GIMP 3.2 Ushers in Non-Destructive Editing and Vector Layers

The open-source image editor GIMP has released version 3.2, bringing a suite of recent features designed to streamline workflows and enhance creative control. A key highlight of this release is the introduction of non-destructive editing capabilities with Link Layers, alongside the long-awaited addition of vector layers.

Non-Destructive Editing with Link Layers

GIMP 3.2 introduces Link Layers, allowing users to incorporate external images into their compositions without permanently altering the original file. This means images can be scaled, rotated, and transformed without losing quality or sharpness. The linked layer’s content dynamically updates whenever the source file is modified, ensuring compositions remain current and editable. This feature is accessed via File > Open as Link Layer… Or Ctrl+Alt+Shift+O [Ubuntu Handbook].

Vector Layers for Scalable Graphics

Another significant addition is the ability to create vector layers directly within GIMP. After drawing a path with the Paths tool, users can now generate a vector layer, enabling the creation of shapes with adjustable fill and stroke settings [Ubuntu Handbook]. Both link layers and vector layers are considered non-destructive, offering flexibility in the editing process and the ability to revert to raster layers when destructive edits are desired.

Enhanced Tools and Features

• MyPaint Brush Tool Upgrade: Version 3.2 includes an updated MyPaint Brush tool with 20 new brushes from the Dieterle set, including an arrow brush and a posterizer brush. The tool now automatically adjusts to canvas zoom and rotation for more dynamic painting [GIMP News].
• New Paint Mode: An “Overwrite” paint mode allows users to draw directly over existing colors without blending transparency values.
• Improved Text Editor: The on-canvas Text Editor has been enhanced with workflow improvements, including the ability to move the editor across the canvas and utilize common shortcuts like Ctrl+B for bold text and Shift+Ctrl+V for pasting unformatted text. The Text Outline feature also offers more control over outline direction.
• Expanded File Format Support: GIMP 3.2 adds support for new file formats, including JPEG 2000, SVG, BC7 (.dds), HEJ2, Krita .kpl palettes, and Photoshop PSB files. It also improves import capabilities for AVCI, Photoshop RGB and grayscale patterns (.pat), APNG animations, multi-layer OpenEXR images, and Jeff’s Image Format (.jif) [Ubuntu Handbook].
• SVG Export: Thanks to the addition of vector layers, GIMP 3.2 now supports SVG export and expanded vector options in PDF export [Ubuntu Handbook].

User Experience and Interface Improvements

The GIMP team has also implemented a variety of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) improvements based on community feedback and design team efforts [GIMP News].

GIMP 3.2 is available now and represents a significant step forward for the open-source image editor, offering a more versatile and powerful toolset for both amateur and professional users.