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Ubuntu 24.04 can install GIMP directly from the App Center or with APT, but its official repository provides the older GIMP 2.10.36 package line. If you specifically want the current GIMP 3.x line, use Flatpak or the official AppImage instead. Snap is another valid Ubuntu-native option with automatic refreshes.
For most beginners, choose APT for simplicity and system integration. Choose Flatpak if getting a newer GIMP release matters more than using Ubuntu’s traditional package.
Which GIMP installation method should you choose?
| Priority | Best choice | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Simplest Ubuntu installation | APT/deb | Official Ubuntu package, normal system integration, GIMP 2.10.36 on Ubuntu 24.04 |
| Newer GIMP release | Flatpak | Separate application distribution through Flathub, with sandbox and runtime storage considerations |
| Automatic application refreshes | Snap | Ubuntu’s universal package format; Snap refreshes automatically by default |
| Portable or self-contained copy | Official AppImage | No repository setup, but updates and desktop integration are manual |
Ubuntu’s Noble repository lists GIMP as 2.10.36-3ubuntu0.24.04.1 at the time of writing. Check the Ubuntu package search for later maintenance revisions. The official GIMP download page currently lists GIMP 3.2.4, released April 17, 2026, so installing GIMP with APT does not upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 to GIMP 3.
Check whether GIMP is already installed
First search for GIMP in Activities or the application grid. You can also check from a terminal:
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gimp --versionTo identify which package format is installed, use:
command -v gimp
apt policy gimp
snap list gimp
flatpak list --app | grep -i gimpAPT, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage copies can coexist. Therefore, a GIMP launched from the App Center may not be the same copy launched by the gimp command.
Prerequisites
- Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS, or a compatible Ubuntu-based system using the Noble repositories.
- An administrator account for APT and Snap installation.
- An internet connection.
- Enough disk space for GIMP and, with Flatpak, any required runtimes.
GIMP is in Ubuntu 24.04’s Universe repository. If that repository is disabled, APT may not find it. Avoid making an unknown PPA your default solution: Ubuntu warns that third-party repositories are not checked by Ubuntu developers for security or reliability. See Ubuntu’s guidance on adding software repositories.
Method 1: Install GIMP with APT
Graphical installation
- Open App Center from the Dock or Activities.
- Search for GIMP.
- If more than one format appears, inspect the source and select the Ubuntu repository/deb package rather than Snap.
- Click Install and enter your password.
- Launch GIMP from the application grid.
Ubuntu’s current documentation calls the application store App Center. It can show both Snap and Debian packages, with Snap commonly listed first.
Terminal installation
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gimpVerify the installed version:
gimp --versionUpdate APT GIMP
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeTo update only GIMP when an upgrade is available:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --only-upgrade gimpRemove APT GIMP
sudo apt remove gimp
sudo apt autoremoveapt remove does not automatically delete your personal GIMP settings in your home directory. Keeping them can be useful if you reinstall GIMP.
When APT is the right choice
Use APT if you want the conventional Ubuntu package, straightforward system integration, and the least complicated maintenance routine. Its decisive limitation is the version: Ubuntu 24.04’s repository remains on the 2.10.x line rather than automatically moving to GIMP 3.
Method 2: Install GIMP with Flatpak
Flatpak is the strongest choice when you want a newer upstream GIMP while staying on Ubuntu 24.04. Flathub identifies the application as org.gimp.GIMP. It uses a separately managed runtime and sandbox, which can affect storage, file access, and plug-ins.
Install Flatpak support
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpakFor graphical software-store integration, also install:
sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpakUbuntu 24.04 provides this plug-in in its package archive.
Add Flathub
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub
https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall GIMP
For a system-wide installation:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMPFor your account only:
flatpak --user install flathub org.gimp.GIMPThe official GIMP site also documents this per-user form:
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flatpak install --user
https://flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.gimp.GIMP.flatpakrefLaunch, update, and remove Flatpak GIMP
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP//stableUpdate Flatpak applications and runtimes with:
flatpak updateRemove a system-wide installation:
flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMPRemove a per-user installation:
flatpak --user uninstall org.gimp.GIMPTo remove unused runtimes, optionally run:
flatpak uninstall --unusedFlatpak trade-offs
- Runtimes may use additional disk space.
- Sandboxing can affect removable drives, network shares, unusual folders, and external plug-in directories.
- A plug-in or script made for another GIMP major version may not work.
- The launcher may appear only after logging out and in, restarting the desktop session, or refreshing the application menu.
Flatpak is a practical route to a newer application build; it is not automatically faster, universally safer, or better for every workflow.
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Snap is a reasonable choice if you prefer Ubuntu’s native universal-package ecosystem and automatic refreshes.
