Install GIMP on RHEL 9 | CentOS 9

Install GIMP on RHEL 9

Learn how to install GIMP on RHEL 9, CentOS Stream 9, Rocky Linux 9, and AlmaLinux 9 using EPEL, Flatpak, or source builds. Includes step-by-step commands, troubleshooting tips, and comparisons for the best installation method.

Table of Contents

🔈Introduction

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is one of the most widely used open-source graphics applications for photo editing, digital painting, and UI asset creation. While it’s available for almost every Linux distribution, installing GIMP on RHEL 9, CentOS Stream 9, and Rocky or AlmaLinux 9 can feel tricky because many users expect it in AppStream, but the latest packages often reside in EPEL or Flatpak instead.

This guide provides a complete, search-optimized, step-by-step walkthrough for installing GIMP on RHEL 9–based systems using multiple methods. The aim is to help new and experienced administrators alike choose the right approach depending on environment, policy, and update requirements.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Enable EPEL 9 and install the native RPM version
  • Install the Flatpak version from Flathub
  • Build GIMP from source (optional, advanced)
  • Troubleshoot common installation issues
  • Compare each installation method in a helpful chart

This tutorial is suitable for RHEL 9, CentOS Stream 9, Rocky Linux 9, AlmaLinux 9, Oracle Linux 9, and similar downstream distributions.

✅ Why Install GIMP on RHEL 9 / CentOS 9?

While commercial creative tools exist, many organizations choose GIMP because:

  • It’s free and open source, with no vendor lock-in
  • It supports professional workflows, including PSD support, layers, masks, filters, and batch processing
  • It’s lightweight, running well even on older hardware
  • It integrates seamlessly with Linux environments used in research, education, and DevOps
  • It’s ideal for servers or VDI deployments where users may need image editing capability without proprietary software

For these reasons, installing GIMP on RHEL 9 platforms remains a common requirement in enterprise Linux environments.

Install GIMP on RHEL 9

Photo by admingeek from Infotechys

🔁 Method 1: Install GIMP from Official Repositories

On EL9 systems, GIMP is usually available in the CodeReady Builder repository for RHEL and directly in AppStream for CentOS Stream and some downstream rebuilds.

▶️ Step 1: Enable CodeReady Builder (RHEL only)

				
					sudo subscription-manager repos --enable codeready-builder-for-rhel-9-$(arch)-rpms

For Rocky/AlmaLinux, CAP repo replaces CodeReady Builder:

				
					sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled crb

▶️ Step 2: Install GIMP

				
					sudo dnf install gimp -y

🖥️ Check the installed version

				
					gimp --version

This method provides a stable, thoroughly tested package, ideal for production environments.

🔁 Method 2: Install GIMP from EPEL

If the included version is missing or outdated, you can use EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux).

▶️ Step 1: Enable EPEL

				
					sudo dnf install epel-release -y

▶️ Step 2: Install GIMP via EPEL

				
					sudo dnf install gimp -y

If the package was already present, DNF will notify you. EPEL sometimes provides newer plugin libraries not present in AppStream.

🔁 Method 3: Install GIMP via Flatpak (Latest Version)

Flatpak usually provides the most recent version of GIMP, often months newer than distro repositories. It runs sandboxed for better app isolation.

▶️ Step 1: Enable Flatpak

				
					sudo dnf install flatpak -y

▶️ Step 2: Add Flathub (if not already added)

				
					flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

▶️ Step 3: Install GIMP from Flathub

				
					flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP -y

▶️ Step 4: Run GIMP

				
					flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP

This method is great for users who want cutting-edge functionality.

📊 Comparing the Installation Methods

Below is a quick reference table to help you choose the best approach:

🧩 GIMP Installation Methods on RHEL 9 / CentOS 9

MethodVersionStabilitySecurityRecommended ForNotes
Official Repos (dnf)Stable (may be older)★★★★★★★★★★Servers, productionUses system libraries
EPELSlightly newer★★★★☆★★★★☆WorkstationsBroader package ecosystem
FlatpakLatest★★★★★★★★★☆Designers, power usersSandboxed; larger download
Building from SourceLatest (custom)★★★☆☆★★★☆☆DevelopersNot covered in this guide

🔁 How to Launch GIMP

After installation, you can launch GIMP from the:

🖥️ Terminal

				
					gimp &

For Flatpak:

				
					flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP &

🖥️ Desktop Environment

In GNOME:

  • ✅ Open Activities
  • ✅ Search for GIMP
  • ✅ Click the GIMP icon to launch

✅ Configuring GIMP After Installation

Although GIMP works out of the box, customizing settings can enhance your workflow.

