Managing and Editing Photos in Kubuntu

This document deals with various image editing options available in Kubuntu.


Image Editing

Kubuntu offers several powerful graphics and drawing applications.

Gwenview

Gwenview is the default image viewer. It supports image editing, basic file operations, full screen viewing, and more. Gwenview works well for browsing and managing image collections. It provides accurate control of image scaling, with manual in and out zooming or automatic scaling of images to fit the viewing window.

Gwenview is installed in Kubuntu by default. Launch Gwenview by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsImage Viewer.

Example 1. Gwenview




More information is available from the Gwenviewhomepage.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

The GIMP is a powerful graphics editing program similar to Adobe Photoshop™. It is one of the best software tools available for fast image editing. Often different tasks require different editing environments. GIMP views and behaviors can be custom fit, including choices for widget themes, color changes, widget spacing, icon sizes, and selected tool sets in the toolbox.

The interface is modularized into dockable elements, which can be stacked in tabs or opened in separate windows. The Tab key toggles the interface elements so that they can be hidden when not in use. GIMP features a full-screen mode, which is effective for previewing images and makes the most of the screen area when editing images.

  1. To install the GIMP package, please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  2. Once installed, start GIMP by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsImage Editior (Gimp).

More information is available from the GIMP documentation page.

Inkscape Vector Graphics Editor

Inkscape is a powerful graphics application for creating and editing in the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file format. It is an Open Source vector graphics editor with capabilities similar to Adobe Illustrator™, CorelDraw™, or Xara™.

Inkscape supports many advanced SVG features (such as markers, clones, alpha blending, and others). Special attention has been given to creating a streamlined, yet feature-rich, interface. With Inkscape it is easy to edit nodes, do complex path operations, trace bitmaps, and perform other advanced drawing functions.

  1. Install the inkscape package. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  2. Once installed, start Inkscape by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsVector Graphics Editor (Inkscape).

For more information see Inkscape homepage.

Blender 3d Modeler

Blender is an integrated 3d suite for modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation, and playback (games). Blender is an effective graphics suite for creating professional quality models and animations.

  1. Install the Blender package. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  2. Once installed, start Blender by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphics3D Modeller (Blender).

Please refer to the Blender documentation page.

Scribus Desktop Publishing

Scribus is an Open Source program that brings award-winning professional page layout to desktops with a combination of "press-ready" output and new approaches to page layout. Behind the user-friendly interface, Scribus offers professional publishing features such as a CMYK color space, separations, spot colors, ICC™ color management and versatile PDF™ creation.

  1. Install the scribus-ng package. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  2. To install additional templates, install the scribus-template package. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  3. Once installed, start Scribus by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsScribus.

Please see the website for more information.

digiKam Photo Management

digiKam is an advanced digital photo management application that makes importing and organizing digital photos a snap. The photos are organized in albums that can be sorted chronologically — by folder layout or by custom collections.

digiKam also supports tagging. Images with the same tag could be spread out across multiple folders. digiKam provides fast and intuitive ways to browse these tagged images. Comments can also be added to images. digiKam uses a fast and robust database to store meta-information, so commenting and tagging are quick and reliable.

Here's how to get started with digiKam:

  1. Install the digiKam package. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help on installing applications.

  2. Once installed, start digiKam by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsPhoto Management.

  3. When a camera is connected to the computer, Kubuntu should pop open a dialog box with choices for further action. Selecting "digiKam Detect and Download" causes digiKam to open and begin importing pictures.

  4. If auto-detection does not work because the camera is not on the currently supported list, launch digiKam by going to Kickoff Application LauncherApplicationsGraphicsPhoto Management. Select CameraAdd Camera... and follow the instructions to add the camera. Once a camera has been set up, pictures can be downloaded from that camera by going to CameraYour camera.

  5. Further help for digiKam can be found in the digiKam Handbook. The digiKam Handbook is not installed by default, it can be installed as the package digikam-doc. Please refer to the Adding Applications document for help with installing applications.