wait, what? I've had a GIMP 2.x for at least 15 years now. they can't just... increase the number?? it's part of the program's name now

It's kinda wild that GTK's grandpappy is now the last thing to get updated to the current GTK.

I don't need any of the advanced tools, I just want a cleaner interface for the tools that already exist. The only thing I'm able to do is make header pics for my posts. The 2.x UI is really, really old now. The time for a refresh was a few years back, but I do understand the limitations of a small team. Like others have said, I'll likely run both and migrate to 3.x when it's stable. Though, I do like the idea of non-destructive editing :)

Make it easier to use/better UI. I don’t care for anything else

I realize that the major point of GIMP 3 is the port to GTK3. That said, I feel like colour spaces are what people have been waiting for and probably the most significant deficiency that keeps GIMP from being treated as a professional tool.

If they are really this close, why not set the GIMP 3 release date for when colour management is ready?

Non-destructive editing will be huge as well. GIMP 3 is really going to be a crazy leap forward. It is going to be amazing to finally get access to all this work that has been walled off for decades.

The bug situation sounds terrible. Honestly though, they should just get 3 out and then make bug fixing the number one job until it gets into better shape.

Not only is it a small team but right now there are basically two different projects ( 2 and 3 ). With only one code base, perhaps the pace of progress can improve.

Hopefully the move to GTK4 is easier.

So glad they're moving forward on the non destructive front! Non destructive editing such a useful feature. I will always prefer to be able to non-destructively edit things I'm working on to easily be able to change things if necessary or to be able to see how I did something in the future!

Serious question: I've been using Krita to mess around with the tablet, but are there any good reasons to learn GIMP coming from a photoshop background all these years, given that I also know Krita somewhat?

This is controversial but will I be able to map right click to erase or another tool/brush preset/color? It just feels wrong to keep switchimg with N and Shift+E while making pixel art.

Reading the blog however it feels they are going to miss the deadline of May 2024.

Edit: Sorry I miss remembered it as March 2024. Still I am sceptical.

I remember looking into the situation with non-destructive editing about... 20 years ago. I wonder how long it's been a desired feature!

I really like the current UI. I guess I'll learn to like the new UI, considering the improvements that will come with it.