GIMP, the image editing program that’s a popular open-source alternative to Photoshop, is now easier than ever for Mac users to start using. Though it was completely free, installing it has long required that X11 also be installed — a major pain in the butt. That changes with the latest version of GIMP: the app is now a self-contained native app that’s a breeze to install. It’s as simple as dragging and dropping.
After downloading the app from the GIMP website (a file that weighs in at around 73 megabytes), you’ll have a DMG installer on your hands. Open it up, drag the GIMP.app file to your Applications folder, and voila! GIMP installed, and ready to use!
The total size of the app once you unpack it is about 230 megabytes. We’d say, “make sure you have enough hard drive space”… but this is 2012, and 230MB is what you have on your hands after warming up your shutter finger.
When we tried out this latest version, the app crashed the first time we tried opening it. Other users are reporting this same bug. Try it a second time, however, and it should load just fine.
Aside from this quirk, the 2.8.2 update fixes some bugs that were present in the previous version. Enjoy.
PetaPixel articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through such a link, PetaPixel may earn a commission.
Love PetaPixel? Go Premium.
PetaPixel is the world’s largest independent photography publication and we’re only able to continue our work with your help. Become a PetaPixel Member now and support our mission to bring you regular, high-quality reviews, features, news, and more.
- Remove banner ads
- Gain access to full-resolution RAW and JPEG Sample Galleries
- Get 5% off orders from KEH.com
- Get a $15 coupon to spend at Moment
- Get 10% off lighting equipment from FJ Westcott
- Get 10% off film development, scanning, and printing from Blue Moon Camera and Machine