GIMP Quick-Start Guide For Mac

I run GIMP on my MacBook and I love it. This Quick Start Guide for Mac will get your GIMP up and running so you can start editing.

To Install GIMP 2.6 you must have Mac OSX 10.4 or Higher.

Did you get your Mac after 2005? You’re probably ok.

To check which OS you have Click the Apple Icon – -at the top left corner of your desktop. Choose About This Mac. The window that pops up will tell you your operating system.

1) Make Sure you have X11 installed on your Mac.

X11 is a windows environment that allows Mac users to install Unix  applications on their computers. You need it to run GIMP.

  • If your Mac runs OSX 10.5 or higher (Leopard or Snow Leopard) X11 is already installed. Go to Step 2.
  • If your Mac runs  OSX 10.4 (Tiger) X11 was included in your instillation disk. To find out if X11 is already installed on your Mac, search for “X11″ in the finder. If it’s not installed, just run the Installation Disk and follow the instructions.
  • For more information about X11 and Mac visit http://developer.apple.com/opensource/tools/runningx11.html

2) Get the Latest Stable Version of GIMP

It’s important to get a “stable” version unless you want to deal with bugs. GIMP.org let’s you know which releases are stable, and which are not.

3) Set Up GIMP for Easy Use

The Pare and Focus guide for setting up GIMP is right here.

For more help:

  • I recommend starting at the official GIMP website: http://www.gimp.org/macintosh/
  • Use the search function at http://www.gimpusers.com/ to look for GIMP 2.6 and your flavor of OSX. If you can’t find what you need, post a question in the forums there. These guys can use a lot of tech speak. If you need them to go slow, just ask.
  • Check the discussions in flickr’s GIMP group. This is just one of a few groups, but it’s a good place to start. You can search the discussions too. Make sure to join the group and introduce yourself if you need to ask a new question. There are over 7,000 members, so someone’s bound to have an answer. Discussions and the photo community are just two of the reasons I love flickr.
  • While you’re at it, join the Pare and Focus Flickr Group too! Share your before and after photos, shots your proud of, shots you need help with or anything else you like. (Just keep it “G” rated please.)

That’s It!

You’re ready to start using one of the most powerful, versatile, free image manipulation programs available. Have fun!