How to install Gimp easily on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) on your Chromebook. GIMP is a powerful, open-source image editing software that offers many of the features found in professional tools like Adobe Photoshop.

Compatibility Check

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically for Chromebooks with an Intel or AMD CPU that support Linux Apps. Unfortunately, this method won't work on Chromebooks with an ARM64 architecture CPU.

Enabling Linux Apps

If you haven't already enabled Linux apps on your Chromebook, you'll need to do so first. Here's how:

  1. Go to your Chromebook's System Settings
  2. Click on the "About Chrome OS" section in the left panel
  3. Under the "Developers" section, choose "Set up Linux"
  4. Follow the prompts to turn on Linux

This process may take a few minutes, but once completed, you'll have access to a Linux terminal on your Chromebook.

Installing GIMP

Now that Linux is set up, we can proceed with installing GIMP. We'll use a single command in the terminal to update our package lists and install GIMP:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install gimp -y

To use this command:

  1. Open the Linux terminal from your app menu
  2. Copy the above command
  3. Paste it into the terminal (use a two-finger click or press Ctrl+Shift+V)
  4. Press Enter to execute the command

This command updates the package lists (sudo apt update) and then installs GIMP (sudo apt install gimp -y). The -y flag automatically answers "yes" to any prompts during the installation process.

Launching GIMP

Once the installation is complete, you can launch GIMP from your app menu. Look for the GIMP icon among your Linux apps.

Remember, all content you create or edit with GIMP will be saved in your Linux files section, which you can access through the Files app on your Chromebook.

Additional Resources

To help you get started with GIMP, here are some useful resources:

Video Tutorial

Conclusion

Installing GIMP on your Chromebook opens up a world of image editing possibilities. Whether you're touching up photos, creating digital art, or designing graphics, GIMP provides a robust set of tools to meet your needs. As you explore GIMP, you'll find that its capabilities rival those of many paid software alternatives.

If you encounter any issues during the installation process or while using GIMP, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You can leave a comment on our YouTube video, and we'll be happy to assist you.

For more information about Chromebooks and their capabilities, check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide.

Happy editing with GIMP on your Chromebook!

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