Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
design workflow

5 GIMP Plugins Designers Can Consider—and What to Verify First

G’MIC, BIMP, GimpLensfun, LiquidRescale, and Resynthesizer appeared on GIMP’s 2020 Flatpak plugin list. Learn what is documented and how to check compatibility before installing.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Five plugins worth considering for a design workflow are G’MIC, BIMP, GimpLensfun, LiquidRescale, and Resynthesizer. The first four appear here as candidates from a GIMP project Flatpak availability list published in October 2020, not as a current ranking or an endorsement of their features. Of these five, the available official documentation supports a specific use case for Resynthesizer: filling image areas and removing unwanted objects.

Five plugins to put on a designer’s shortlist

GIMP’s October 2020 release post named seven third-party plugins available to users of its official Flatpak package. This shortlist selects five from that historical list. The post is evidence of availability in that Flatpak context at that time; it does not establish that any of these plugins is maintained or compatible with current GIMP releases, other installation formats, or every operating system. GIMP’s October 2020 release post is the source for the list.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Wacom Intuos Small, Wired Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software
  • Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
  • Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
  • What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
  • Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
  • Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
Plugin What the available documentation establishes What to verify before relying on it
G’MIC It was named on GIMP’s 2020 official Flatpak plugin list. Current features, maintenance, compatibility, and installation instructions; the cited release post does not document these.
BIMP It was named on GIMP’s 2020 official Flatpak plugin list. Current features, maintenance, compatibility, and installation instructions; the cited release post does not document these.
GimpLensfun It was named on GIMP’s 2020 official Flatpak plugin list. Current features, camera or lens support, maintenance, compatibility, and installation instructions.
LiquidRescale It was named on GIMP’s 2020 official Flatpak plugin list. Current features, maintenance, compatibility, and installation instructions.
Resynthesizer GIMP Developer documentation describes its “Heal Selection” operation for inpainting-type tasks, including filling image areas and removing unwanted objects. Current compatibility and installation instructions for your GIMP version and operating system.

G’MIC, BIMP, GimpLensfun, and LiquidRescale

These four are reasonable candidates to investigate, but the cited official post only establishes that they were included in a 2020 Flatpak availability list. It does not verify what they do today, whether they are maintained, or which current GIMP versions and platforms they support. Check each project’s current documentation before choosing one for a production workflow; do not infer a particular feature or camera/lens support from the plugin name alone.

Resynthesizer

Resynthesizer has the clearest documented design use in this shortlist. The GIMP Developer inpainting documentation discusses its “Heal Selection” operation for filling image areas and removing unwanted objects. Clone and heal tools can help finish the result. Treat this as a way to handle inpainting-type edits, not a guarantee that every removal will look natural: inspect the output and refine it for the image and intended use.

Rank #2
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
  • Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
  • Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
  • Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
  • Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
  • Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey

How to choose a plugin for your workflow

Start with the edit you need, then check the plugin’s current documentation for an explicit match. For this shortlist, only the inpainting use case for Resynthesizer is established by the cited GIMP documentation. For the other four, confirm the relevant task directly with the project rather than relying on a name or the 2020 availability list.

  • Match the task: Verify the plugin’s documented purpose and whether it fits the image-editing job you need to do.
  • Match your setup: Confirm support for your GIMP version, operating system, and installation format.
  • Check installation and trust: Use current instructions from the project or your trusted package source. Avoid installing an unexplained binary or installer.
  • Understand editability: GIMP documentation notes that plugin behavior varies. Some operations are destructive; GEGL filters are non-destructive and allow their parameters to be changed later. That is general guidance, not a verified classification of these five plugins.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Installing third-party GIMP plugins safely

Third-party plugins are developed outside the GIMP project and installed separately, according to GIMP’s plugin documentation. Packaging and execution differ: some interpreted plugins are text files, while lower-level plugins may require a trusted binary or installer. The official Flatpak extension point mentioned in GIMP’s 2020 post is historical context, not current installation guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro V2 Drawing Tablet with Screen, 16K, Full-Laminated
  • PLEASE NOTE:XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
  • Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
  • Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%,sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
  • Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
  • Universal Compatibility & Software Support:supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
  1. Identify your GIMP version, operating system, and how you installed GIMP.
  2. Find the plugin project’s current installation instructions and verify that they explicitly cover your setup.
  3. Check the origin and trustworthiness of any files or installer before running them.
  4. Follow the project’s version-specific steps, then confirm that GIMP recognizes the plugin as its documentation describes.
  5. Try the operation on a duplicate or otherwise recoverable copy of an image until you understand whether it can be adjusted afterward.

If current instructions or compatibility information are missing, do not assume that a plugin listed for Flatpak in 2020 will work in your present installation. Choose a supported alternative or consult the plugin project for guidance.

Best Value
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H1060P Graphics Drawing Tablet, 10 x 6.25 in, 12+16 Hot Keys
  • Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
  • Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
  • Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
  • Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
  • NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
Rank #4
Sale
Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Pen Tablet for Mac, Windows and Chromebook (Drawing/E-Learning/Remote-Working)
  • Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
  • Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
  • Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
  • Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.