Do you dislike Gimp version 2.6 as much as me?

[RedDwarf1]

Does anyone else think that Gimp 2.6.x is a step backwards for Gimp?

I have been using Gimp for image editing for a while and recently moved to 2.6 but was very disappointed in what I found.

The biggest problem for me is the always on top tool menu which prevents the use of valuable screen space by the image.

The appalling help is another issue, where a simple search would make finding stuff quick and easy, it takes ages trying to find the stuff that is of interest. But the help applies to all versions and not just 2.6, but is a point worth noting.

Can anyone recommend a free Image editing package worth trying?

[LoRd_MuldeR]

Can anyone recommend a free Image editing package worth trying?

Paint.NET (http://www.getpaint.net/) - clean and simple, does most things you need, requires the .NET framework

[blutach]

I don't think 2.6 is a step backwards but do agree with you on the help (and it has always grated on me). I use the online help these days :)

I also considered using Paint.NET.

Regards

[reepa]

I think 2.6 is a major step forwards. The floating toolbars don't get hidden by the main window anymore and they aren't crowding up the taskbar (and you don't have to bring each toolbar into focus separately). The confusing second menu bar on the main toolbox is gone. Panning the image in the main window is no longer limited to the edges of the main window (e.g. if you maximize the main window, you can still pan the image so that one of its corners is in the center). Also, now mouse wheel zooms by default instead of scrolling up/down. 2.6 fixed all the major GIMP pet peeves of mine. All I miss is the ability to dock the toolbars to the edges of the main window.

[RedDwarf1]

Getting rid of the damn toolbar would be useful. How on earth could the developers just stick it on top like that with no option to over ride it? There is even an option to raise the toolbox into view, yet there is no option to get rid of it. How daft is that?

But as reepa suggests, one man's meat is another man's poison. People have different preferences.

I think it should have a tick box on the toolbox which would allow it to stay on top or drop into the background when unticked.

I found Paint.Net and have been trying it and it does some stuff better than Gimp. But for other stuff it's a bit limited.

[mikeytown2]

u could try 2.6.1, it has most of the changes but not all of the UI changes. I do agree that they need lots of preferences for people who have become very accustomed to Gimp's old ways.

[Dr.Khron]

I love Paint.net, mostly because it doesn't do much more then I need it to, so its not overwhelming. Its a good mix of the power of Pshop/GIMP combined with the ease of MS Paint.

I've actually done some impressive photo editing with Paint.net, but if you use the more complex features of Pshop/GIMP, then it won't be enough for you.

[LoRd_MuldeR]

For very simple tasks - such as Crop, Resize, Sharpen, add borders/texts/arrows, etc. - simplistic IrfanView is my number one choice. It also has a nice batch rename/process feature...

[Yobbo]

Paint.net is very cool - EXCEPT its inability to import large files makes it totally useless to me. It's a known problem apparently and I have no idea why the developers don't fix this drastic limitation. Otherwise it would be a terrific piece of software.

[Ajax_Undone]

Paint.net and Gimp have their platforms of good quality linux its Gimp windows its paint.net..

Like them both My opinion on this...

As far a step back I don't see it... Where do you seem to have trouble with it?

[M_Knox]

The biggest problem for me is the always on top tool menu which prevents the use of valuable screen space by the image.


Edit -> Preferences -> Window Management

On the right pane find "Hint for the toolbox" and "Hint for other docks" - change both from "utility window" to "normal window". Now restart The GIMP and you're back to the old window behavior (the utility windows now even do show up on the taskbar).

[RunningSkittle]

Thanks for the window hint!