How to install Gimp 3 Beta on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing GIMP 3 Beta on your Chromebook. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, open-source image editing software that rivals professional tools like Adobe Photoshop. The beta version of GIMP 3 brings exciting new features and improvements, making it an excellent choice for Chromebook users looking to enhance their image editing capabilities.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that your Chromebook supports Linux apps (Crostini). If you're unsure, you can check our list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps support.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, please refer to the following video tutorial. We'll explain the process step-by-step, complementing the written instructions below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable Linux Apps on Your Chromebook

If you haven't already enabled Linux apps on your Chromebook, follow these steps:

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

2. Install GIMP 3 Beta

Now that Linux apps are enabled, we'll use the terminal to install GIMP 3 Beta. Open the Linux terminal from your app menu and run the following commands:

1) sudo apt update
2) sudo apt install flatpak
3) sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
4) flatpak install --user https://flathub.org/beta-repo/appstream/org.gimp.GIMP.flatpakref
5) sudo chown root:root /usr/bin/bwrap && sudo chmod u+s /usr/bin/bwrap

Let's break down what each command does:

  • Command 1 updates your Linux apps repositories
  • Command 2 installs Flatpak, a utility for software deployment and package management
  • Command 3 adds the official Flathub repository to your system
  • Command 4 installs GIMP 3 Beta
  • Command 5 sets the necessary permissions for launching the application

During the installation process, you may be prompted to confirm certain actions. Simply press Enter or type 'y' and Enter as needed.

Launching GIMP 3 Beta

Once the installation is complete, you can launch GIMP 3 Beta from your app menu. All content you want to use in GIMP will be accessible from your Linux files folder in your Chromebook's file manager.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information about using GIMP, you can refer to the Google Doc used in this tutorial.

You can also visit the official GIMP website for comprehensive documentation and tutorials.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during installation or while using GIMP 3 Beta, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure your Chromebook's software is up to date
  • Restart your Chromebook and try the installation process again
  • Check that you have sufficient storage space in your Linux container
  • If GIMP fails to launch, try reinstalling it using the same commands

Remember, GIMP 3 Beta is still in development, so you might encounter some bugs or unstable features. If you need a more stable version for critical work, consider using the current stable release of GIMP instead.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed GIMP 3 Beta on your Chromebook. This powerful image editing tool opens up a world of creative possibilities, right on your Chromebook. Whether you're touching up photos, creating digital art, or designing graphics, GIMP 3 Beta provides the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out through a YouTube comment on our tutorial video. We're here to help you make the most of your Chromebook!

For more helpful guides and tutorials, check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide.

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