How to Remove PhotoGIMP Configuration on Linux: Complete Reset Guide

Run rm -rf ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 to completely remove PhotoGIMP configuration and restore GIMP to its default state.

PhotoGIMP is a popular configuration patch for GIMP 3.0 that overwrites the standard interface layout, keyboard shortcuts, and tool presets. When you need to uninstall PhotoGIMP or revert to stock GIMP settings, you must delete the modified configuration directory. This guide provides the exact command to remove PhotoGIMP configuration on Linux based on the official Diolinux/PhotoGIMP repository source code.

Understanding PhotoGIMP Configuration Structure

PhotoGIMP works by replacing the contents of GIMP's standard configuration directory located at ~/.config/GIMP/3.0. According to the repository's README.md (lines 194-199), the patch overwrites key configuration files including toolrc and dockrc, which control the toolbox layout and dockable dialog positions. The gimprc file is also modified to set PhotoGIMP-specific preferences. Because these files reside in the standard GIMP config path, removing the entire directory is the official method for uninstallation.

Command to Remove PhotoGIMP Configuration

The official documentation states that deleting GIMP's config folder forces the application to regenerate fresh default settings upon the next launch. Execute the following command in your terminal:

rm -rf ~/.config/GIMP/3.0

This recursively removes the entire GIMP 3.0 configuration directory, erasing all PhotoGIMP customizations including modified menus, shortcuts, and workspace layouts. After running this command, launch GIMP—it will automatically recreate the ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 directory with pristine default settings.

Backup and Restore Procedures

Before removing the configuration, consider backing up your current setup if you might want to restore PhotoGIMP later.

Back Up Before Removal

Copy the existing configuration to a safe location before deletion:

cp -r ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 ~/GIMP-3.0-backup

This preserves your PhotoGIMP setup (or any other customizations) in your home directory as GIMP-3.0-backup.

Restore Previous Configuration

To restore a backed-up configuration, simply copy the backup directory back to the original location:

cp -r ~/GIMP-3.0-backup ~/.config/GIMP/3.0

This command restores the saved configuration files, effectively reinstalling PhotoGIMP without re-downloading the package.

Verifying the Reset

After executing the removal command, start GIMP using your preferred method:

gimp

Or if using Flatpak:

flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP

On first launch, GIMP will generate a new ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 folder with factory defaults. You can verify the reset by checking that the interface layout has reverted to the standard GIMP 3.0 arrangement rather than the PhotoGIMP workspace.

Summary

• PhotoGIMP configuration is stored in ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 and overwrites standard GIMP settings.
• Removal command: rm -rf ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 deletes all PhotoGIMP customizations permanently.
• Backup first: Use cp -r ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 ~/GIMP-3.0-backup to save your setup before removal.
• Auto-regeneration: GIMP automatically creates fresh default configuration files on the next launch.
• Key files modified: toolrc and dockrc control the primary PhotoGIMP layout changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is PhotoGIMP configuration stored on Linux?

PhotoGIMP configuration resides in the standard GIMP 3.0 configuration directory at ~/.config/GIMP/3.0. The patch replaces files in this location, including toolrc for toolbox settings and dockrc for dockable dialog layouts, rather than creating a separate isolated directory.

Will removing the config directory delete my images or projects?

No. The rm -rf ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 command only deletes GIMP's preference files, themes, and interface settings. Your actual image files, .xcf projects, and other documents remain untouched in their original locations.

How do I reinstall PhotoGIMP after removal?

First, back up your current GIMP configuration if desired, then remove the existing ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 directory. Download the latest PhotoGIMP release from the Diolinux/PhotoGIMP repository and follow the installation instructions to copy the PhotoGIMP configuration files into the newly created or existing GIMP config directory.

Is this process reversible if I don't back up?

No. Once you delete the ~/.config/GIMP/3.0 directory using rm -rf, the PhotoGIMP-specific configurations are permanently removed. You cannot revert to the PhotoGIMP state without reinstalling the configuration pack from the original source or from a previously created backup.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}