Advice requested on GIMP version to install

[david]

With the imminent release of Ubuntu 20.04.1, I would like advice as to the best version of GIMP to install so that I can continue to use my existing filters (Python2).
At present I am using Ubuntu 18.04 and GIMP 2.10.14 which I obtained from ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp, which, sadly, now appears to be defunct.

david.

[rich2005]

I am in (roughly) the same boat, Normally I would wait a few months from initial release but decided a couple of weeks ago to put (k)ubuntu 20.04 on my desktop computer. (keeping a notebook with 18.04 on so not a drastic decision).

The options are:

The default Gimp is 2.10.18 and does not come with python support.
That can be added and is not difficult: see: https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-Heal-S...4#pid18354 After that, works as expected but unlikely to be updated.

There is the flatpak version, that is Gimp 2.10.20 (2.10.22 is expected soon). Comes with python support. Some of the limitations with plugins are helped with some flatpak addon plugins, g'mic / BIMP / resynthesizer but still problems, scanning into Gimp for example.

I went for the appimage 2.10.20 from https://github.com/aferrero2707/gimp-appimage/releases/ Python support is included. Comes with some plugins but generally easier to add extras than the flatpak. Same problem as the PPA. Only one person maintainer, will there be updates?

Best advice - difficult, all depends on your Gimp usage.

Not altogether happy with 'buntu 20.04 seems a bit 'dumbed' down to me.

[david]

I took the plunge! I put ubuntu 20.04 on the machine (fresh install). It runs well, but I don't like the appearance - the desktop is a mess - visually and functionally.

I installed 2.10.20 appimage with the plugins and scripts (very few) which I regularly use. Everything is there and a quick trial suggests it performs well.

The only thing I have failed to find, is how to start the Gimp appimage from a terminal in order to get error messages, particularly when trying to modify a python plugin.

david.

[rich2005]

Not really possible in normal circumstances.

The appimage works by unpacking all of the Gimp files into a folder in /tmp A hidden folder (starts .mount_GIMP...) and from that folder launches Gimp using a script AppRun. Since Apprun is not normally accessible you can not start Gimp from a terminal with the --verbose switch. screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/cu5Av6Y.jpg

One way is make the Gimp appimage more permanent by unpacking it. https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-Unpack...p-appimage

Does not have to be in root or home. I run from a storage partition using kubuntu 20.04 That way I can make a modified AppRun script which runs --verbose from a terminal. screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/LjZhvY0.jpg

For better or worse, that is the way I use the appimage.

--------
Never liked the regular ubuntu desktop version and 'buntu 20.04 seems dumbed down. If I was not a confirmed KDE user I think I would go for Mint with the MATE DE. Same problem there with Gimp though. Install 2.10.18 and add python2 support or use the appimage / flatpak

[david]

Rich,
Thanks for the reply.
I have installed the unity desktop which, at least works, and is a bit easier on the eye. I think, like you, I will have to consider a different distribution as every update of ubuntu seems to become worse. (Have they been taking lessons from microsoft?).
david.

[nelo]

I've stumbled over a new PPA here:
http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2020...ntu-20-04/

Looks as if PandaJim wants to fill the gap.

But:
At the moment it doesn't include python (but can be installed as explained in the article)
and it's missing language files ...

[rich2005]

@nelo

Nice one.

Had to give it a try... in a kubuntu 20.04 VM so I cannot do any damage

Installed it over a Gimp 2.10.18 which had python support already added as post #2 No automatic update for libbabl but that is there from the ppa.

Seems to work OK. I hope he gets language support sorted.

[david]

Rich,
Thanks for all your help.
I have followed your excellent video about extracting the appimage and can now run gimp from the terminal.
Unfortunately, ubuntu seems to have made it virtually impossible to create a launcher. I have manually created a .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/ but my syntax must be incorrect as I cannot get it to run. Much searching on the internet has failed to find the answer!
david.

[rich2005]

(08-22-2020, 01:08 PM)david Wrote: Rich,
Thanks for all your help.
I have followed your excellent video about extracting the appimage and can now run gimp from the terminal.
Unfortunately, ubuntu seems to have made it virtually impossible to create a launcher. I have manually created a .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/ but my syntax must be incorrect as I cannot get it to run. Much searching on the internet has failed to find the answer!
david.

KDE is a bit easier for making desktop files. This one from ~/.local/share/applications/

Gimp desktop file looks like this 

Code:

[Desktop Entry]
Comment=
Exec=/media/rich/Data/gimp-app-2-10-20/squashfs-root/AppRun
Icon=gimp
Name=Gimp-2.10.20
NoDisplay=false
Path[$e]=
StartupNotify=true
Terminal=0
TerminalOptions=
Type=Application
X-KDE-SubstituteUID=false
X-KDE-Username=

You might have to tweak the icon path as well as substituting your path to the AppRun file

[david]

Rich,
Many thanks, but I am still failing.
I extracted the appimage to a folder - GIMP-2.10.21 - (in Home).
In the .desktop file I have tried:
Exec=~/david/GIMP-2.10.21/squashfs-root/AppRun and
Exec=home/david/GIMP-2.10.21/squashfs-root/AppRun
without success. I think it is probably time to give up despite your efforts on my behalf.
david.