PhotoGIMP is a patch for GIMP 3 that reconfigures the interface to resemble Adobe Photoshop's layout and workflow.
The patch addresses the friction experienced by Photoshop users migrating to GIMP by reorganizing the tool positions, keyboard shortcuts, and interface elements to match Adobe's conventions. Rather than requiring users to learn GIMP's native layout, PhotoGIMP overlays Photoshop-familiar positioning onto GIMP's existing functionality. The patch modifies GIMP's configuration files, including tool arrangements, keyboard shortcuts based on Adobe's official documentation, a custom splash screen, and optimized default settings to maximize canvas space.
PhotoGIMP suits designers and photographers switching from Photoshop who want immediate familiarity with their new tool. It works best for users running GIMP 3.0 or newer on Linux, macOS, or Windows. The installation process requires backing up existing GIMP settings first, as PhotoGIMP overwrites configuration files. Users should run GIMP at least once before installing the patch to ensure configuration directories exist.
The project receives most issue reports from outside users rather than the core team, indicating an established user base actively reporting real-world problems. Responses to issues and pull requests typically arrive within one to two weeks. Work in the issue tracker centers on bug fixes, documentation improvements, and enhancement requests.
