Hands-on: new single-window mode makes GIMP less gimpy
By Ryan Paul | Last updated February 3, 2010 7:22 PM
The venerable GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is undergoing a significant transformation. The next major release, version 2.8, will introduce an improved user interface with an optional single-window mode. Although this update is still under heavy development, users can get an early look by compiling the latest source code of the development version from the GIMP's version control repository.
From: Aurora [#2] 4 Feb 11:13 To: Cagey (KGWAGNER) [#1] 4 Feb 11:18
I will be very happy to see this new consolidation. Those multiple windows can drive you nuts.
One change I would love to see is compatibility with Fireworks PSD format so that Fireworks layers would be preserved in GIMP. That would be nice. It may exist now and I am just not aware of it.
From: Cagey (KGWAGNER) [#3] 4 Feb 11:20 To: Aurora [#2] 4 Feb 12:04
quote:
I will be very happy to see this new consolidation. Those multiple windows can drive you nuts.
Same here. I've never understood the reasoning behind the separate windows in the first place. It's not really the kind of app you'd run in a window on the side. it's something you focus all your attention on.
From: NateHoy [#4] 4 Feb 20:55 To: Cagey (KGWAGNER) [#3] 4 Feb 21:57
In a multiple-monitor setup, the separate control windows are nothing short of brilliant. One screen with all the controls, one with the image full-screened.
It's also sort of nice to be able to window out controls like the layer box, and still have all the drawing gizmos handy.
But, yeah, for the most part I'd much rather be able to dock the image to the controls. Especially if it's optional and I can break it all back up if I get crazy-creative and want to float controls all over the place.
In a multiple-monitor setup, the separate control windows are nothing short of brilliant. One screen with all the controls, one with the image full-screened.
Yes, that is a big advantage, particularly since most pictures you'd run through The GIMP are bigger than the resolution of an average monitor. However, the separate windows are a liability on a single-screen setup since you're screwing with what window has focus and the whole nine yards.
quote:
It's also sort of nice to be able to window out controls like the layer box, and still have all the drawing gizmos handy.
But, yeah, for the most part I'd much rather be able to dock the image to the controls. Especially if it's optional and I can break it all back up if I get crazy-creative and want to float controls all over the place.