8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

Video 8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

Plugin helps make GIMP more awesome. They add new features, improve workflows, and make GIMP the best free alternative to Photoshop.

However, the GIMP support plugin is complex. The overall GIMP plugin experience is not user-friendly. They are hard to come by, have trouble installing and are having a lot of compatibility issues.

Any discomfort and annoyance will be "beaten" when you finish reading this article. Here are the best GIMP plugins and how to install them.

Where to find the GIMP plugin?

Plugins were once gathered at the GIMP Registry but are no longer the case. That is, they are currently scattered throughout the vast Internet world.

Some of them are "antique goods". Many cases over the past decade or more have not been updated. There is no guarantee that the plugin will work properly on the latest version of GIMP. Indeed, popular names like the GIMP DDS plugin or BIMP plugin have now been dropped or are no longer working.

How to install the GIMP plugin

You have two ways to install the GIMP plugin:

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

Method 1 is the usual manual installation method. If the plugin is in a ZIP file, you need to copy the content into the GIMP plugins and the script directory.

  1. Extract the downloaded file.
  2. In GIMP, go to Preferences> Folders . Choose where to place Plug-ins and Scripts .
  3. There are two directories in each section. One is the system directory and the other is the user directory. Select the second one and click Show file location in the file manager to open it.
  4. If the downloaded files are in PY format , move them to the Plug-ins folder .
  5. If their format is SCM , navigate to the Scripts folder .
  6. Restart GIMP .

The second way is the automatic method. Some plugins have their own installer. You just need to double click on it and install as usual.

The available installers depend on the operating system platform. Also, you should know that opening random installers on the Internet is a risky job. Therefore, make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and running them properly.

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

We also have another option to install a customized version of the entire GIMP application, which is a popular tool at partha.com containing a few pre-installed plugins, including Resynthesizer and G'MIC.

The best GIMP plugin

1. DarkTable

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

GIMP 2.10 is one of the best free photo editing applications available today. You can even use it with RAW images, but you need to add the RAW editor first. There are two main options here: DarkTable & RawTherapee.

Both are worth a try. However, DarkTable is often preferred because the interface is easy to access, familiar to and contains some advanced features such as Mask tools. Once installed, you can drag RAW images into GIMP and it opens DarkTable. Here, you can start editing. You will get the same effect as the famous graphic design software like Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw.

2. G'MIC

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

G'MIC provides more than 500 filters and lighting effects for your photos. It includes basic features like video film simulation, diverse frames. More advanced features include noise reduction, repair tools, even some 3D effects. You can use each tool with its respective default settings with one click. However, if you want, you can use a series of sliders for each filter to customize the work, producing exactly the results you want.

3. Resynthesizer

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

Resynthesizer is the oldest and most essential plugin for GIMP. It provides a range of graphics processing tools. You will find the main part in the Enhance: Heal Selection menu.

This plugin is equivalent to Photoshop's Content Aware Fill tool, a feature that GIMP has never had. It allows you to seamlessly move unwanted objects from a photo.

Heal Selection magically replaces the overflow image background and blends perfectly. Therefore, if you move something from the sky, that space will be filled with the same sky area, in harmony with the surrounding background. Normally only Clone can do that but it takes you more time.

4. Hugin

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

When you need to stitch together a series of photos to create a panoramic image using GIMP, Hugin is the best plugin option. Getting started using it is simple. Just upload photos, choose a few things in common. Afterwards, Hugin will merge them together. It also corrects inappropriate angles & exposures.

5. Wavelet Decompose

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

Skin editing is an integral part of portrait photo editing and Wavelet Decompose is the best plugin to do it on GIMP.

This plugin uses advanced frequency division. It divides the image into layers. Each class contains different sets of details. This feature gives you good control over every detail you want to smooth or maintain.

It sounds complicated, but actually made it much easier. You just need to upload the plugin and use the blur & smooth tool to make the interface shine.

6. Duplicate to Another Image

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

This GIMP plugin really saves you considerable time. The name describes exactly what it can do: duplicate the selection to another image file. In addition, you can copy the selection to a new image the same size as the original. In particular, the image object remains in place and users can easily change the photo background.

You can also copy an area to a new image, crop it to size when you want to isolate each object, and duplicate the object to another.

