For years, GIMP has been the go-to open-source alternative to Photoshop — a powerful, free image editor used by millions across the world. But when it came to getting GIMP on Linux through Snap, something always felt a bit off. While you could install it from the Snap Store, the version there wasn't actually maintained by the official GIMP team. Instead, it came from the Snapcrafters community, a group of volunteers who package software for Snap.

That changed recently — and it's a big deal for anyone who relies on GIMP for creative work.

The Backstory: A Snap Without Official Oversight

On Linux, there are many ways to install GIMP. Most users stick with their distro's package manager — think apt, dnf, or pacman. Others prefer universal package formats like Flatpak or Snap, which work across distributions.

However, while GIMP's Flatpak package was officially managed by the GIMP developers, the Snap version wasn't. It was handled by the Snapcrafters community, meaning the GIMP team had no direct control over updates, plugin handling, or quality assurance. The package worked fine — but it lacked the "officially verified" stamp of approval.

That gap between community and official release started to draw attention. In July 2025, GIMP developer Bruno (@brunvonlope) decided it was time to close it.

Making Snap Official: The Transition Begins

Bruno reached out to Snapcrafters and formally requested that ownership of the GIMP Snap package be transferred to the official GIMP project. His goal wasn't just about branding — it was about bringing consistency.

He wanted the Snap version to align with the same co-maintenance model used for GIMP's Flatpak, following the project's internal packaging standards. That meant unified updates, stricter version control, and better user trust.

The process wasn't quick, though. As the GIMP team later explained in a blog post, it took several "fruitful months" to migrate the package and ensure everything worked as intended. Along the way, they expressed appreciation to the Snapcrafters community for their cooperation and long-standing support.

GIMP 3.0.6: The First Official Snap Release

Now the transition is complete — and the results are visible. If you visit the Snap Store, you'll notice the GIMP listing now carries a green verified checkmark, signaling it's officially managed by the GIMP developers.

The latest release, GIMP 3.0.6, marks the first version distributed under the new arrangement. Linux users can install it directly with one simple command:

With this change, Snap has become a trusted, first-class option for installing GIMP alongside its Flatpak and traditional distro packages.

What's Changing with Plugins

One key difference between the old and new Snap versions lies in plugin management. The previous Snap maintained by Snapcrafters came bundled with several third-party plugins. However, the GIMP team decided to remove these in the official version to maintain strict packaging isolation and consistency.

That doesn't mean plugins are gone — you just have to install them separately. Popular tools like GMIC and OpenVINO can still be added manually from their own repositories.

To make things easier for developers, the GIMP team also introduced a new plugin interface called gimp-plugins. This allows plugin creators to package their tools for Snap without breaking the sandbox or confinement model that keeps applications secure.

Why This Move Matters

This change isn't just about who maintains the package — it's about trust, security, and alignment. When users download software through Snap, they expect it to be the genuine article. By taking over the Snap release, the GIMP team ensures every version of the app, no matter how it's installed, now comes directly from the source.

It also means faster updates, consistent behavior across package formats, and a smoother user experience overall. For Linux users, that's a win.

Final Thoughts

The GIMP project's decision to officially manage its Snap package might seem like a small administrative change, but it represents something much bigger — the open-source community and developers working together to improve reliability and user confidence.

Now, with verified listings across both Flatpak and Snap, GIMP continues to strengthen its position as one of the most accessible, trustworthy, and powerful creative tools in the open-source world.

So if you've been waiting to try GIMP on your Linux desktop, now's the perfect time to grab the official version — straight from the source.