The guide outlines three ways to install GIMP on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS—via the distro’s default APT repository, through Canonical’s Snap store, or as a Flatpak from Flathub. APT offers the smallest download and seamless integration with system updates but lags behind the newest upstream release; Snap delivers the latest binaries automatically at the expense of larger size and sandbox‑induced startup overhead; Flatpak provides cross‑distribution isolation and protects core libraries, though it also consumes extra disk space for its runtimes. For each method the article supplies exact terminal commands to prepare the environment, install GIMP, and launch it, explaining why each step matters (e.g., dependency handling, sandbox requirements). It concludes by recommending APT for stability, Snap for cutting‑edge features, and Flatpak when you already use Flatpaks or need library isolation.

Install GIMP on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS – apt, snap or flatpak

You can get the GNU Image Manipulation Program up and running in three different ways from a terminal. This guide shows exactly what commands to type, why each step matters, and which method tends to cause fewer surprises.

APT method (the distro’s default)

1. Update the package list – sudo apt update
   Why? Ubuntu keeps its own snapshot of GIMP in the official repositories. Updating makes sure you pull the most recent snapshot rather than an out‑of‑date cache.

2. Install the package – sudo apt install gimp
   Why? APT resolves all required dependencies automatically, so you end up with a fully functional GIMP that integrates nicely with your desktop theme and file dialogs.

3. Launch it – type gimp or click the icon in your menu.

I’ve seen this happen after a bad driver update: the old libgimp libraries stayed on disk, causing crashes until a fresh apt install --reinstall gimp cleared them out.

Pros: Small download, updates roll with regular system upgrades.
Cons: The version lags behind the upstream release; Ubuntu 22.04 ships GIMP 2.10.x while newer features live in 2.11+.

Snap version (always latest)

1. Make sure snapd is installed – sudo apt install snapd
   Why? Snap packages run in a sandbox, and the daemon must be present to manage them.

2. Install GIMP from the Snap store – sudo snap install gimp
   Why? Snap pulls the most recent upstream build directly from Canonical’s store, so you get new filters as soon as they’re released.

3. Run it – snap run gimp or use the desktop shortcut that appears after installation.

I’ve seen the snap version lag behind when a new GIMP release lands, which can be annoying if you need the latest filters right away; sometimes the Snap store takes a day or two to catch up.

Pros: Up‑to‑date binaries, auto‑updates handled by Snap.
Cons: Larger download because dependencies are bundled, and startup can feel slower due to the sandbox overhead.

Flatpak option (great for mixed desktop environments)

1. Add Flathub repo – sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo Why? Flathub is the central hub where most Linux apps, including GIMP, are published as Flatpaks.

2. Install GIMP – sudo flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
   Why? This pulls a runtime that isolates GIMP from the rest of your system, reducing library conflicts.

3. Start it – flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP or click the menu entry created by Flatpak.

Pros: Works across many Linux distributions, sandbox protects your core libraries.
Cons: Takes up extra disk space because runtimes are duplicated for each app that uses them.

Which one should you pick?

• If you prefer stability and want everything to play nicely with Ubuntu’s update manager, stick with APT.
• If you chase the newest features and don’t mind a slightly heavier install, go for Snap.
• If you already run other Flatpak apps or need a version that won’t interfere with system libraries, Flatpak is the way to go.

Give one of these methods a spin, and you’ll have GIMP ready to edit those vacation photos or create pixel‑perfect icons in no time.