🔁 Install Additional Brushes and Plugins

Common plugin directories include:

  • User-level: ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/plug-ins/
  • System-level: /usr/lib64/gimp/2.0/plug-ins/

🔁 Configure Color Management

GIMP supports ICC color profiles. Import them via:

Edit → Preferences → Color Management

🔁 Enable HiDPI Scaling

GIMP often auto-detects HiDPI displays, but you can fine-tune scaling under:

Edit → Preferences → Interface

Install GIMP on RHEL 9

Photo by admingeek from Infotechys

🔁 How to Update GIMP

Updating the software depends on your installation source.

▶️ Update via DNF

				
					sudo dnf upgrade gimp -y

▶️ Update via Flatpak

				
					flatpak update org.gimp.GIMP

Flatpak updates often arrive sooner than RPM-based updates.

🔁 How to Remove or Clean Up GIMP

Removing GIMP is equally simple.

▶️ Remove RPM-installed GIMP

				
					sudo dnf remove gimp -y

Remove unused dependencies:

				
					sudo dnf autoremove -y

▶️ Remove Flatpak-installed GIMP

				
					flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMP -y

To reclaim all leftover runtimes:

				
					flatpak uninstall --unused

🛠️ Troubleshooting GIMP on EL9

If everything installs but GIMP fails to start or load plugins, try the solutions below.

🔧 Missing Libraries

If GIMP complains about missing shared libraries:

				
					sudo dnf distro-sync
				
			
				
					sudo dnf reinstall gimp

🔧 Flatpak Permission Issues

List Flatpak permissions:

				
					flatpak info org.gimp.GIMP

Reset them:

				
					flatpak override --reset org.gimp.GIMP

🔧 Wayland vs. X11 Issues

Some plugins work better on X11. Launch GIMP under X11:

				
					GDK_BACKEND=x11 gimp

🔧 SELinux Denials

View recent SELinux alerts:

				
					sudo ausearch -m avc -ts recent

Create a policy module if needed:

				
					sudo cat /var/log/audit/audit.log | audit2allow -M gimp_fix
				
			
				
					sudo semodule -i gimp_fix.pp

🚀 Best Practices for GIMP on EL9 Workstations

To make the most of GIMP in professional or enterprise environments:

✅ Use Flatpak if You Need the Latest Features

Flatpak’s sandboxing also enhances application isolation.

✅ Use Repository Packages for Production Stability

Servers and enterprise desktops benefit from predictable, controlled package updates.

✅ Store Custom Assets in Your Home Directory

This ensures that updates don’t overwrite custom brushes, palettes, or plugins.

✅ Automate Backups

Include your GIMP configuration folder in your system backup:

				
					~/.config/GIMP/

✅ Maintain a Color-Accurate Workflow

Install system-wide ICC profiles and calibrate your monitor regularly.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Which method installs the newest version of GIMP?

Flatpak from Flathub reliably provides the newest stable version.

💬 Can I install multiple versions of GIMP simultaneously?

Yes—Flatpak and RPM packages can coexist without conflict.

💬 Does GIMP support RAW image processing?

Yes, through plugins such as Darktable and RawTherapee. These can be integrated into GIMP automatically.

💬 Can I script GIMP on RHEL or CentOS?

GIMP supports Python-fu and Scheme-based scripting. Ensure Python support is installed (availability depends on repository):

				
					sudo dnf install gimp-python

🏁 Conclusion

GIMP remains one of the most flexible and capable graphics editors available for Linux, and installing it on RHEL 9, CentOS Stream 9, or any other EL9-based system is simple thanks to multiple installation options. Whether you prefer the stability of official repositories or the cutting-edge features found in Flatpak builds, this guide provides all the essential steps.

By following the instructions above, you now know how to:

  • Install GIMP using DNF, EPEL, CodeReady Builder, or Flatpak
  • Launch, update, and remove GIMP
  • Customize your workspace and troubleshoot issues

This comprehensive guide should set you up with a smooth, dependable GIMP experience on your EL9 distro of choice.

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