu
Problem: “Unable to Locate Package GIMP”
If APT cannot find GIMP, update your package list first:
If the package is still missing, enable Ubuntu’s Universe repository:
Problem: GIMP Does Not Appear in the App Menu
Try logging out and logging back in. You can also launch it from Terminal using the correct command for your install method:
Problem: You Installed Multiple Versions
Installing APT, Snap, and Flatpak versions at the same time is possible, but it can get confusing. You may see multiple GIMP icons or launch different versions from different commands. Pick one method and remove the others unless you intentionally need separate builds for testing.
Problem: Plugins Do Not Work
GIMP plugins can be sensitive to version changes. A plugin built for GIMP 2.10 may not work properly in GIMP 3.x. Also, Snap and Flatpak versions use sandboxed environments, so plugin folders and file permissions may differ from a traditional APT installation. In GIMP, check Edit > Preferences > Folders to see where brushes, scripts, patterns, and plugins belong.
Problem: GIMP Cannot Access a Folder
If you use Snap or Flatpak, the app may have limited access to some folders. Save projects in your home directory first, then adjust permissions if needed. Flatpak users can also manage app permissions with a tool such as Flatseal.
Basic GIMP Setup After Installation
Once GIMP is installed, take a few minutes to make it comfortable. First, open Edit > Preferences. Under Interface, choose a theme and icon style that feels readable. If your monitor is large, increase icon size so you are not hunting for tools like a detective looking for crumbs.
Next, check Folders in Preferences. This section shows where GIMP stores brushes, patterns, palettes, gradients, scripts, and plugins. Knowing these paths saves time later when you install custom resources.
Finally, create a test file. Open an image, crop it, resize it, add text, export it as PNG, and save a layered XCF copy. The XCF format keeps layers editable, while PNG or JPEG is better for publishing online. This small practice run helps confirm that GIMP, file access, fonts, and exports all work correctly.
Practical Examples: What You Can Do with GIMP on Ubuntu
GIMP is useful for everyday creative work. Bloggers can compress and crop article images. Developers can annotate screenshots for documentation. YouTubers can create thumbnails. Store owners can clean product photos. Students can make posters. Social media managers can build quick graphics without launching a browser-based design tool.
For example, suppose you need a blog image that is exactly 1200 by 675 pixels. Open the image in GIMP, choose Image > Scale Image, set the width, crop the composition, sharpen lightly if needed, then export as WebP or JPEG. That single workflow can improve page speed, visual quality, and SEO presentation.
Another common example is transparent background editing. Open a logo, add an alpha channel, select the background, delete it, and export as PNG. Suddenly your logo no longer sits inside an awkward white rectangle like it arrived at the party in a cardboard box.
Experience Notes: Installing and Using GIMP on Ubuntu in Real Life
After working with GIMP on multiple Ubuntu desktops, the biggest lesson is simple: the “best” installation method depends less on GIMP itself and more on the kind of user sitting at the keyboard. For a new Ubuntu user, I usually recommend the APT method first. It is predictable, clean, and easy to troubleshoot. When something goes wrong, the fix is usually familiar: update packages, check the repository, reinstall, or remove the package. It feels boring, and in Linux, boring is often a compliment.
The Snap version is convenient when speed matters. If someone asks, “How do I install GIMP right now?” Snap is often a quick answer because the command is short and Ubuntu commonly supports Snap out of the box. The trade-off is that sandboxed apps can occasionally surprise users. A folder may not appear where expected, or a plugin tutorial written for the APT version may not match the Snap environment. For basic photo edits, thumbnails, and exports, Snap is usually fine. For advanced customization, it is worth testing carefully.
Flatpak feels especially comfortable for users who already live in the Flathub world. If your system already has Flatpak configured, installing GIMP from Flathub is straightforward. The app is isolated, updates are easy, and the package source is consistent across distributions. I like Flatpak for creative apps because it often delivers newer desktop software without asking the user to replace half the operating system. That said, Ubuntu beginners may find the initial Flatpak setup slightly longer than APT or Snap.
AppImage is the method I treat like a portable toolbox. It is excellent when testing a new GIMP build, writing a review, or comparing versions. But for daily work, I prefer a package manager. Manual updates sound harmless until you realize six months have passed and your AppImage folder looks like an archaeological dig: one file from spring, one from summer, one named “final-final-newer-real.AppImage.”
For everyday workflow, I also recommend creating a simple folder structure before editing: one folder for originals, one for XCF working files, and one for exported images. This prevents accidental overwrites. GIMP’s native XCF files preserve layers, masks, and editable text, while exported PNG, JPEG, or WebP files are better for uploading to websites. Keeping both versions is like having dough and baked bread: one is still editable, the other is ready to serve.
Another practical habit is checking export settings. A huge PNG may look beautiful but load slowly on a blog post. JPEG works well for photos, PNG is better for transparency, and WebP is often a smart option for web publishing. Ubuntu plus GIMP gives you a strong editing setup, but good file discipline turns that setup into a reliable production workflow.
My final experience-based recommendation is this: install one version first, learn where it stores files, test your plugins, and only switch methods if you have a real reason. Many GIMP problems come from mixing APT, Snap, Flatpak, old plugins, and random tutorials from 2016. Keep your setup simple and your image editor will behave like a helpful tool instead of a moody raccoon in a toolbox.
Final Thoughts
Installing GIMP in Ubuntu is easy once you understand the available methods. Use APT if you want the most traditional Ubuntu experience. Use Snap if you want a quick install with automatic refreshes. Use Flatpak if you prefer Flathub and current desktop app packaging. Use AppImage when you want portability or testing without a full installation.
For most users, the command sudo apt install gimp is enough to get started. From there, GIMP can handle photo editing, graphics creation, image resizing, transparency, web exports, and plenty of creative experiments. Whether you are editing a product photo or rescuing a screenshot from visual chaos, GIMP on Ubuntu is a dependable tool that costs nothing except a little learning time.
