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GIMP 2.9.6 Released

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Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#31
post #9
post #6

As a casual user on a Mac, I've long since abandoned GIMP for Pixelmator + Imagemagick. Has GIMP improved in usability in the past few years?

I recently installed a fresh version of GIMP (for the purpose of running the exporter script so I can import the layers from photoshop files into the Spine animation tool). I'm only using it as an elaborate runtime for that script, but my impressions are that the UI is basically the same as I remember it from 15 years ago. So, while it's features may have improved, the UI does not seem like it's improved at all.

> So, while it's features may have improved, the UI does not seem like it's improved at all.

That's actually a bonus point in my book. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I like that when I start Gimp anywhere I can just start using it. I am not a designer though.

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#33
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have always advocated for Gimp but people esp designers want to stick to photoshop. Hope they understand the power of this open source

Can GIMP load psd files correctly? I seem to remember that there was some trouble loading psd files, but I don't remember exactly what. Edit to add: I ask because if GIMP cannot handle the de facto standard image file type without too much fiddling, people won't touch it. It is the same problem LibreOffice has, actually.

GIMP doesn't support Smart Objects.. a huge shortcoming

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#34
post #6

As a casual user on a Mac, I've long since abandoned GIMP for Pixelmator + Imagemagick. Has GIMP improved in usability in the past few years?

Pixelmator is great, but it misses extremely useful feature: move canvas view ouside the border. Feature request filled back in 2012 and still not implemented: http://support.pixelmator.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8336 Without it working in areas near the edges is very stressful and painful.

The worst part is that it used to allow panning outside the canvas. At some point, they broke it in fullscreen (or non-fullscreen, I don't remember). Then they broke it in the other mode. They also removed the option to hide all windows with the tab key, which was extremely useful when working on a small screen. And they also moved all their color filters into another large window you have to open, obscuring your canvas. It's clear that they develop this app on a massive screen, and give no thoughts to the people who might want to use it on a 13'' MacBook.

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#36
Good to know is that odd minor releases by GIMP are, like GNOME's, considered unstable. In other words, 2.9.x could be seen as beta releases for 2.10 (which is why things like the parallel stuff might explode in your face).

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#37

GIMP doesn't support Smart Objects. This alone makes it not usable for professional work, when compared to Photoshop. The cost of the latter is nothing if you are getting paid for your work. https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/10-things-you-need-to-...

Non-destructive is where GIMP is heading as a whole. The GEGL port needs to be completed first for many of the sub-features to be reasonably implemented.

GIMP Roadmap with "smart objects" listed: https://wiki.gimp.org/index.php/Roadmap

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#39
post #4

I curious as to who is using GIMP for serious work. I have tried it numerous time in the past but always end up going back to PS. As of late I been making a switch to Affinity Photo but have always been pulling for GIMP.

I used it quite a bit, but I don't recommend it for everybody.

- +90% of my work is on linux. While gimp has progressed to the point of being marginally useful on windows, it's terrible on MacOS. The difference between using it on Linux and another OS is quite dramatic.

- It is not a 100% replacement for Photoshop. There are significant differences in functionality, both in scope and workflow. That said, in conjunction with Krita, DarkTable, Inkscape, and Scribus I've had all the functionality I've ever needed that would otherwise require the Adobe Suite (and differnt OS)

- I don't really have to collaborate with 3rd parties using Adobe Suite. If that were the case it would be difficult, if not impossible to make it work.

Re: GIMP 2.9.6 Released

#40
post #4

I curious as to who is using GIMP for serious work. I have tried it numerous time in the past but always end up going back to PS. As of late I been making a switch to Affinity Photo but have always been pulling for GIMP.

This is the first I've heard of Affinity Photo. The feature list looks very complete, for what I use on a regular basis. Are you a long-time Photoshop user? How does it compare?

I have used PS for 15+ years mostly for photography work. I would not describe myself as a power user but so far I like it. The biggest advantage PS has over anything else (including GIMP) is training, the Adobe ecosystem has so much rich training out there. Most of what I need I have found in Affinity Photo and it even does some things better. The interface is similar to PS that a transition is not too difficult. The app is still at 1.5 so I'm sure there are features I will find missing at some point.
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