GIMP 3.2 Release Candidate 3 (RC3) is now available for testing, marking another step towards the stable release of GIMP 3.2, which is anticipated to launch in mid-March 2025, roughly a year after GIMP 3.0.
This release candidate introduces several key enhancements and bug fixes aimed at improving user experience and functionality. Notable improvements include enhanced protection for linked layers to prevent accidental destructive edits, with layers shielded from unintended color/pattern drops. Additionally, filters like Levels, Curves, Equalize, and White Balance now default to Linear precision, providing a more precise editing experience.
Further functionality refinements include arrow key support for the Flip and Shear tools, and automatic transparency is now applied past layer borders in the Crop tool. The Global Menu is also supported in the Flatpak build, catering to user interface preferences.
There are several format-specific improvements such as improved OpenEXR Luminance/Chroma import and DDS BC7 export support. Users opening files via the ‘Open With’ function will no longer see the Welcome Dialog, streamlining the workflow.
Technical enhancements involve ensuring the AppImage for ARM64 Linux is fixed and Ubuntu users can access GIMP 3.2 through AppImage, Flatpak, or Snap. The RC3 also address other miscellaneous bug fixes and adjustments, ensuring increased stability and reliability of the software.
This RC3 is expected to be the last candidate before the final stable release, inviting users to experience improvements first-hand and offer feedback on any remaining issues.

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GIMP 3.2 Release Candidate 3 is now available, with the stable release expected in mid-March 2025. Key improvements include enhanced linked layer protection against accidental edits, filters like Levels and Curves now defaulting to Linear precision, arrow key support for Flip and Shear tools, automatic transparency past layer borders in the Crop tool, and Global Menu support in the Flatpak build. Format-specific updates include improved OpenEXR Luminance/Chroma import and DDS BC7 export support. ARM64 Linux AppImage is fixed, and Ubuntu users can install via AppImage, Flatpak, or Snap. RC3 is expected to be the final candidate before the stable release.

GIMP 3.2 RC3 Released as the Project Nears Stable Launch