GIMP 3.2.6 Released: Enjoy Faster Font Loading and Wacom Barrel Rotation!

GIMP 3.2.6 has been released, marking an important update in the 3.2.x series that debuted earlier this year. While this version does not introduce significant new features, it brings several enhancements, particularly in font performance.

One of the key improvements is the acceleration of font loading. Users will notice faster startup times and improved responsiveness when typing with the Text tool or accessing large font lists, even though some lag still exists, which may eventually be addressed with a GTK4 port.

On the editing front, several updates have been implemented: the Cut function can now be applied to layer groups, the Color Picker can recognize filters set on individual layers when using Sample Merged, and adjustments in the Text tool allow users to select text for editing even when covered by a layer mask.

Stylus users will appreciate that GIMP 3.2.6 now supports barrel rotation for early Wacom Art Pen and the newer Wacom Art Pen 2. This enhancement allows GIMP to detect how the user rotates the brush, offering a more fluid drawing experience.

For KDE users, dialog boxes now utilize server-side decorations instead of GNOME’s client-side alternatives, offering a more integrated look with buttons positioned at the bottom of the dialogs.

Additionally, the macOS builds of GIMP are now compiled concurrently with the Windows and Linux versions, providing a more synchronized user experience across different platforms.

A crucial reason to upgrade from version 3.2.4 is the inclusion of 28 security fixes addressing vulnerabilities found in the image format plug-ins.

GIMP can be downloaded from the official website, where it’s available as Linux AppImages, alongside installers for Windows and macOS, catering to both 64-bit Intel/AMD and ARM systems. Users can also find GIMP on Flathub and the Snap Store, with updates rolling out to those platforms shortly.