Forum: Author Hangout

GIMP on Mac

Switch Blayde 🚫
Updated:

GIMP stopped working on my Macbook Pro. It may have been the first time I used it since upgrading my laptop. It kept getting worse and worse until I had to force quit it. So I moved the app to trash and downloaded/installed a new version.

My old version was 2.10 and the new version is 3.0.2. When I did the download, I did not choose Intel. I chose Apple silicon as the one to download.

It simply doesn't work. I open GIMP and I can't even open a file. I can't even click on the folder to get to the file. All I can do is close the app.

Any ideas? My Macbook Pro has an Apple M3 Pro chip. Does GIMP work with that?

Replies: Argon Switch Blayde Michael Loucks

Argon 🚫
Updated:

@Switch Blayde

Hi, I have an older (2023) MacBookPro (M1-Pro). I haven't used GIMP (v. 2.8) in a while. I just started GIMP, but when I tried to open picture files (.jpg) the app crashed.
You can try out Seashore or Inkscape as alternatives; they're both free, too. The Graphic Converter is an able app, too, for small money.
Personally, I prefer Keynote to create covers, which is a vector graphics app after all, export as high res JPEG, and then crop, set resolution, and adjust temperature and range in Preview.
For heavy lifting, I have a 2012 MacMini running the Maverick OS and an obsolete but legal Photoshop license, but I rarely need it.

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Argon

I just started GIMP, but when I tried to open picture files (.jpg) the app crashed.

Not what I wanted to hear.

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Switch Blayde

I may have fixed my problem with the new install. I made the same mistake I've made in the past. After uninstalling GIMP, I forgot to delete the GIMP stuff in the hidden library. I did that, reinstalled GIMP (V3), and it came up and I was able to load the image I was working on.

Now let's see if the problems I was having with the 2.10 version are gone. But not now. I'm brain dead.

Replies: REP

REP 🚫

@Switch Blayde

the GIMP stuff in the hidden library

I don't use Apple. Your comment boggled my mind.

Why would any program create a hidden library?

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@REP

Why would any program create a hidden library?

When I asked Google, this is what its AI said:

GIMP often creates files in a hidden folder, such as the Library folder on macOS, because it's a standard practice for software to store user-specific settings, data, and other files there. This approach has several benefits, including preventing conflicts with other programs and making it easier for users to manage their GIMP preferences and resources without interfering with the main GIMP installation.

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@Switch Blayde

When I asked Google why it's hidden, this is what the AI said:

The GIMP library (or profile directory) is often hidden because it's designed to store user-specific settings and data, and it's common for operating systems to hide files and folders that are primarily for system use or configuration. The leading dot in the name of the directory also contributes to it being hidden, as many file explorers are configured to omit hidden files by default.

Many operating systems, particularly Linux and macOS, use a leading dot (e.g., ~/.gimp-2.8/) to denote hidden files and folders. This is a convention to keep the file system cleaner by hiding system-related files that you usually don't need to interact with.

File explorers often have settings to show or hide hidden files. By default, they're typically hidden to prevent accidental modification of system-level configurations.

Replies: REP

REP 🚫

@Switch Blayde

That makes sense.

Does GIMP have a "Remove Application" routine? If so, it should remove that hidden folder.

Replies: Switch Blayde

Switch Blayde 🚫

@REP

Does GIMP have a "Remove Application" routine?

Not that I know of. When I googled how to uninstall GIMP, I was told to find it in the Applications folder, move it to trash, and empty the trash can. It's actually the emptying of the trash can that uninstalls it. The other option given me was to use 3rd-party uninstall software. It never said GIMP had an uninstall.

Replies: REP

REP 🚫

@Switch Blayde

It never said GIMP had an uninstall.

I know. That is why I asked.

It seems to me that GIMP is a program that should be avoided. Deletion instructions that leave a portion of the program on your computer and that portion subsequently creates problems for you should be avoided. But, maybe the program is worth it to you.

That is my opinion.

Michael Loucks 🚫

@Switch Blayde

I chose to install Gimp via homebrew and haven't had any trouble. I also get Calibre this way.

Install the package manager, remove gimp and calibre from Applications, then:

brew install gimp
brew install calibre
brew install topgrade

Once a week, run 'topgrade' in the terminal to update.

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Forum: Author Hangout

GIMP on Mac

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