Official Transition for GIMP Snap Package
The development team behind GIMP, the renowned free and open-source raster graphics editor, has officially taken control of the application’s Snap package distribution, according to recent reports. This transition marks a significant shift in how one of the most popular Photoshop alternatives is distributed through universal packaging systems on Linux platforms.
From Community to Official Maintenance
Sources indicate that until recently, the GIMP Snap package was maintained exclusively by the Snapcrafters community rather than the official development team. While this community-maintained package remained functional, it operated without direct oversight from the GIMP project. The situation began changing in July when GIMP developer Bruno expressed interest in establishing Snap as an official distribution channel, according to project documentation.
The transition process reportedly took “fruitful months” to complete, with the development team acknowledging the cooperation of the Snapcrafters community throughout the ownership transfer. Analysts suggest this move aligns with broader industry developments where open-source projects are taking greater control over their distribution channels.
Verified Status and Installation
The official GIMP Snap package now features a green verified tick in the Snap Store, indicating its official status. GIMP version 3.0.6 represents the first release available as an official snap package on the stable channel. For users interested in installing through this method, the process requires having Snap installed on their system and executing the command “snap install gimp” in the terminal.
Packaging Changes and Plugin Adjustments
The report states that the official Snap package introduces significant changes to plugin management due to the development team’s packaging principles. Third-party plugins that were previously bundled in the unofficial Snap have been removed from the official release. This includes popular extensions like GMIC and OpenVINO, which users must now obtain from their respective repositories.
To address plugin distribution challenges, sources indicate the creation of a new plug interface called “gimp-plugins.” This interface reportedly allows developers to package their plugins for Snap without compromising the main application’s confinement. Separate repositories have been established for specific plugins, including GMIC Snap packaging and OpenVINO AI plugins, representing what analysts describe as related innovations in software distribution.
Broader Implications for Software Distribution
This transition to official maintenance reflects a growing trend where major open-source projects are taking direct control over their universal packaging formats. The move brings GIMP’s Snap distribution under the same co-maintenance model used for the project’s official Flatpak package, ensuring consistency across distribution methods.
According to the official project announcement, this change represents a strategic decision to provide users with more reliable and officially-supported installation options. The development team’s direct involvement in Snap packaging suggests a commitment to improving the user experience across all major distribution channels, aligning with what industry observers note as evolving market trends in software deployment.
The ownership transfer, which began with formal requests filed earlier this year, demonstrates how open-source projects are increasingly formalizing their distribution partnerships. This development potentially sets a precedent for other major applications considering similar transitions from community-maintained to officially-controlled packaging.
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