Beginner questions, missing tools, how to draw shapes

[rich2005]

Some screenshots which might help All in Edit -> Preferences

Use the system theme https://i.imgur.com/IGpgmST.jpg
Change the icon theme and size https://i.imgur.com/PN7yFgF.jpg
"unpack" the tools groups https://i.imgur.com/sH8dMrW.jpg
"old-style" sliders https://i.imgur.com/J0auoEt.jpg

Quote:How can I draw circles, rectangles, triangles and the like? Is there a skin or something to "dumb down" the interface

The usual way is make a selection - rectangular or circular and adjust the size before making the shape into lines using Edit -> Stroke selection
More complex shapes are made using the path tool, then similar Edit -> Stroke Path
For solid shapes you can bucket fill a section and if a path Edit -> Fill Path

There are plugins to assist making shapes one described here: https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-arakne...-creator-8