GIMP Studio MCP — Claude Code MCP server for GIMP 3 image editing
Hands your assistant a set of image-editing tools inside GIMP 3, including a workflow for print and DTF transfer jobs.
claude mcp add gimp-studio-mcp -- uvx twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcpWhat GIMP Studio MCP does
The server bridges an AI client and GIMP 3, exposing 119 tools split into 13 groups: layers, masks, selections, text, colour work, filters and analysis. A raw gimp_exec escape hatch stays available, and its output gets captured. Every call answers with a structured result that carries errors, and get_bitmap returns a preview the model can look at to check its own work.
Print and DTF production runs through the whole thing. Tools handle physical sizes at print resolution, knock the garment colour out from behind artwork, add a white underbase with a choked edge, and write a transparent PNG for film. Checkpoints let you roll back before something destructive happens. Live GIMP with a visible canvas and headless mode behave the same way.
You need GIMP 3.x and Python 3.10+ for the server. The GIMP side is a separate piece: run gimp-mcp install-plugin to copy the bridge in, otherwise there is nothing for the server to talk to. The project is in beta and tested against GIMP 3.2.4.
What it helps with
- knock a shirt colour out from behind artwork
- export a 300 DPI transparent PNG for film
- choke the edge of a white underbase
- lay out repeated designs on one gang sheet
- roll back a bad edit to a checkpoint
Example prompts for the agent
- Open
logo.pngand report its layers and dimensions - Remove the black shirt colour behind this artwork and export a transparent PNG at 300 DPI
- Take a checkpoint, then trim the image to its content
How to install GIMP Studio MCP
Platform CLI
claude mcp add gimp-studio-mcp -- uvx twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add gimp-studio-mcp -- uvx twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"gimp-studio-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"gimp-studio-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add gimp-studio-mcp uvx twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about GIMP Studio MCP
How do I install GIMP Studio MCP in Claude Code?
Register the server with your client using claude mcp add gimp-studio-mcp -- uvx twelvetake-gimp-studio-mcp, then add the GIMP-side bridge so the server has something to connect to.
What does GIMP Studio MCP do?
It lets an assistant edit images in GIMP 3 through structured tool calls: layers, masks, selections, text, colour and export, plus a group of tools aimed at print and DTF output.
Do I need GIMP open while using it?
No. If a running GIMP is found the server attaches to it; if not, it starts a headless GIMP on its own.