7. Scripts Bundle

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them

This is a collection of over 100 scripts, providing you with a rich set of shortcuts for editing common images and performing graphic design tasks. You have an outline plugin on GIMP, a few scrips to sharpen photos or add frames. Others serve to create effects or simulate film images.

8. Nik Collection

8 best GIMP plugins and how to install them
Google Nik Collection Google Nik Collection for Mac

Finally, Nik Collection is a professional photo editing plugin. It brings great noise reduction and sharpening tools, color filters, stunning HDR effects and more. It really takes GIMP to the next level.

How to use the GIMP Plugin

Once you have installed the GIMP plugin, you will find it in the selected folder, possibly in the Filter, Image, Layer or submenu menus. Occasionally, plugins run as a standalone application. You can run it whenever you need.

When you find your favorite plugin, make sure to keep a copy of the downloaded file because you don't know when it will disappear. This is the downside when installing plugins for GIMP.

Even so, the GIMP plugin is still very useful in many cases. Hopefully the names above will help you fix photos better on GIMP.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

FoneTool: Your Ultimate All-in-One iPhone Management Software

FoneTool: Your Ultimate All-in-One iPhone Management Software

FoneTool is a comprehensive tool developed by AOMEI, a company renowned for its expertise in data management and backup solutions. Tailored specifically for iOS users, FoneTool supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices, making it a versatile companion for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.

How To Add Mobi Files To A Kindle

How To Add Mobi Files To A Kindle

Learn the various methods to add Mobi files to your Kindle devices with this comprehensive guide. Perfect for users looking to read Mobi format eBooks on Kindle devices.

How to install apps for iPhone using 3uTools

How to install apps for iPhone using 3uTools

Using 3uTools to install applications for iPhone and iPad is convenient and does not require an App Store account, making it easier for users.

How to use iTools to backup and restore iPhone data

How to use iTools to backup and restore iPhone data

Discover how to effectively use iTools for backing up and restoring your iPhone and iPad data effortlessly.

A Comprehensive Guide to Life360 Map Icon Meanings

A Comprehensive Guide to Life360 Map Icon Meanings

Discover the meanings of Life360 map icons and how to effectively use the app to keep your loved ones safe. Enhance your family safety today!

How to sign in with your Apple account on 3uTools

How to sign in with your Apple account on 3uTools

Learn how to sign in with your Apple ID on 3uTools to download apps and manage your iOS device more effectively.

Bigo Live - Simple way to stream videos on mobile

Bigo Live - Simple way to stream videos on mobile

Bigo Live is the latest trending live stream application for mobile devices that allows users to stream videos effortlessly. Discover how to use Bigo Live for amazing streaming experiences.

What is webOS on LG TV? What are the advantages?

What is webOS on LG TV? What are the advantages?

Discover the webOS interface on LG Smart TV that provides a smooth, user-friendly experience with a variety of applications and features.

How to top up MobiFone card, top up MobiFone

How to top up MobiFone card, top up MobiFone

Discover how to recharge your MobiFone card using various methods, including online platforms, apps, and scratch cards for efficient communication.

How to copy music, videos from your computer to Android the fastest

How to copy music, videos from your computer to Android the fastest

Learn how to copy music and videos from your computer to your Android phone efficiently, the best way to enjoy offline music on Android devices.

How to use WiFi Chùa to connect to the Internet

How to use WiFi Chùa to connect to the Internet

Learn how to use WiFi Chùa, a free WiFi hotspot finder that helps you connect to networks easily.

Instructions on how to log out of Zalo, exit Zalo account on the phone

Instructions on how to log out of Zalo, exit Zalo account on the phone

Learn how to log out of your Zalo account effectively to protect your privacy. Follow our comprehensive guide for both Android and iOS.

How To Fix An Unsupported File Format In Kinemaster

How To Fix An Unsupported File Format In Kinemaster

Learn how to fix an unsupported file format in KineMaster, the top-quality video editing tool for smartphones.

NetCast interface on LG TV

NetCast interface on LG TV

Explore the NetCast interface on LG TVs, its features, benefits, and how it enhances your viewing experience. Ideal for Smart TV users.

How To Use Life360 Without A Phone Number

How To Use Life360 Without A Phone Number

Learn how to use Life360 without a phone number. This guide will help you set up Life360 easily and efficiently for tracking loved ones.