GIMP: Install Plugins - Add Extensions to GIMP

You can extend the basic version of GIMP with numerous plugins for free. With plugins you add useful features such as filters and tools to the functionality of the image editing software GIMP.

How to install plugins in GIMP

Unfortunately, there is no page where GIMP plugins can be found collectively. Instead, you need to find the developer's website directly on the Internet and download the plugin there.

1. After downloading the plugin, open the folder where it is stored.
2. Now unzip the archive file and save the unzipped plugin in any location. Some plugins do not come as a zip file, but as an installation file with the extension "*.exe". Such files do not need to be unzipped.
3. Now open GIMP. There you go to "Edit" > "Settings" and "Folders".
4. A mouse click on the small plus icon to the left of the folder icon opens a submenu. In this submenu click on Plugins.
5. Now GIMP shows you in which folder you have to put the plugin files. If you see two paths here, copy the files to both folders to be on the safe side. The easiest way to find the folder is to click on the folder icon in the top right corner of the open folder window.
6. The plugin will then automatically install itself into the correct folder. There is no need to search for the correct folder.

How do you use a plugin within GIMP?

How you access the new features offered by the plugin depends on the plugin. Usually, additional information is included with the plugin in the form of text files. If developers offer their plugins on their own homepage, you will find explanations on how to use them there.