I Tried The GIMP 3.0 String Freeze, It's...

Summary

The video explores the development of GIMP 3.0.0, highlighting its progress with the recent string freeze. It acknowledges GIMP's imperfections as a Photoshop alternative but emphasizes its suitability for everyday image editing tasks. Key updates include the PhotoGIMP UI for a more Photoshop-like experience, multiple layer selection, and non-destructive effects, which allow for easy editing and adjustment. The video also covers new snapping modes, reduced reliance on floating selections, and improved menu navigation. Minor issues like occasional crashes and UI quirks are noted, but the overall impression is positive, suggesting GIMP 3 is ready for use with most features complete, including the transition from GTK 2 to GTK 3.

Takeaways

• 🔍 GIMP 3.0.0 has entered string freeze, indicating it's nearing its full release, despite being later than initially expected.
• 🎨 While GIMP isn't a perfect Photoshop replacement, it offers significant improvements that cater to everyday users for basic image editing and meme creation.
• 🖼️ The UI in GIMP 3 will be familiar to GIMP 2 users, but an optional PhotoGIMP plugin provides a more Photoshop-like interface.
• 🎯 A major enhancement in GIMP 3 is the ability to select and manipulate multiple layers simultaneously, a feature absent in GIMP 2.
• ✨ GIMP 3 introduces non-destructive effects, allowing users to toggle, rearrange, and edit effects without altering the original image.
• 🔧 Improved snapping features with new modes like 'snap to bounding boxes' and 'snap to equidistance' make alignment and object spacing easier.
• 📐 Reduced reliance on floating selections simplifies the user experience, as pasted images now behave more like regular layers.
• 🔎 An enhanced text-based action search helps users quickly find and execute commands within the extensive GIMP menu.
• 🌗 The display of transparency options has been simplified, and users can customize the appearance of the interface, including theme variations.
• 🛠️ Despite moving from GTK 2 to GTK 3, GIMP 3 has proven stable in recent tests, with minor visual glitches being the only noted issues.
• 🔧 Future versions of GIMP, post 3.0, are expected to include features like a shape tool, vector layers, and improved color support.

Q & A

What is the significance of the string freeze for GIMP 3.0.0?

The string freeze for GIMP 3.0.0 signifies that the project has reached a stage where the user interface strings are no longer being changed, which is one more step towards the release of the next major version of GIMP.

Is GIMP 3 intended to be a perfect replacement for Photoshop?

No, GIMP 3 is not intended to be a perfect replacement for Photoshop. It has its own set of features and improvements that cater to a wide range of users, but it does not aim to replicate every feature of Photoshop.

What is PhotoGIMP and how does it relate to GIMP 3?

PhotoGIMP is a user interface modification for GIMP that makes it more similar to Photoshop. It hasn't had a new release in a while, but it still works with GIMP 3, providing a more comfortable UI experience for users familiar with Photoshop.

What is the new feature in GIMP 3 that allows for easier interaction with multiple layers?

GIMP 3 introduces multiple layer selection, which allows users to select and manipulate multiple layers at once without needing to create a group, providing more flexibility in layer management.

How does non-destructive editing work in GIMP 3?

In GIMP 3, non-destructive editing is achieved through a new system that allows users to apply effects to layers and then toggle, rearrange, or edit these effects without altering the original image data.

What are the new snapping modes introduced in GIMP 3 to improve alignment?

GIMP 3 introduces two new snapping modes: 'snap to bounding boxes' and 'snap to equidistance'. These modes make it easier to align objects with the center or edges of other objects and to space objects equally apart.

Why are floating selections less relied upon in GIMP 3?

GIMP 3 reduces the reliance on floating selections by automatically pasting images as layers instead of floating selections. This simplifies the workflow and reduces the need for additional steps to convert selections into layers.

What improvements have been made to the search functionality in GIMP 3?

GIMP 3 enhances the search functionality by not only allowing text-based action search but also showing users where in the menu the searched item is located and the hotkeys associated with it.

How has the theme display been simplified in GIMP 3?

In GIMP 3, the theme display has been simplified by offering color scheme variations in a list, making it easier to distinguish between themes, system themes, and default themes.

What are some of the minor issues mentioned in the script that are still being worked on for GIMP 3?

Some minor issues mentioned include slight discolors in the menu when focusing on another window, inconsistent padding in some UI elements, and the application freezing when closing it, although it doesn't affect the saving of work.

What can users expect in future releases of GIMP post version 3?

Future releases of GIMP, post version 3, are expected to include features like the shape tool, vector layers, improved color support, and other enhancements that are either in progress or being considered.