GIMP 3.2.4 Brings a Layer Revolution – Free Install on Ubuntu, Say Goodbye to Photoshop

Why the update matters

GIMP has been the default image editor on Linux, but its layer system and UI were often criticized as unprofessional. GIMP 3.0 introduced major changes, and the 3.2.4 maintenance release refines the layer workflow and stabilises the editor.

Core improvements in GIMP 3.2.4

Vector layers – first‑time support for true vector layers, comparable to Photoshop’s smart objects.

Linked layers – batch transformations across linked layers, improving efficiency.

Layer workflow fixes – removal of mysterious rendering errors.

Ubuntu one‑click install – dependency‑free installation via Flatpak.

Operation applicability corrections

Operations that previously applied to unsuitable layer types are now restricted to bitmap layers only. Example table (converted to list):

Scale layer to image size – now applies only to bitmap layers; vector, text and linked layers are excluded.

Resize layer to selection – also limited to bitmap layers; non‑bitmap types are unaffected.

This prevents accidental distortion of text or vector layers.

Import layer naming bug fixed

Problem scenario : Opening an XCF file in project A displayed the file name instead of the original layer name.

The bug is resolved; imported layers retain their original names, reducing confusion in collaborative workflows.

Other stability improvements

Enhanced crop tool support for non‑raster layers.

Significant performance boost for the colour‑selection tool in intersection mode.

Automatic disabling of interfering items when moving floating layers.

Improved PDF/PSD export quality and compatibility.

Highlights of the GIMP 3.2 series

Vector layers

True vector layer support enables scalable logos, multi‑resolution icons, and editable UI prototypes.

# Analogy
# Photoshop "Smart Object" → GIMP "Vector Layer"
# Scale without distortion, edit without damage, stack filters

Linked layers

Multiple layers can be linked (right‑click → Link Layers). Transforming one linked layer synchronises the others.

Select multiple layers → right‑click → Link Layers
Transform one layer → all linked layers follow

Non‑destructive workflow

Crop no longer permanently deletes pixels; changes are reversible.

Filters support real‑time preview and adjustment.

Layer effects can be tweaked at any time.

Installing GIMP 3.2.x on Ubuntu

Method 1: Flatpak (recommended)

# Install Flatpak if needed
sudo apt install flatpak flatpak-plugin-system
# Add Flathub repository
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
# Install GIMP
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
# Run GIMP
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP

Advantages: newest version, automatic updates, isolated from system packages.

Method 2: Ubuntu official repository (conservative)

# Ubuntu 24.04+ 
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gimp
# Check version
gimp --version

Note: the repository may contain an older 3.0.x version; Flatpak is preferred for the latest features.

Method 3: Snap

sudo snap install gimp

Snap provides a relatively recent version but starts slower than Flatpak.

Comparison of installation methods

Version freshness : Flatpak – latest; Snap – newer; APT – may be older.

Startup speed : Flatpak – fast; Snap – average; APT – fastest.

Update frequency : Flatpak and Snap – timely; APT – follows distro releases.

Disk usage : Flatpak – ~500 MB; Snap – ~500 MB; APT – minimal.

Recommendation score : Flatpak – ★★★★★; Snap – ★★★★; APT – ★★★.

GIMP vs Photoshop (2026 snapshot)

Basic editing : GIMP 3.2 – ✅ fully sufficient; Photoshop – ✅ industry standard.

Layer system : GIMP 3.2 – ✅ vector + linked layers; Photoshop – ✅ more mature.

Color management : GIMP 3.2 – ✅ CMYK support; Photoshop – ✅ professional grade.

AI features : GIMP 3.2 – ❌ no native AI; Photoshop – ✅ Generative Fill.

RAW processing : GIMP 3.2 – ✅ via Darktable; Photoshop – ✅ Camera Raw.

Typography : GIMP 3.2 – ⚠️ basic support; Photoshop – ✅ powerful.

Price : GIMP 3.2 – completely free; Photoshop – ¥888 / month.

For about 90 % of personal users, GIMP 3.2 is more than enough; the remaining 10 % (professional printing, heavy AI editing) may still need Photoshop.

Ubuntu 26.04 + GIMP: expected impact

Kernel upgrade: Linux 7.0 (from 6.x).

Desktop: GNOME 50 (from 46/47).

Display protocol: Wayland becomes the default.

GPU‑accelerated rendering via OpenGL/Vulkan.

Improved HiDPI handling.

Window responsiveness up to 40 % higher frame rates.

More stable multi‑monitor hot‑plug.

Upgrade recommendation

Suitable for upgrading

Users still on GIMP 2.10 or earlier.

Designers needing vector or linked layer features.

Beginners looking for a “free Photoshop”.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and newer users.

May wait

Those satisfied with GIMP 3.0 (wait for 3.4).

Professional users whose plugins may be incompatible with 3.2.

One‑line summary

GIMP 3.2.4 is not a revolutionary major release, but it refines the 3.2 series into a more stable and user‑friendly editor; paired with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Linux desktop image‑editing reaches a new height.