Photo & Design

Can I delete GIMP from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

Yes, you can delete GIMP from your Mac. Doing so removes the application binary but does not automatically erase your personal images or the local configuration files stored in ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

See how much space GIMP really takes before you decide

GIMP data usually takes 500 MB – 10 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: GIMP
Typical data size: 500 MB – 10 GB
Category: Photo & Design
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP

What you lose and what you keep when deleting GIMP

Specific to GIMP

Removing the app leaves behind your custom brushes, patterns, and scripts, as well as settings for each version you have installed. Your own image files remain safe in their chosen locations. However, if you do not manually delete the data folder, up to 10 GB of swap files and version-specific settings will persist on your drive. This means the app’s footprint remains even after the icon disappears.

Where your GIMP data lives

GIMP keeps none of your own files in its folders; what it stores is rebuilt automatically or comes from your account.

~/Library/Application Support/GIMP App data · settings, brushes, plug-ins and swap per version Yes, once the app is gone

Your files: Images are saved wherever you choose.

Important steps before removing GIMP

You should copy any custom assets you created to a separate backup location before uninstalling. Ensure all open projects are saved as .xcf files or exported to other formats. Quitting the application first clears temporary swap files, preventing them from lingering in the data folder. If you plan to reinstall later, keeping these files allows you to restore your workspace settings.

Copy custom brushes, patterns, and scripts from the data folderSave open images as .xcf or export themQuit the app to clear swap files

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How to delete GIMP completely

Quit GIMP, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP. The full step-by-step guide:

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Frequently asked questions

Will deleting GIMP delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.

Why is there still data after I delete the app?

Deleting the application binary does not remove the local settings or asset folders. You must manually delete the data folder to reclaim that space.

Will I lose my custom brushes?

No, but they remain in the local data folder. You need to copy them out if you want to preserve them separately from the app installation.