Configuring GIMP 2.6 to Replace Adobe Photoshop
February 13, 2009 at 06:02:33 AM, by Blair Mathis
If you’re used to the Photoshop interface, the open source alternative GIMP can be somewhat confusing. You can, however, configure it to look and behave the same way.
GIMP is often referred to as the poor-mans Photoshop. Is this a fair assessment? Perhaps. Users tend to be split into three groups: those who can afford Photoshop, those who cannot, and those who are willing to pirate. For those who cannot afford it and aren't willing to pirate (we're certainly not encouraging it), then the most attractive option is GIMP.
Is GIMP an adequate alternative, however? Is it worth the effort to learn the new menu system and swap out the monster-sized commercial program for the lighter, free, open source graphics program? For most users, the answer is yes.
This tutorial will teach you how to configure GIMP to make it as close to Photoshop as possible, accomplished via plugins, filters, and other downloads. The modifications done in this article are performed on the regular GIMP, not GIMPshop. If you are absolutely unwilling to learn new keystrokes and menu layouts, then you may want to look at GIMPshop, which is a redesigned GIMP layout for Photoshoppers. If you don't like GIMPshop, you can also try GimPhoto.
How to Install Brushes, Filters, and and Plugins in GIMP
To add brushes, filters, and plugins to GIMP, simply open the program folder and put the files into their appropriate folders--brushes into Brushes, filters into Filters, etc. In Mac, right click and open the app folder. In Linux, navigate to your Home Folder and press Ctrl+H. In Windows, it's in C:/Program Files/Gimp.
Arrange the Layout
GIMP has compromised and changed the layout to be the best of both worlds. If you enjoy the free floating windows so common in GIMP, those features are still available. If, however, you want everything to be contained in one window, simply maximize the menu window, and then place the toolbar and window dock inside. Right click and choose "Always on top". It will now function just the same as Photoshop's all-in-one window; the individual docks aren't all listed in the bottom, they are all contained within the one window.
Add Photoshop Plugin Support
If you've invested in a library of Photoshop plugins, then the last thing you'll want to do is leave them behind when you switch. Luckily, it is possible to add support for Photoshop plugins using the PSPI plugin.
Download the PSPI plugin for your operating system and copy the file(s) to your GIMP plugins folder. The menu feature can be found in Filters > Photoshop Plug-in.
Higher Bit Support
Navigate to Colors > Use GEGL and check the box next to it.
Add CMYK Color Separation - http://cue.yellowmagic.info/softwares/separate.html
To add CMYK separation, you will need to add the Separation+ plugin. Download and copy it into the GIMP plugin folder.
Add Layer Styles
Can't live without Drop Shadow, Inner Glow, etc? Then install this plugin. Simply add the script to your GIMP script folder, then close and reopen the program. You'll find the Layer Styles in Script-Fu > Layer Effects.
Add Brushes
While you're adding everything to your install, download a bunch of brushes and add them to your brush folder. The default brushes that come with GIMP aren't all that great. A good resource for brushes is Blendfu.
Conclusion
The above will add a few extra features to GIMP that increases it's functionality. It doesn't have all the features of Photoshop, many of them due to copyright issues. For the vast majority of users, however, GIMP is a very good graphics program that will do everything you need.
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Mike at 22:05, November 05, 2009
Your arrange the Layout - Always on Top! Where is that?????? I can't find it anywhere!!! I hate the interface!!!! The icons need to be smaller, the pen tool needs important and a better browser, with thumbnails (so I don't have to remember the name of the file) Other wise it pretty good and not just because it free!
Mike at 22:05, November 05, 2009
Your arrange the Layout - Always on Top! Where is that?????? I can't find it anywhere!!! I hate the interface!!!! The icons need to be smaller, the pen tool needs important and a better browser, with thumbnails (so I don't have to remember the name of the file) Other wise it pretty good and not just because it free!
Mike at 22:05, November 05, 2009
Your arrange the Layout - Always on Top! Where is that?????? I can't find it anywhere!!! I hate the interface!!!! The icons need to be smaller, the pen tool needs important and a better browser, with thumbnails (so I don't have to remember the name of the file) Other wise it pretty good and not just because it free!
