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GIMP paintbrush not working [Full Fix]
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
AlthoughGIMPis primarily animage editor, some users utilize it as an art package for painting.GIMPincludes a versatile paintbrush with which users can paint pictures from scratch. However, sometimesGIMP’spaintbrush doesn’t work as expected.
Quite a few users have posted on support forums aboutGIMP’s paintbrush tool not working. Consequently, the paintbrush either doesn’t paint anything at all or doesn’t paint with the color selected. It’s usually pretty easy to fixGIMP’s paintbrush utility when it’s not working.
How can I fix GIMP’s paintbrush?
1. Select RGB mode
Note:The above resolution is for fixing the paintbrush when it paints a different color from the one you’ve selected. If you can’t paint anything at all inGIMP, try fixing its paintbrush with the resolutions below.
2. Check you’ve got the right layer selected
If you have multiple layers, make sure your top one is selected. If you’ve got a lower layer selected, the paint will be applied to that instead of the visible top one.
GIMP’s right sidebar displays your layers. Select the top layer there if it’s not selected, and then try painting.
You can also move layers up and down the stack by clicking the up and down arrows at the bottom of the right sidebar.
3. Check your brush settings
4. Check if Clipboard Image is selected
GIMP’sClipboard ImageandMaskbrushes don’t paint anything onto layers. So, the paintbrush isn’t much good when you’ve got either of those brushes selected.
To check what brush is selected, have a look at the brush selection panel onthe right sidebarshown in the snapshot directly below. That panel includes a wide range of brush choices.
Select an alternative brush there that isn’tClipboard ImageorClipboard Mask. Then paint something onto a canvas with the selected brush style.
5. Select the None option
This resolution will ensure there aren’t any small rectangular selections selected on your canvas. When there are very small rectangular regions selected, you can’t paint outside them.
So, there isn’t usually an issue with theGIMPsoftware when its paintbrush doesn’t work. In most cases, users can fix the paintbrush by changing some settingsin GIMP.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
