# Linux image software GTK4 migrations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/linux-image-software-gtk4-migrations
> Updated: 2026-09-28T10:56:15.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Open source image management and viewing software has undergone significant updates involving migrations to the GTK4 toolkit.

In mid-September, Shotwell released version 33.0, which ported the GNOME digital photo organizer to GTK4. This update introduced GPU-accelerated rendering and improved support for Wayland and HiDPI displays, though it maintained a visually similar interface by not yet utilizing Libadwaita. Functional updates included a native file chooser and streamlined authentication for services such as Google Photos.

Following this, gThumb released version 4.0, which featured a major rewrite using both GTK4 and Libadwaita to provide a modern native experience for GNOME desktops. This version added support for animated WebP and PNG images, as well as the JPEG XL format. It also introduced a new censor tool for blurring or mosaicking areas and enhanced navigation through touchpad and mouse side-button support.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: gThumb 4.0 released with GTK4 and LibAdwaita port

gThumb 4.0 has been released, featuring a major GTK4 and LibAdwaita port that modernizes the GNOME image viewer with improved UI, touchpad gestures, and support for JPEG XL and animated WebP/PNG.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gthumb-40-released-with-gtk4-and-libadwaita-port

### 2026-09-13: Shotwell releases version 33.0 with GTK4 port

Shotwell has released version 33.0, its first major update to the GTK4 toolkit, providing GPU-accelerated rendering and improved Wayland support for GNOME and Ubuntu users.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shotwell-releases-version-330-with-gtk4-port

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Cite as: Linux image software GTK4 migrations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/linux-image-software-gtk4-migrations