Agbanu Edward at 16:08, September 19, 2009
I love GIMP. It is great to work with this resource. Thank you.
Rose at 13:05, March 20, 2009
What about those who can afford PS, but choose to use Gimp b/c its better in many ways? (Certainly not all, but many) http://interhuss.com
Uncle B at 11:02, March 18, 2009
Go Ubuntu and get Gimp - Learning it the way it is, not a hard thing to do and worth the effort! Being an ingrained totally propagandized capitalist, I still feel a little guilty using open source and not paying, but I love the programs, and they work so much better!
Thumbnail at 11:13, February 20, 2009
You've completely omitted the concept of the package manager which is far simpler than bothering to go online and find .deb files to install and you've equated linux to ubuntu. All in all 6/10 for effort but 2/10 for actual content. Seriously, calling yourself a guru and you give people this steaming pile of hotspur?
Johnny at 08:59, February 19, 2009
I don't like the gimp interface with its different windows. Just makes me confused.
Kristy at 17:11, February 18, 2009
You could try www.screendash.com Its not as good as an editor but its really cool, you can just grab images, edit, and then host right from you desktop.
Kevin Cannon at 13:01, February 15, 2009
I think the main thing to remember is that GIMP isn't trying to replace or copy Photoshop. GIMP is a high-end photography manipulation and digital art tool. It's not aimed at creating print work and it's not a graphic design tool either, so many of the decisions about GIMP are strategic. More info here: http://www.mmiworks.net/eng/publications/2007/05/lgm-gimp-project-overview.html http://gui.gimp.org/index.php/GIMP_UI_Redesign
Charles Gougeon / Oups ça presse at 02:19, February 15, 2009
GIMP . is a very goood software , but ,it gonna be a a true replacement of photoshop only when it will support CMYK . I hope it will be soon ,,
Mark at 14:26, February 14, 2009
You don't have to restart GIMP to make newly installed scripts load. If you install some scripts while GIMP is already running, just go to Filters>Script-fu>Refresh Scripts. The new scripts will then be added to the correct menu. Also, FX Foundry has dozens of scripts you can install. If you install the entire package (free, of course!), they will be organized in their owne menu. The download is located at http://sourceforge.net/projects/gimpfx-foundry
Ap at 12:57, February 14, 2009
Oh yeah you know what else works nice with GIMP besides PS or Paint.net?? Inkscape I use it all the time. I go on sreencasters.heathenx.org for 'how to' vids
Ap at 12:54, February 14, 2009
Does anyone know where to find decent screencasts for novice GIMP users? 'Sides youtube?
Mark at 07:56, February 14, 2009
You don't have to restart the program to update newly installed scripts. Just go to Filters > Script-fu > Refresh Scripts. Also, FX Foundry is a repository of dozens of scripts that are being maintained and updated. You can download all of the scripts at http://sourceforge.net/projects/gimpfx-foundry
Mark at 07:56, February 14, 2009
You don't have to restart the program to update newly installed scripts. Just go to Filters > Script-fu > Refresh Scripts. Also, FX Foundry is a repository of dozens of scripts that are being maintained and updated. You can download all of the scripts at http://sourceforge.net/projects/gimpfx-foundry
Boo Radley at 05:07, February 14, 2009
The first thing I do is drag that tools options window over from the toolbox to the Layers, Paths... window then shrink the size of the toolbox window to a two icon width... That gives it a nice Photoshop feel ;-)
Joan at 05:01, February 14, 2009
I love the GIMP! Thanks for your post! Also, if people are looking for GIMP tutorials, here's a nice site: http://gimpology.com
JP at 03:24, February 14, 2009
You could also use Paint.net (if you're on Windows machine). http://www.getpaint.net
John Davis at 02:43, February 14, 2009
Wow dude totally crazy! RT www.anon-tools.us.tc
Andrew at 15:32, February 13, 2009
Nice article.