GIMP 2.7.2 Released — Another Step Toward 2.8

An anonymous reader writes "The developers of GIMP have finally released a new development version on the way to GIMP 2.8. GIMP 2.7.2 includes a huge bunch of changes — but it is not intended for production use. 'The new release comprises layer groups (which were introduced after 2.7.1), an almost done text-on-canvas feature, the all-new brush engine and of course the new single window mode.'"

Comments

One reason alone

[MonsterTrimble]

'The new release comprises layer groups (which were introduced after 2.7.1), an almost done text-on-canvas feature, the all-new brush engine and of course the new single window mode.'"

Single window mode is all you need to know about why you should upgrade.

Re:One reason alone

[lahvak]

OK, I will bite. Just some of the reasons I like multiple windows better:

* Multiple windows actually do not cover as much screen space as a single window, so I can have several GIMP windows arranged with several other programs, and use them together.

* With a good window manager, it is easier to hide and show individual components of the program. Windows can iconify or shade at a key-press or mouse click.

* I can send some windows to different virtual desktop. I can make my toolboxes sticky, and put one image on each virtual desktop, and easily switch between them.

* I can tear of a frequently used menu and arrange it on the screen next to my toolbox, or where ever I want it.

* If I have multiple monitors, I can put some windows on one of them, and others on another.

* With some window managers, I can make some windows translucent, so you can see what's behind them. That way I can cram more stuff on a small monitor.

Most of these I actually use with GIMP all the time. I am not saying that GIMP user interface is perfect, but the multiple window interface in my opinion is not a problem. In general I think that for a sufficiently complicated program a multiple window interface is vastly superior to a single window one.

One think I really miss in GIMP is an ability to easily create my own custom toolboxes and menus where I could place frequently used operations for different types of work. Right now I have to constantly hunt for things in the ever expanding menu structure.

Re:Coming anytime now

[Geeky]

OK, I'll bite.

Has it got colour management yet?

I switched from Linux to Windows for Photoshop and OS level colour management (with support for calibration tools). No brainer unless you want to spend more than the cost of Photoshop on printer ink and paper.