In the early days of Linux, users had modest needs to create graphics, so the then-nascent GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) served them well. However, as Linux and the GIMP became popular, more sophisticated users — even some graphics professionals — began to rely on the GIMP for their day-to-day needs. As often occurs, as demand for the GIMP grew, so did the number of feature requests. Fortunately, the GIMP developers worked hard to keep up with expensive, proprietary image editing software available on other platforms, and today, the GIMP is “the Photoshop of Linux,” a category-killer application.
In the early days of Linux, users had modest needs to create graphics, so the then-nascent GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) served them well. However, as Linux and the GIMP became popular, more sophisticated users — even some graphics professionals — began to rely on the GIMP for their day-to-day needs. As often occurs, as demand for the GIMP grew, so did the number of feature requests. Fortunately, the GIMP developers worked hard to keep up with expensive, proprietary image editing software available on other platforms, and today, the GIMP is “the Photoshop of Linux,” a category-killer application.
Earlier this year, version 2.0 of the GIMP was released. Although the new release was three years in the making, it was worth the wait. Let’s have a look at what’s new in GIMP 2.0.
The User Interface
The first thing you’re likely to notice is the GIMP’s fancy new interface. The widgets and icons all look a bit different than what you’ve probably grown used to. Much of this is thanks to the GTK+ Version 2 toolkit, which replaces the older 1.x version.
Figure One: The GIMP 2.0 running on Mac OS X
In addition to a sexier look, you’ll also find the interface easier to work with and customize. It makes much better…
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