How to make Gimp more like Photoshop

Photoshop is the industry standard for image editing(unfortunately), but not everyone is happy with the company behind it. Fortunately, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, free, and open-source alternative that can be customized to closely resemble and function like Photoshop.

With the right themes, plugins, and settings, you can transform GIMP’s interface and workflow to feel familiar to Photoshop users—without sacrificing functionality or creativity.

What is PhotoGIMP?

PhotoGIMP is a simple but highly effective patch created by the Diolinux team. It doesn’t modify the core software of GIMP; instead, it replaces GIMP’s default configuration files to instantly apply a custom layout, new tool icons, a customized splash screen, and—most importantly—Photoshop’s default keyboard shortcuts.

What Changes After Installation?

1. Tool Organization: Tools are grouped and positioned to mimic the classic Adobe Photoshop workspace.
2. Keyboard Shortcuts: Standard Photoshop hotkeys are applied (e.g., V for the Move tool, C for Crop, M for Marquee, P for Path/Pen).
3. New Filters & Fonts: It comes pre-packaged with several popular Python scripts (like “Heal Selection”) and extra fonts.
4. Splash Screen: A sleek custom startup image replaces the default GIMP mascot.

Installation Guide

To get started, you will need to download the correct release for your operating system from the PhotoGIMP GitHub page. Before applying the patch, you must open GIMP at least once and close it so the software can generate its default configuration folders.

Linux (Flatpak)

Step 1: Backup your current settings (Optional)

If you want to keep your current GIMP settings, open your terminal and run:

cp -r ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 ~/GIMP-3.0-backup

Step 2: Install the Patch

1. Ensure GIMP is installed via Flathub, run it once, and close it.
2. Download the latest PhotoGIMP for Linux .zip file.
3. Extract the .zip file directly into your home folder (~).
4. Press Ctrl + H in your file manager to view hidden folders.
5. Confirm that the extracted files have merged into your ~/.config and ~/.local folders.
6. Choose “Replace” or “Overwrite” when prompted by your system.
7. Open GIMP to see your new layout.

Windows

Step 1: Backup your current settings (Optional)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %APPDATA%\GIMP and press Enter.
3. Copy the entire 3.0 folder to a safe location, like your Desktop.

Step 2: Install the Patch

1. Ensure you have GIMP installed from the official website, run it once, and close it.
2. Download the latest PhotoGIMP for Windows .zip file.
3. Extract the contents of the zip file to your Desktop.
4. Open the extracted folder and copy the 3.0 folder inside it.
5. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
6. Type %APPDATA%\GIMP and press Enter to open GIMP’s settings folder.
7. Paste the copied 3.0 folder here.
8. Select “Replace the files in the destination” when prompted.
9. Open GIMP to see your new layout.

(Alternative for Windows: You can also install PhotoGIMP via Chocolatey if you prefer using a package manager).

macOS

Step 1: Backup your current settings (Optional)

1. Open Finder.
2. Press Cmd + Shift + G to open “Go to Folder”.
3. Type ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP and press Enter.
4. Copy the entire GIMP folder to your Desktop for safekeeping.

Step 2: Install the Patch

1. Ensure GIMP is installed, run it once, and close it.
2. Download the latest PhotoGIMP for macOS .zip file.
3. Extract the contents of the zip file to your Desktop.
4. Open the extracted folder and copy the 3.0 folder inside it.
5. Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G.
6. Type ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP and press Enter.
7. Delete any old 2.10 folders if you see them to avoid future conflicts.
8. Paste the copied 3.0 folder inside the GIMP folder.
9. Select “Replace” or “Merge” when prompted.
10. Open GIMP to see your new layout.

Enjoy!