Personal thoughts on GIMP, post-settlement
In the digital art world, the release of GIMP 3.0 was met with anticipation, promising a sleeker and more efficient interface. However, a closer look reveals that some issues persist, especially on Windows, concerning the saving of window positions and the file open dialog box.
One of the most significant problems is the lack of a file dialog when saving window positions. The "Save Window Positions Now" button, found in Preferences, fails to provide an option for users to choose where to save the preferences file. Moreover, the "Reset Saved Window Positions to Default Values" button often shows a confirmation but fails to effectively reset window positions upon restart, leaving the feature less than ideal.
Another issue arises when opening a file via File > Open. The dialog box appears, but it lacks a path input field, preventing users from pasting copied file paths directly into the dialog. This hindrance, particularly prevalent on Windows where users often copy-paste file paths, negatively impacts workflow efficiency.
Despite these setbacks, GIMP 3.0.4 has made strides in other areas. For instance, the interface is more logical and improved compared to earlier versions. Additionally, system dark/light mode detection and support for better paint modes have been introduced in later GIMP 3.x releases, although these features are not directly related to the specific window management and file dialog issues.
In comparison, Krita, another popular digital art software, boasts a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. Krita's UI is easy to learn and customise, offering better layers controls, non-destructive editing, and superior brush options, particularly for painting and retouching. Krita also excels in deformation tools and offers plugins with AI tools that outperform the GIMP/Resynth combo.
As GIMP developers have yet to respond to queries over the past year, it remains unclear when these Windows-specific issues will be addressed. Meanwhile, alternative solutions such as Darktable, an open-source Lightroom alternative included in GIMP's installation package for RAW image file support, and PhotoPEA, an online alternative to Photoshop, may provide temporary resolutions for some users.
In summary, while GIMP 3.0 has introduced promising features, the issues regarding window position saving and file open dialogs on Windows remain unresolved, affecting usability and reliability. As digital artists continue to seek efficient and user-friendly tools, these issues are worth noting for those considering GIMP as their primary software.
- Graphic designers often have Adobe's Creative Cloud suite at their disposal, which includes Photoshop for color manipulation and typography.
- Artists find solace in the digital realm, where they can practice painting, layout, and 3D design, thanks to technology's advancements.
- within the digital art community, debates about the best software tools continue, with Photoshop often mentioned alongside GIMP, Krita, and others.
- The UI of digital art software is crucial; for example, Krita is praised for its intuitive and customizable interface, making it easier for artists to work with layers, brushes, and deformation tools.
- In contrast, GIMP 3.0, despite introducing improvements, still experiences problems, particularly on Windows where issues with saving window positions and the file open dialog box persist.
- When these issues aren't addressed promptly, artists may turn to alternative solutions like Darktable or PhotoPEA for efficient workflow and reliability.
- As GIMP developers have been quiet for over a year, the question remains when the windows-specific issues will be resolved, impacting the software's appeal.
- While GIMP 3.0.4 has made progress in areas such as the logical interface, system dark/light mode detection, and better paint modes, users are still affected by the persistent window position and file dialog issues.
- Photography plays a significant role in digital art, and having a software suite with both photography and graphic design capabilities, like Photoshop, can be beneficial for artists.
