GIMP as a Linux alternative to Paint 3D

Updated October 26, 2026

Our verdict

GIMP can replace Paint 3D for users who need a free, open‑source raster editor with layer support and a wide range of brushes. It is more powerful than Paint 3D and works on Linux, but it lacks the simple 3‑D object editor and the very beginner‑friendly UI that Paint 3D offers. For hobbyists or photographers who want advanced image editing, GIMP is a solid choice; for casual 2‑D drawing or quick 3‑D prototyping, a lighter tool might be preferable.

Feature parity65%

License: GPL-3.0+ AND LGPL-3.0+
Price: Free
Latest version: 3.2.6 (September 10, 2026)
Rating: —

Install GIMP Website ↗

GIMP screenshot — Scene 4 cut 15 of "ZeMarmot" being edited in GIMP. Illustration by Aryeom (CC by-sa 4.0 International)

What works the same

Both provide basic 2‑D drawing tools and support PNG/JPEG export
Both have layer‑based workflows
Both are free and available on multiple platforms

What is different

GIMP offers advanced brush engine, masks, and scripting; Paint 3D has a simpler UI
Paint 3D can create/edit low‑poly 3‑D objects; GIMP does not natively support 3‑D modeling
Paint 3D exports STL/OBJ; GIMP does not export 3‑D formats
GIMP’s interface is more complex and less intuitive for non‑technical users
Paint 3D includes a built‑in 3‑D object library; GIMP has none

Opening your Paint 3D files

Paint 3D uses the .png, .jpg, .jpeg, and .webp formats for 2‑D images, all of which GIMP can open and export. Paint 3D’s proprietary .msp file format for 3‑D objects is not supported by GIMP. If you need to use a 3‑D file from Paint 3D, you must export it as STL or OBJ first and then use a dedicated 3‑D viewer or editor.

Switching from Paint 3D to GIMP, step by step

Open Paint 3D and save your 2‑D artwork as PNG or JPEG
Export any 3‑D models from Paint 3D as STL or OBJ
Install GIMP from your distribution’s package manager or Flathub
Import the PNG/JPEG files into GIMP and use layers or brushes as needed
If you exported STL/OBJ, open them in a 3‑D application like Blender for further editing

Key features of GIMP

Layer-based editing with masks, blending modes, and transparency
Advanced brush engine for digital painting and retouching
Support for Photoshop-compatible plug-ins (via compatibility layers)
Batch processing and scripting with Script-Fu, Python, or GEGL
Non-destructive editing possible through plug-ins like G'MIC
Extensive format support: PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, WebP, and more
Customizable interface with dockable panels and themes
Color management with ICC profile support

How to install GIMP on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install gimp

Debiansudo apt install gimp

Fedorasudo dnf install gimp

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S gimp

openSUSEsudo zypper install gimp

Frequently asked questions

Can I use GIMP to edit a Paint 3D 3‑D model?

No. GIMP is a raster editor. Export the model as STL or OBJ from Paint 3D and open it in a 3‑D program such as Blender.

Is GIMP easier to use than Paint 3D for beginners?

Paint 3D has a simpler interface designed for quick sketches. GIMP has more features and a steeper learning curve, but it offers a full layer system and advanced tools.

Does GIMP support the same file formats as Paint 3D?

For 2‑D images, GIMP can open PNG, JPEG, and WebP, the same formats Paint 3D can export. It does not support Paint 3D’s proprietary 3‑D file format.