# Where Are PhotoGIMP Custom Splash Screen Images Located?

> Find the PhotoGIMP custom splash screen images easily. Discover the exact directory location within the GIMP configuration folder for your personalized startup look.

- Repository: [Diolinux/PhotoGIMP](https://github.com/Diolinux/PhotoGIMP)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-05-20

---

**PhotoGIMP stores its custom splash screen images in the `.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/` directory at the root of the repository, which GIMP copies to your user configuration folder during installation.**

PhotoGIMP is an open-source customization layer for GIMP—maintained by Diolinux—that replicates Adobe Photoshop’s interface and workflow. The project ships with branded assets, including a custom startup splash screen that replaces GIMP’s default. Knowing the exact location of these **PhotoGIMP custom splash screen** files allows you to modify the startup artwork or restore the original GIMP branding.

## Repository Location of Splash Screen Assets

Inside the Diolinux/PhotoGIMP source tree, splash screen images reside at the following relative path:

```

.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/

```

This directory sits at the repository root and contains the PNG files rendered during GIMP startup. The [README.md at line 182](https://github.com/Diolinux/PhotoGIMP/blob/master/README.md#L182) explicitly documents this folder as the location for the "Custom PhotoGIMP splash screen." You can browse the actual image files in the [GitHub directory view](https://github.com/Diolinux/PhotoGIMP/tree/master/.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes).

## Installation Path on Your System

When you install PhotoGIMP, the entire `.config/GIMP/3.0/` structure copies to your system’s GIMP user profile. The splash screen folder maps to:

- **Linux**: `~/.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/`
- **macOS**: `~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/3.0/splashes/`

GIMP automatically detects and displays any supported image files placed in this directory at startup.

## How to Replace the PhotoGIMP Splash Screen

To customize the startup image, overwrite the existing file or add new PNG images to the `splashes/` folder.

First, reference the PhotoGIMP repository location:

```bash

# Path to the PhotoGIMP splash folder in the cloned repo

SPLASH_DIR="$HOME/PhotoGIMP/.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes"

```

To replace the current splash screen directly:

```bash

# Replace existing splash image

cp /path/to/my-splash.png "${SPLASH_DIR}/splash-screen-2025-v2.png"

```

To preserve the original while testing a new design:

```bash

# Backup original, then install new

mv "${SPLASH_DIR}/splash-screen-2025-v2.png" "${SPLASH_DIR}/splash-screen-2025-v2.backup.png"
cp /path/to/new-splash.png "${SPLASH_DIR}/splash-screen-2025-v2.png"

```

Restart GIMP after copying the files; the new image appears on the next launch.

## Related Configuration Files

The splash screen integrates with broader GIMP configuration managed by PhotoGIMP:

- **`.config/GIMP/3.0/gimprc`**: Core preferences that control splash screen behavior and startup settings
- **`.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/`**: Directory containing the actual PNG splash images
- **`.config/GIMP/3.0/shortcutsrc`**: Keyboard shortcuts (part of the complete PhotoGIMP profile)

These files work together to create the PhotoGIMP experience, with the `splashes/` folder handling the visual branding shown at application startup.

## Summary

- PhotoGIMP splash screens are located in `.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/` at the repository root
- During installation, this folder copies to your system’s GIMP config directory (e.g., `~/.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/` on Linux)
- The [README.md at line 182](https://github.com/Diolinux/PhotoGIMP/blob/master/README.md#L182) documents this location
- Replace PNG files in this directory to change the startup image
- Restart GIMP to apply splash screen changes

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What image formats does PhotoGIMP support for splash screens?

PhotoGIMP uses standard GIMP splash screen capabilities, which primarily support **PNG** files. The repository stores the custom splash as a PNG, and GIMP will display compatible image formats placed in the `splashes/` directory. For best results, use PNG files with transparency and dimensions suitable for your display resolution.

### Do I need to restart GIMP after changing the splash screen?

Yes, you must **restart GIMP** for splash screen changes to take effect. The application loads the startup image during initialization, so modifications to files in the `splashes/` directory only appear on the next launch. Simply closing and reopening GIMP is sufficient; no system restart is required.

### Can I use multiple splash screens that rotate randomly?

Yes. While PhotoGIMP ships with a specific splash image, GIMP natively supports multiple splash screens. If you place **several PNG files** in the `splashes/` directory, GIMP will randomly select one to display each time the application launches. This allows you to create a rotating gallery of startup images.

### How do I revert to the original GIMP splash screen?

To restore GIMP’s default startup screen, remove the PhotoGIMP splash files from your user configuration directory. Delete or rename the contents of `~/.config/GIMP/3.0/splashes/` (Linux) or `~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/3.0/splashes/` (macOS). When no custom images remain in this folder, GIMP reverts to its built-in default splash artwork on the next launch.