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At long last, GIMP v2.8 to finally implement single-window interface
The GIMP is one of those applications that people either seem to love or hate. While it's always been a powerful and capable alternative to big commercial apps like Photoshop, GIMP's multiple floating window interface has been hard for some users to adapt to.
Good news to those of you who love the program but just couldn't adapt to the UI: version 2.8 will feature a selectable single window mode. As you can see in the mock-up above, it's a much more Photoshop-like experience. Hardcore GIMP fans, don't despair. If you've been convinced that multi-window mode is a superior way to work, you won't have to change.
GIMP developers have also been looking at ways of better handling multiple images in the editor. Tabs, of course, were added in Photoshop CS4. Don't expect to see them in GIMP 2.8, however. Peter Sikking offers three reasons in his blogs post that they have decided not to use tabs, instead opting for a movable thumbnail tray (image after the break).
Good news to those of you who love the program but just couldn't adapt to the UI: version 2.8 will feature a selectable single window mode. As you can see in the mock-up above, it's a much more Photoshop-like experience. Hardcore GIMP fans, don't despair. If you've been convinced that multi-window mode is a superior way to work, you won't have to change.
GIMP developers have also been looking at ways of better handling multiple images in the editor. Tabs, of course, were added in Photoshop CS4. Don't expect to see them in GIMP 2.8, however. Peter Sikking offers three reasons in his blogs post that they have decided not to use tabs, instead opting for a movable thumbnail tray (image after the break).
UI customization has always been central to the GIMP. In keeping with that, Sikking anticipates that users will be able to place the strip on the top, bottom, left, or right.
Another idea being considered are "Polaroids" - floating, independent windows that can be used as references while working on an image in the editor. Apart from full images, you'll also be able to select a region and copy it to its own Polaroid - useful for doing detail work.
Another idea being considered are "Polaroids" - floating, independent windows that can be used as references while working on an image in the editor. Apart from full images, you'll also be able to select a region and copy it to its own Polaroid - useful for doing detail work.
What do you think about the new concepts for GIMP 2.8? Do you think the addition of a single window mode will attract new users? Share your take in the comments!
Comments
32
Subscribe to commentsTrackSolSep 20th 2009 3:57PM
This is a good step forward for GIMP and other open source programs. Hopefully the next version of the portable version will be based on this version as well.
I am primarily a Windows user and enjoy some GNU/Linux based programs because of their small footprint and use of less resources.
SamSep 20th 2009 5:46PM
Yes, GIMP's interface is horribly messy. But my main hope is actually something else: I would love to be able to draw an arrow. (And don't tell me arrow brushes are the solution for this, they are not)
Look at how easy it was in Photoshop version 4(?) or 5 yeras ago to draw an arrow and GIMP doesn't manage that. If I'm missing something here - apart from arrow brush heads - please help me out here, I have yet to motivate myself to look through the current 2.6.6.
lmarsoSep 20th 2009 5:49PM
16 bit yet?
Scuba SteveSep 20th 2009 7:43PM
the real question is do they have a native OS X ver yet???
motangSep 20th 2009 8:45PM
Finally, I have hated the multi window layout forever and avoid it whenever I can by booting up my WinXP VirtualBox install or my WinXP computer just to use Paint.NET. I hope 2.8 isn't too far away.
Saint SeminoleSep 21st 2009 12:00AM
I thought Photoshop *had* the floating windows... Every version of PS that I've used (and currently use) has floating toolbars, and that's one thing I *love* about Photoshop (especially with a multi-monitor setup).
So I don't see how going to a single-window interface makes this "a much more Photoshop-like experience." I would say a much LESS PS-like experience.
And the number of floating windows wasn't the complaint that PS users had when trying GIMP. The complaint was that GIMP's commands are named very differently from PS's commands, and are found in different places -- difficult to use.
SineSep 21st 2009 3:17AM
+1 for changing that stupid name. It's not cute, witty or clever. It's just plain dumb and truly need to be rethought. Also while you're at it get rid of that dog mascot or whatever that thing is suppossed to be.
Look I absolutley love Linux. I'm a huge fanboy. But it is truly and really time to get rid of all the kitch.
Get rid of the stupid app names!
Get rid of the bare foot logo for gnome!!!
Get rid of the silly/ugly/horribly done mascots!!!
Maybe then, just maybe, the rest of the world can more easily get into Linux without all of these things that drive people away. It's akin to taking a trip to the south and finding kitchy southern rooster wallpaper on the walls of your redneck relatives kitchen.
daniel freeSep 21st 2009 9:56AM
i have always liked the ability with the multi window to have all the toolboxes sitting in my smaller monitor and the image fullscreen on the larger, it just makes more sense and results in no windows obstructing the image.
vectSep 27th 2009 5:03AM
I can't believe the opinionated comments I'm reading here. Gimp developers are volunteering time. They want to be useful, -not used. Look at you, commanding the gimp developers to change the name of the software and commanding them to make their software more mainstream and this and that. They are not obliged to you.
When it is said that Gimp should not be made to satisfy windows users, what a lot of us are thinking is that gimp should not be made for people like YOU. You're not useful to anyone and your disposition is completely annoying.
A lot of us really love the gimp and have been faithfully using it for a long time. If it weren't lacking layer management and 16/32 bit image editing and other such features, individuals and professionals would be using it and the interface would be regarded with more respect than it currently is getting.
Imo, 2.4 had the best interface, but since I'm not paying the developers and since I'm not volunteering my own time to the project, I'll use whatever they release and I will be glad.
ArgonautSep 30th 2009 11:32AM
My sentiments exactly, vect.
MimzySep 28th 2009 12:52PM
FINALLY.
tomOct 7th 2009 3:04AM
Yes - finally!! now just give us native file dialogs!! PLEASE!