Install
Snap support is normally present on standard Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop. Install GIMP with:
sudo snap install gimpIf the snap command is missing:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdLog out and back in, or restart, if Snap commands or launcher integration do not work immediately.
Launch, update, and remove
snap run gimp
sudo snap refresh gimp
sudo snap remove gimpSnap applications normally refresh automatically by default. Snap confinement can nevertheless affect access to files or plug-ins outside expected locations, and the Snap’s version or maintenance details may differ from the APT and Flathub builds. Check the Snap Store page for current channel and maintainer information.
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Method 4: Use the official GIMP AppImage
Choose the AppImage when you want a portable copy, want to test a newer release without replacing APT GIMP, or do not want to add Flatpak or Snap infrastructure.
- Download the appropriate Linux AppImage from the official GIMP download page.
- Save it somewhere deliberate, such as
~/Applications. - Make the exact file executable:
chmod +x GIMP-*.AppImage- Run it:
./GIMP-*.AppImage- Verify its checksum against the SHA-256 value shown on the official download page:
sha256sum GIMP-*.AppImageDo not copy a checksum from an older article: checksums differ by release, filename, and architecture. Compare the command’s output with the value published for the exact file you downloaded.
AppImages generally require manual decisions about updates and do not automatically create a polished desktop entry, MIME associations, or plug-in integration. Keeping several downloaded AppImages can also leave you with multiple GIMP versions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Switching from one package format to another
Before switching, identify what is installed:
command -v gimp
apt policy gimp
snap list gimp
flatpak list --app | grep -i gimpLaunch the intended copy explicitly:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
snap run gimpOnce the new installation works, remove the old one with the matching command. For example, remove APT GIMP with sudo apt remove gimp, or Snap GIMP with sudo snap remove gimp. Do not remove the old copy until you have confirmed that the replacement opens your files and supports the plug-ins you need.
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Settings, brushes, scripts, and plug-ins may not transfer cleanly between GIMP 2.10 and GIMP 3, or between package formats. Follow the plug-in developer’s instructions for your exact GIMP version and package type rather than assuming that one installation directory works everywhere.
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Troubleshooting
“Unable to locate package gimp”
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gimpIf it still fails, check that the Universe repository is enabled and that the system is actually using Ubuntu 24.04/Noble repositories. Since GIMP is listed for Noble, the error usually indicates stale package metadata, disabled repositories, an unsupported derivative, or a repository configuration problem.
App Center offers the wrong format
App Center may display both Snap and deb packages, with Snap commonly appearing first. Open the package details and inspect its source or package type before installing.
GIMP does not appear in the launcher
Test the installed copy from a terminal:
gimp
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP
snap run gimpIf it launches but has no icon, log out and back in or restart the desktop session. This allows GNOME Shell and software-store metadata to refresh.
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpakThen add Flathub and install org.gimp.GIMP.
Flatpak cannot find org.gimp.GIMP
flatpak remotes
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub
https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak search GIMPGIMP cannot access a file
First test a file inside your home directory. If the Snap or Flatpak build cannot see a removable drive, network share, or restricted folder, confinement may be responsible. The correct permission fix depends on the package format; do not broadly change filesystem permissions without identifying the package.
A plug-in disappeared
Plug-ins can depend on a GIMP major version and may not be visible across APT, Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage installations. Sandboxed formats can also restrict plug-in locations. Reinstall or configure the plug-in using its developer’s instructions for the exact package format and GIMP release.
Do you need a PPA?
No. A PPA is not necessary to install GIMP on Ubuntu 24.04, and it should not be the default way to obtain GIMP 3. PPAs are third-party repositories with their own maintenance and trust implications. Prefer Ubuntu’s repository, Flathub, Snap, or the official GIMP download page unless you have a specific, trusted reason to use a PPA.
Sources and version notes
Package availability and Ubuntu’s repository version can change through maintenance updates. For current details, consult the Ubuntu Noble package page and the official GIMP downloads page. Ubuntu’s documentation on Snap and deb packages explains the distribution and update differences.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFrequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP free on Ubuntu?
Yes. GIMP is free software, and the APT, Flatpak, Snap, and official AppImage installation routes described here do not require a paid license.
Can I install GIMP without using the terminal?
Yes. Open Ubuntu 24.04’s App Center, search for GIMP, inspect the package source, and select the desired deb or Snap package. Flatpak may also appear graphically after Flatpak support and its software-store plug-in are installed.
Does Ubuntu 24.04 include GIMP 3?
Not in its standard Noble APT repository. That repository provides the GIMP 2.10.36 package line; a newer upstream release requires Flatpak, Snap, or the official AppImage.
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