You are here

Issues with Gimp-Python

I've recently downloaded a plug-in that requires me to have python support in GIMP, but I'm having a problem..
Gimp will not recognize the plug-in, it doesn't show up at all, I'm getting the Python-Fu in the filters, but the plug-in won't show. Also, when I try to run the python console, it does nothing. Does anybody know what the problem is?

Thanks! :)


Open the console and then list the Python version shown there.

Are you using Linux or Windows? If you are using Linux, your py files need to be executable.

Where are you downloading your python plug-ins to? What folder?

Well, the console won't even open, and I put my .py scripts into my plug-ins folder, the one in the install directory

It's known that Python versions above 2.6.x will not work with GIMP 2.6.x .py plug-ins. If you're using Linux py files have to be executable.

Since you didn't mention your OS, it's hard to make any recommendations. It's possible you may not have the other needed libraries for Python. See:

I'm running on windows XP, and am using python 2.6.6. I apologize for not displaying this information in the beginning, and that is the exact page I followed to get it on. I used the gtk-all in one installer

and the console will not open it sounds like a path variable error.Have you used python plug-ins before now?

Oops.. Sorry for the double post

Okay, nix what I just said.. I forgot that python doesn't have a bin folder, so now the version and additional commands show up, but the console still won't run, and my script still won't show up :(

Still making absolutely no progress with this... I've even tried re-installing everything three times, still nothing

Try installing the additional libraries individually instead of using the all-in-one package.

I already have :( I did that with one of the many re-installs. Am I supposed to install Python to a specific place? I put it in C:\Program Files.

Mine is installed to its own directory on the C drive C:\Python26

Hm.... Wonder what could be wrong :/

So, maybe I should try another re-install

Still nothing.. Maybe I should just give up

Don't give up. If you have Python installed in Windows, you should be able to call it via its own console using the DOS prompt. There should be an editor option for it under Programs in the Start menu.

Hm. Well, everything in python seems to work fine, except in GIMP.. For some odd reason GIMPs python-fu console won't run, and the plug-ins still won't show up. Whenever I click on the console under Filters>Python-Fu, it never comes up.

Have you upgraded to GIMP 2.6.11? It's worth a shot. Just make sure to back up any scripts/plug-ins/brushes, etc you may have stored in the global folders for GIMP in Program Files location.

I am using 2.6.11 :(. I forgot to mention a lot of stuff, sorry! :/

Mine is in C/Python

Python may not like paths with embedded blanc spaces (as C:/Program Files)

Well ...not sure but i prefer be on the safe side and C/Python the suggested place

Hm.. I added the variable to path and here's what it comes back with in the Command Prompt:

operable program or batch file.

And this is my very first python script, never even thought about using one before

Open a command window and type in
set path=C:\Python26

Where C:\Python26 is your installation directory if it isn't type the correct path to the Python26 folder.

Be sure the python.exe file is in that folder!
After you type that you should see the version of python come up.
This is the set command to tell XP where to find Python. :)

Also could you tell me if you installed all the other libraries?
PYGTK and PYCAIRO and the others?

Wait, nvm... I forgot to add the path at the end of set.. :) But now, it just goes to a new line, doesn't do anything

try the command for python again and see if it shows the version.
To do that just type Python.
If it gives you the version then Python is recognized now through xp and you can nix the python problem.
Then it will be time to check libraries Gimp needs to run python filters, or try another python script like LayersFX. :)

Also, you should shut down and restart your computer after each library install.
ie... Install PYGTK - restart/Install PYCAIRO - restart .. and so on.AND
If you ever re-install Gimps libraries for python-fu uninstall Gimp and re-install it choosing the python box again.

Yeah, it's definitely not Python.. The version and stuff shows up just fine in the cmd prompt, so I guess it's just GIMP. I may try yet another re-install

If you are using Windows version, if you are trying to use file paths, don't forget to use the backslash twice (a weirdness with Windows and Python). :)

[code]LINKERN = 'C:\\cygwin\\bin\\linkern.exe'

I had this issue with a python script. Wacky and non-intuitive to say the least. :)

Go to Start/Command Prompt/wait for the command window (DOS) to open and load.
It should load in some type that includes your user name.
Now type in Python

You should get a version and date of install.If you get an error its in the path variable and you will need to create a path in Control Panel/System/Advanced select environment variables/select path in the list/add the path - ;C:\Python26\bin;C:\Python26\lib; - to your path list of variables.

Type it exactly like i did with the semi colons included.
Select ok/ok/ok
restart your computer/restart Gimp - or go to Start/Command Prompt/ and type in Python again and see what happens.

How confident are you using Regedit?

I would recommend, leave Python alone, as it is. Do not uninstall any of the Python GTK libraries, either.

But completely uninstall GIMP and remove any traces of it from the registry. DO NOT DELETE your single users files/folders at .gimp-2.6, though. Reboot the computer after you remove GIMP folders from the registry.

Then reinstall GIMP with a fresh clean file from Cross your fingers.

