How to Install GIMP on Ubuntu 18.04/20.04

GIMP is a free and open-source cross-platform image editing software tool that comes with numerous sets of tools that enable you to edit and manipulate images to your own preference.

You can perform almost any image editing task, from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation technique.  Gimp can be used for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring.

The latest version of GIMP available at the time of writing is 2.10.22. Let's check the different ways to install GIMP on Ubuntu 18.04/20.04.

1) Install Gimp on Ubuntu using Flatpak

The official way of installing GIMP is by using flatpak. Flatpak is a  package management platform that allows users to install packages in a sandboxed environment.

First, install Flatpak using the following command:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alexlarsson/flatpak
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install flatpak

Next, add the Flathub repository as follows:

$ flatpak remote-add flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Once you have added the Flathub repository, verify the Flatpak repository installed using the command:

$ flatpak remotes

Thereafter, search if GIMP is available on Flathub using the command:

$ flatpak search gimp

The output gives you the Application ID, Version, Branch, Remotes, and a brief description of the application.

To install GIMP using Flatpak, run the command:

$ sudo flatpak  install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

When prompted, simply press 'y' for Yes to comply and proceed with the installation.

2) Install GIMP on Ubuntu using snap

Alternatively, you can also use snap packages to install GIMP on your Ubuntu machine. First, ensure snap is installed on your system as shown.

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt install snapd

Once snap is installed, install GIMP using the command:

$ sudo snap install gimp

Simple as that. The installation will get underway and will be completed within a minute or two.

3) Install GIMP using PPA

The other way you can install GIMP is by using the  PPA. Be advised that Otto-kesselgulasch has dropped his PPA citing personal reasons. If you have his PPA sitting on your system, you first need to purge it as follows:

$ sudo apt-get install ppa-purge
$ sudo ppa-purge ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp

Next, install GIMP by adding the latest PPA, type:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/gimp

Next, update your system and install GIMP, type:

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt install gimp gmic

4) Install GIMP from Software Center

Lastly, another way that you can install the GIMP image editor is using Ubuntu's Software Center. To do this, Launch Ubuntu Software Center and search for GIMP as shown.

Search for GIMP in Software CenterNext, click on the 'Install' button to install GIMP on Ubuntu 18.04.

Thereafter, you will be required to authenticate. Be sure to provide your password and hit 'ENTER' on your keyboard. The installation will get underway as shown.

Once the installation is complete, click on the 'Launch' button to open the GIMP image editor.

GIMP version 2.10 will start initializing. Seconds later, the GIMP image editor will open and present you with an array of tools and palettes to get started with.

How to remove GIMP

To completely remove the GIMP package from your system, run the following command:

$ sudo apt purge gimp

$ sudo apt clean

Next, remove the ~/.gimp directory in your home directory to get rid of the profile settings.

Additionally, you can use the software center to remove GIMP by navigating to the installed software section and clicking the 'Remove' button.

Conclusion

We have outlined four ways to install the GIMP image editor on Ubuntu 18.04/20.04. With that said, we hope you can comfortably install GIMP without a hitch. Your feedback on this guide is highly welcome.