GIMP 3.2: Vector layers, non-destructive editing, and the MyPaint engine

Key points:
  • Introduction of "Link Layers" to synchronize external files (such as SVG) without altering the original when scaling or rotating.
  • Native support for creating and modifying vector layers, allowing you to alter strokes, outlines, and fills without loss of quality.
  • Integration of the MyPaint 2.0 brush engine and new "Overwrite" blending mode ideal for pixel art.
  • The CMYK selector now calculates the total ink coverage to avoid smudging in the physical print.
  • Support for exporting in PSB format (giant Photoshop), importing RAW via ART, and converting PSD layer effects to GEGL filters.
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GIMP 3.2.0 Release - New Features - Non-Destructive Vector Layers

After a long year of intensive developmentOr, as the GIMP developers have announced in a blog post, The release of version 3.2.EThis update is not just a facelift, but represents a profound restructuring of the way the editor manages canvas elements, finally bringing its capabilities closer to the standards of non-destructive editing and vector design that the industry demands.

In addition to the main new features of our roadmap, such as "non-destructive layers", this version It includes numerous new features, User interface improvements and stability optimizations.

GIMP 3.2 Main New Features

The most anticipated change in GIMP 3.2 is lthe introduction of link layers (linked layers). This function pIt allows you to attach external image files directly to the canvas as separate layers.GIMP operates under a strictly non-destructive paradigm. If a designer inserts an SVG file and edits it externally in a program like Inkscape, the changes will be automatically synchronized within GIMP.

Internal transformations such as rotation or scaling will not degrade the original file. The development team has already confirmed that future updates will allow linking not only entire files, but also specific layers of external XCF documents.

At the same time, it premieres native support for vector layers. The exclusive reliance on pixels for basic shapes is a thing of the past. Now, When creating a shape with the Path tool, a simple click in «Generate vector layer» It stores the data mathematically. This means that users can modify the path, fill, outline thickness, and apply extreme scales at any point in the process without suffering from dreaded pixelation or loss of quality.

GIMP 3.2 Vector Layers

Advanced digital painting and brush engines

The paint engine of GIMP has received a direct upgrade from MyPaintVersion 3.2 adopts the new brush format of MyPaint 2.0which is capable of calculating the scale and rotation of the canvas in real time to simulate physical brushstrokes with unprecedented accuracy. In addition, the brush toolIt incorporates a "gain" slider, allowing users who paint with a mouse or basic tablets to artificially simulate different levels of pressure.

MyPaint brushes

For pixel art artists, A new blending mode called "Overwrite" has been addedThis mode, designed primarily for the Pencil tool, ignores the transparency values ​​(alpha channel) of the underlying pixels, replacing the color absolutely and ensuring uniform opacity without unwanted blending.

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For prepress professionals, the The CMYK color picker now includes an ink coverage calculator (TAC/TIC). This mathematical tool evaluates the total amount of ink that will be deposited at a single point on the paper, alerting the designer if the limits of the print profile are exceeded, thus avoiding physical problems such as stains or tears in rotary presses.

GEGL filters and optimized workflow

Now, the Users will find a new "Fx" column which allows you to apply, rearrange, and remove filters directly on individual channels without altering the original data. To facilitate the exploration of improvements, sThe GEGL Filter Browser has been integratedThis dedicated interface allows users to search, preview, and understand all the mathematical and image processing operations available in the GEGL (Generic Graphics Library) that powers GIMP's internal engine.

Un The new command (by default Shift + X) allows you to quickly switch to the previous tool, Streamlining repetitive tasks. In numerical input fields (such as resolution or grid size), the system now accepts inline mathematical expressions, allowing you to type operations like 3 * 92 cm and let the program calculate the final result.

Mass interoperability of formats

GIMP 3.2 breaks its own compatibility barriers, becoming a true hub for all types of graphic files. Among the new import and export features are:

  • Professional Formats: Support for loading RAW images using the ART (AnotherRawTherapee) application, importing multi-layer images in OpenEXR, and full support (read/write) for JPEG 2000.
  • Adobe Ecosystem: Import Photoshop curve and level presets. Additionally, support has been added for exporting to Photoshop's PSB format, designed for massive canvases exceeding the 30.000-pixel limit of the traditional PSD format. When opening PSD/PSB files, GIMP now recognizes and converts layer effects (Drop Shadow and Inner Shadow) to its own non-destructive filters.
  • Vectors and Animation: The animation playback plugin has been redesigned with a VLC-style interface. New features include APNG animated image import, vector export to PDF, and a new SVG exporter that allows embedding rasterized layers as PNGs or JPEGs.
  • Retro and Specific Formats: Support for TIM files (used in textures for the original PlayStation 1), OTA Bitmap format (classic Nokia), and export of native .kpl palettes for Krita.

If you are interested in being able to know more about it about this new released version, you can check the details In the following link.

Download and install GIMP

For this version, GIMP has been packaged in AppImage and Flatpak formats for Linux systems on x86_64 and ARM64 architectures. For those interested in installing this new version of GIMP on their systems, They should only have the support to be able to install applications from Flatpak.

Just run the following command to install the application on your systems:

flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

Yes already have GIMP installed by this method, they can update it by running the following command:

flatpack update

When you run it, you will be shown a list of the applications installed by Flatpak that have an update. To proceed, just type "Y".