GIMP 2.10.32 Released with BigTIFF / JPEG-XL Support [Ubuntu PPA]

GIMP image editor released a new update for its stable 2.10 release series. Here’s what’s new and how to install in Ubuntu.

GIMP 2.10.32 comes with BigTIFF file import/export support, which is an evolution of the original TIFF format allowing files bigger than 4GiB. It also supports for importing 8 and 16-bit CMYK(A) TIFF in this release.

The release also backported the JPEG XL file format support from the 2.99.8 development release. It’s so far only has import ability, though a third-party plugin is available with both import and export support.

Other changes include:

  • New “Flip the image vertically on export” on DDS export dialog.
  • Support loading transparent EPS files
  • Improved support of TGA indexed images with alpha channel
  • new PDB procedure file-bmp-save2 for plugin developer.
  • Add localized glyphs (locl) support for Text tool.
  • on-hover indicator around the eye and link toggles
  • Add “Include mouse pointer” option for Screenshot tool in Windows.

How to Install GIMP 2.10.32 in Ubuntu:

GIMP as Flatpak:

GIMP offers official Linux package via universal Flatpak package.

For, Ubuntu 20.04 and higher, simply press Ctrl+Alt+T to open terminal, and run the command below one by one to install it:

  • Install the flatpak daemon via command:
    sudo apt install flatpak
  • Then install GIMP via Flatpak using command:
    flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/org.gimp.GIMP.flatpakref

Ubuntu PPA:

For those do not like sandboxed applications, I’ve uploaded the new release page into this unofficial PPA for Ubuntu 22.04 and Ubuntu 21.10 with amd64 and arm64/armhf. And, I’m working on the package for Ubuntu 20.04.

Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. Then run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/gimp

Then, refresh system package cache by running command:

sudo apt update

And, finally install and update GIMP using command:

sudo apt install gegl gimp

Or, upgrade GIMP image editor via Software Updater after adding the PPA repository:

NOTE: JPEG XL support is excluded in the PPA packages due to built failure of libjxl library in arm64 CPU architecture. As a workaround, you may install the “libjxl-gimp-plugin” package for the file format support:

sudo apt install libjxl-gimp-plugin