Where Are PhotoGIMP Custom Splash Screen Images Located?

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 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.

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:

# 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:

# 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:

# 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 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.

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