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A way to disable gimps overwrite function?

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A way to disable gimps overwrite function?
katsoro Offline
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#1
06-09-2026, 10:33 PM
I'm new, made this account just to ask this. 

I routinely hit export to instead of export as and end up overwriting my work. I have never needed the ability to overwrite an image directly from gimp, so I'm wondering if there's a way to completely remove/disable that option, maybe an extension or setting?
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sallyanne Offline
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#2
06-10-2026, 07:52 AM (This post was last modified: 06-11-2026, 02:06 AM by sallyanne. Edit Reason: better info )
Might be an idea then if you just use version 3 or the latest 3.2.4
Mine doesnt have plain ol export anymore except for new files. Um, what would you be overwriting if new?
I do have overwrite "name of file" and the "export as" if I have a named file open. I'm sure the latest will give you a few warnings before it finally overwrites

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Tas_mania Offline
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#3
06-10-2026, 10:08 PM
With 'Save as' and 'Export to' just add another digit to the image name if you don't want to over write an existing image.
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katsoro Offline
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#4
06-12-2026, 03:45 AM
To clarify I make custom icons for folders, and make several at a time using a template. If I hit export to... I immediately overwrite the icon I just saved with no warning.

I don't really like the newer versions everything got moved/renamed, and I can't find anything anymore T_T
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sallyanne Offline
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#5
06-12-2026, 04:56 AM
Then go with Tasmania's answer. The overwrite function is available if you want to do so. You need to be careful what you click.
Also you can duplicate your original image and rename the one you are working on before you do any work on it, if you have to overwrite.

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katsoro Offline
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#6
06-14-2026, 01:19 PM (This post was last modified: 06-14-2026, 02:12 PM by katsoro.)
Edit: talked to AI there is no way to remove options from the file drop down or stop gimp from silently overwriting when you miss click.
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rich2005 Offline
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#7
06-15-2026, 08:17 AM (This post was last modified: 06-15-2026, 08:19 AM by rich2005. Edit Reason: typo )
@katsoro

For once AI is correct, what you request is in the Gimp code and you would have to modify and re-encode.

The question could be. Why do you hit File -> Export instead of File -> Export As ?

Are you using a 4k monitor and the Gimp menu is very small on the display ?  Are you using a graphics tablet and the cursor "wanders" ? or maybe just a shakey mouse.

Depends on your setup but have you considered using a hot-key for Export As ?

Easy to assign a single key.  Most are taken, so find one you rarely use.  This one changed the Shift-Control-E combo to a single Z key press.

   
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