Strange.. I just tried to execute the .py script in the folder for the python-fu console, and it actually works... But it doesn't work in GIMP:/

Well, this is rather frustrating.. No matter what I try it doesn't work, the plug-ins won't even show up where their supposed to be

Maybe I'm using an outdated script? I'm using the layerfx from here:
Because the Fog python plug-in that comes with GIMP shows up just fine

That script shows up in the Layers menu in GIMP, not under Filters.

Yea, I can't find it there, I've looked over it time and time again, but still can't find it :(

I decided to get gimp 2.7.. And the plug-ins show up! The Python-Fu console shows up when I click it and everything, making me wonder what's going on

Okay, I don't know how, and I don't necessarily care how, but the plug-in shows up now, but it has an error anytime I run it

I think this whole problem has to be with a shortcut from a previous 2.6.11 install... After I reinstalled I accidentally left create shortcuts option checked, and when I opened from MY shortcut, it wouldn't work.. But when I use the start menu shortcut, it all works! Thanks for your time guys! Can't believe this was all because of a simple mistake

When I followed the directions in to install Python 2.6, et al, for Python-Fu, I found that I had to search for an installable version of Python 2.6 and the GTK "all in one" barfed so I had to install PYCairo, pYGobject, and PYGTK one at a time. After re-installing GIMP, when I launched GIMP, I got a zillion error messages about some DLL. Upon the advice from the GIMP users group, I fell back on Python 2.5. But first I had to un-install all the Python 2.6 stuff.

How to REALLY un-install software.

1. Go to and download and install the Eusing Free Registry Cleaner.
2. Go to Start - Computer, find your hard drive (c:\), select it, on the Windows Explorer Toolbar, click on "Organize," and then "Folder and Search Options." In the tabbed wizard that comes up, click on the "View" tab, and then click on the radio button that reads "Show hidden files and folders," click "Apply" and then click "Apply to Folders" and click "Yes" in the little box that pops up. Close Windows Explorer and open it right back up again.
3. Go to C:\windows\system32 and scroll down until you see "regedit32" or "regedit32.exe" (depending on whether you have the supidest Windows default ever -- "Hide extensions for known file types" -- checked in the aforementioned "Folder and Search Options" Wizard), right click on it and select "Run as an administrator."
4. Try uninstalling all the Python-related software in the Windows installer. If you do not know how to do this, RTFM (read the "fine" manual!). That is, fire up the Windows help menu and look up "uninstall software."
5. Chances are, the Windows uninstaller left bits and pieces of Python all over the place.
5a. Open Windows Explorer and delete the Phython folder (ex: C:\Python26).
5b. Above the usual "C:\Program files" you should now see the hidden "C:\Program data" folder. Poke around in its sub-folders and delete anything that looks Python-ish.
5c. Find "C:\users." Under this folder should be a sub-folder for each "user" on your PC. Open each one, look for an "AppData" sub-folder. Under the "AppData" sub-folder will be a bunch of sub-sub-folders. Open each one and delete anything Python-ish.
5d. This is hard-core Windows stuff but it has to be done. In the Registry Editor navagation pane are two folders: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER" and "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE." Open each one. Go down to "software." Open each "software" and delete anything that looks Python-ish. Then close RegEdit. Go back into windows Explorer and reverse the procedure to make hidden files and folders visible.
6. Run the Eusing Free Registry Cleaner. When it comes up, click "Skip" on the registration wizard. Then click on "Scan registry issues." When the scan finishes (you will probably see some Python-ish stuff in the list), click on "Repair registry issues." After that finishes, close the Cleaner.

Now all the Python 2.5 stuff should install cleanly. Search for these installers in Google or whatever and go nuts!

These are the packages that worked for me:


Chuck "The Technomasochist" Small

This has already been more or less discussed. Check the 4/5th message on the next node: (cleaning and simple installation)

and for installation on different machines: (only installation)

scroll down to installation notes.
Python v2.6.6 works very well together with Gimp 2.6.11 on a windows XP system.

About unistalling completly revo unistaller (just to name a freeware ) may do easily in 1 step.
I don't think Python 2.6 was the problem but too recent version of some other library

This whole Python topic needs to be centralized and organized into one thread. There is NO "one size fits all" solution to everybody's Python problems. I cannot state this enough.

There are too many threads scattered, too much repetition, too many "here's how I solved it" scenarios that may not apply to everyone else.

If anything, the user needs to rule out all the usual suspects before moving on to a different Python version. And that's where a central Python thread would come in handy, and everyone can be referred to it, and run the gauntlet of troubleshooting before taking any drastic measures.

I'd like some assistance in creating a step by step comprehensive checklist for a Python guide, that users can refer to before randomly uninstalling and reinstalling different Python versions. The guide needs to be in an orderly fashion, ruling out the more common reasons why Python doesn't appear to work in GIMP, before having the user perform drastic measures. I've created a thread at Gimp Chat, asking for those with Python know-how to participate.

I could create a page here as well, but it will need willing participants to help put it in the proper order (steps that need to be taken).

Subscribe to Comments for "Issues with Gimp-Python"