GIMP Keyboard Shortcuts
80+ GIMP shortcuts for free image editing, layers, filters, and selection. Cross-platform reference.
File
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New image | |
| Open image | |
| Save (overwrite XCF) | |
| Export As | |
| Save As | |
| Quit GIMP |
Tools
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Rectangle Select | |
| Ellipse Select | |
| Free Select (Lasso) | |
| Fuzzy Select (Magic Wand) | |
| Select by Color | |
| Scissors Select | |
| Bucket Fill | |
| Gradient | |
| Paintbrush | |
| Pencil | |
| Airbrush | |
| Eraser | |
| Clone | |
| Heal | |
| Smudge | |
| Blur/Sharpen | |
| Dodge/Burn | |
| Text | |
| Color Picker | |
| Move | |
| Scale (Transform) | |
| Rotate | |
| Shear | |
| Perspective | |
| Flip | |
| Crop | |
| Zoom |
Edit
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Copy | |
| Paste as floating selection | |
| Cut | |
| Paste as new image | |
| Clear selection |
Select
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select all | |
| Select none | |
| Invert selection | |
| Float selection | |
| Shrink selection |
View
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | |
| Zoom out | |
| Fit image in window | |
| Zoom to 100% | |
| Fit image in window | |
| Toggle guides visibility |
Layers
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New layer | |
| Duplicate layer | |
| Merge down | |
| Flatten image | |
| Select layer above | |
| Select layer below | |
| Layer to image size |
Colors
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Hue-Saturation | |
| Brightness-Contrast | |
| Levels | |
| Desaturate | |
| Invert colors |
Image
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Canvas size | |
| Scale image | |
| Crop to selection |
Pro tips
Use Floating Selections
When you paste in GIMP, it creates a floating selection. Anchor it (Ctrl+H) to the active layer, or create a new layer from it to keep things organized.
Script-Fu Console
Open Filters → Script-Fu → Console to automate repetitive tasks. GIMP's scripting engine can batch process images, apply effects, and create complex compositions programmatically.
Quick Mask Mode
Press Shift+Q to enter Quick Mask mode. Paint with black to remove from selection, white to add. Great for fine-tuning selections, especially around hair and edges.
Custom Tool Presets
Save frequently used tool settings as presets. Each tool has a preset system - configure size, opacity, dynamics, then save. Access them instantly from the tool options.
Use G'MIC Plugin
Install G'MIC for 500+ additional filters and effects. It adds film emulation, artistic filters, denoising, and texture generation - rivaling commercial alternatives.
Paths for Precision
Use the Paths tool (B) for precise selections and shapes. Convert paths to selections for pixel-perfect cutouts. Paths are vector-based and can be saved and edited later.
Frequently asked questions
Is GIMP really free?
Yes, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is completely free and open source under the GPL license. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, or feature locks. All features are available to everyone.
Can GIMP replace Photoshop?
For many workflows, yes. GIMP handles photo editing, retouching, compositing, and graphic design well. However, it lacks CMYK support, non-destructive editing (layers of adjustments), and some advanced features like Content-Aware Fill. Professional print work may still require Photoshop.
Does GIMP support PSD files?
Yes, GIMP can open and export PSD files. Layer support is good but not perfect - some advanced Photoshop features like smart objects, adjustment layers, and certain blend modes may not transfer correctly.
How do I add plugins to GIMP?
Place plugin files in GIMP's plugin folder (Edit → Preferences → Folders → Plug-ins). Popular plugins include G'MIC, Resynthesizer (content-aware fill), and various Script-Fu/Python-Fu scripts from the GIMP Plugin Registry.
Why does GIMP feel different from Photoshop?
GIMP uses a different UI paradigm. Enable single-window mode (Windows → Single-Window Mode) for a more familiar layout. The toolbox, layers panel, and canvas can be arranged to match your preferred workflow.
Can GIMP edit RAW photos?
Not natively, but GIMP integrates with RawTherapee or darktable. When you open a RAW file, GIMP launches the RAW editor first, then imports the processed result for further editing.
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