If you are looking for an affordable way to create epic logos and high-quality graphics, you may have considered using GIMP. As a free to use tool that is beginner friendly, it is quickly becoming a favorite among amateur graphic designer. However, what if you don’t have access to an internet connection?

GIMP can be used both online and without an internet connection. The initial download of the file does require internet access, but once installed, GIMP can be used offline. The GIMP tool is also available online for those who wish to use it.

As a student or designer that is always on the go, being able to work without an internet connection is a must. Below, you will find a breakdown of how to use GIMP offline, and when you will need an internet connection.

Does GIMP Require an Internet Connection?

In terms of usage, GIMP does not require an internet connection. However, this fact only applies if the program is already installed on your computer.

GIMP is an open-source image editor that was developed to give free professional-level editing capabilities to Linux, Windows, and MacOS systems. You can download the program by heading to the GIMP official website.

GIMP offers downloads available for Linux, MacOS, and Microsoft Windows. Once you’ve selected your version of the download, the file will start to download from one of GIMP’s trusted servers. As soon as the installation is complete, you should be able to use the program without an internet connection.

Keep in mind, however, that GIMP is under active development and new versions are released on a regular basis. To keep up with updates, you will require an internet connection from time to time. 

How Long Does GIMP Take to Install?

How long your download and installation take will depend on your device’s speed, available RAM, and the quality of your internet connection. This typically only takes a few minutes for most people. However, some downloads can take as long as an hour.

There are a couple of ways you could go about installing GIMP:

• Install: this is the recommended option for most people. It installs everything you need to use GIMP
• Customize: this is for users that want to set up specific features and settings

Before downloading GIMP, it’s a good idea to check that you meet all of the requirements. The download requires about 64 MB of RAM and about 20 MB of memory. This is, however, microscopic compared to Photoshop’s requirements.

Learning to Use GIMP With Online Help

The simplest approach to get started with GIMP is to jump into the program and familiarize yourself with some of the functions.

GIMP offers some tutorials that users can go through to learn some of the basic and advanced tools and techniques. These tutorials are community managed and are a great way to learn from users who are actively working with the program.

However, this does require an internet connection. While the program can be used offline, if you may want to stay connected if you are just starting out. 

What Are Online Tool Tips?

Tool tips, also known as the help system, are tips and trick that occasionally appear in the form of a pop-up when the cursor hovers over an element.

When GIMP is installed, the help options are set to online by default. For those who wish to use the help dialogue offline, the settings will need to be adjusted manually.

Instructions on how to changes these settings can be found here.

Using GIMP and Other Design Tools Without an Internet Connection

GIMP boasts its flexibility in easily integrating with other digital design software such as Scribus, Krita, SwatchBooker, and Inkscape. After all, those who work in design know that you rarely stick with one software.

These free software programs can be downloaded to your computer as well, so you can continue working, even if you’re in a situation where you’ve lost internet connection.

However, this doesn’t apply to all design tools. Programs like Placeit and Canva are web browser-based and do require an internet connection to work. So, if you find yourself offline at any point, this may cause an issue if you are switching between tools.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how you can use GIMP on the go. GIMP is a great program for those looking to get started in graphic design. While it can be used offline, there are going to be scenarios when you will want a solid internet connection.