Implementation: Serves as the integration point where all convert branches are merged together to create the common base that feature branches build upon.

convert-app-core-item

Purpose: Adds utility functions for item geometry calculation, hierarchy analysis, and layer type detection.

Role: Foundation layer providing core item management utilities needed by other branches for item operations.

Files Modified:

app/core/gimpitem.c (62 lines added - 4 new utility functions)
app/core/gimpitem.h (7 lines added - function declarations)

Implementation: Introduces four utility functions to the core item system:

gimp_item_get_bounding_box(): Calculates the bounding rectangle of any item by combining its offset position with its dimensions, used for layout and positioning operations.
gimp_item_get_depth(): Determines how deeply nested an item is in the layer hierarchy, with protection against circular references (max 1000 iterations). Returns -1 if circular reference detected.
gimp_item_is_group_layer(): Type-safe detection of group layers, providing identification of layer groups vs. regular layers.
gimp_item_is_basic_layer(): Identifies basic (non-group) layers by checking if an item is a layer but not a group layer.

These utilities form the foundation for layer management, selection operations, and hierarchy-based features throughout Artbox. The bounding box calculation is particularly important for automation scripts and selection tools.

convert-app-core-image

Purpose: Adds convenience functions for single-selection operations, simplifying workflows when working with individual items.

Role: Streamlines single-item selection workflows by providing dedicated functions for common single-selection scenarios.

Files Modified:

app/core/gimpimage.c (35 lines added - 2 new convenience functions)
app/core/gimpimage.h (5 lines added - function declarations)

Implementation: Introduces two convenience functions that simplify single-selection workflows:

gimp_image_get_single_selected_drawable(): Returns a single drawable if exactly one is selected, or NULL otherwise. This eliminates the need to manually check selection counts and extract single items from lists, making single-item operations much cleaner and more readable.
gimp_image_set_single_selected_layer(): Convenience wrapper for selecting a single layer by creating a temporary list, calling the multi-selection function, and cleaning up. This provides a simpler API for selecting just one layer.

These functions improve code readability and reduce boilerplate when dealing with single-selection scenarios, which are common in user workflows. They form building blocks for script automation and simplified tool interactions.

convert-app-core-grouplayer

Purpose: Group layer functionality improvements.

Purpose: Adds hierarchical child retrieval function for group layers with optional recursive nesting support.

Role: Enables efficient traversal and manipulation of complex layer hierarchies in group layer structures.

Files Modified:

app/core/gimpgrouplayer.c (36 lines added - new traversal function)
app/core/gimpgrouplayer.h (2 lines added - function declaration)

Implementation: Introduces a utility function:

gimp_group_layer_get_all_child_items(): Retrieves all child items from a group layer with configurable recursion control. When get_nested is TRUE, it recursively traverses nested group layers to collect all descendants in a flattened list. When FALSE, it returns only direct children.

The function uses safe iteration over the group’s children container and includes recursive traversal for nested groups. This is useful for operations that need to work on entire layer hierarchies, such as:

Batch operations on all layers in a group structure
Layer selection and filtering within complex hierarchies
Export operations that need to process all nested content
Script automation that works with group layer contents

This function enables bulk operations on complex layer trees.

convert-app-core-gimppickable-auto-shrink

Purpose: Auto-shrink functionality with background color detection and expanded shrinking algorithms for optimized memory usage and improved cropping operations.

Role: Memory management and performance optimization that provides background detection for auto-shrinking operations.

Files Modified (4 files, 280 insertions, 142 deletions):

app/actions/image-commands.c (2 insertions): Added handling for new AUTO_SHRINK_BLACK and AUTO_SHRINK_UNIFORM cases
app/actions/layers-commands.c (2 insertions): Added handling for new shrink modes in layer cropping operations
app/core/gimppickable-auto-shrink.c (274 insertions, 142 deletions): Major enhancement with intelligent background detection algorithms
app/core/gimppickable-auto-shrink.h (2 insertions): New function declarations for background color detection

Implementation: This branch enhances the auto-shrink system with background detection and expanded shrinking capabilities:

Enhanced Shrinking Modes: Expands the internal AutoShrinkType enumeration to include:
- AUTO_SHRINK_BLACK = 3: Specialized mode for detecting and shrinking black backgrounds
- Support for GIMP_AUTO_SHRINK_UNIFORM: Uniform color background detection mode
Background Detection: Introduces the new gimp_pickable_guess_bgcolor() function that analyzes pickable objects to determine background colors within specified regions (x1, x2, y1, y2). This enables auto-shrinking decisions based on content analysis.
Enhanced Command Integration: Updates both image and layer command handling to properly process the new shrinking modes:
- image-commands.c: Extends crop-to-content operations with black and uniform background handling
- layers-commands.c: Ensures layer cropping operations respect the new shrinking modes
Improved Algorithm Architecture: Refactors the core auto-shrink implementation (274 lines of changes) to support color analysis and background detection algorithms, enabling more accurate automatic cropping operations.

This enhancement provides users with auto-cropping capabilities that can detect and handle various background color scenarios, improving workflow efficiency for content with uniform or black backgrounds.

convert-app-config

Purpose: Plugin path configuration system that adds data directory plugin search paths for improved plugin discovery and deployment flexibility.

Role: Infrastructure enhancement that expands plugin loading capabilities to support both user and system plugin directories.

Files Modified (1 file, 2 insertions):

libgimpconfig/gimpconfig-path.c (2 lines added): Enhanced plugin path building with data directory support

Implementation: This branch enhances the plugin path configuration system with a strategic addition to plugin discovery:

Expanded Plugin Search Paths: Modifies gimp_config_build_plug_in_path() to include the data directory in the plugin search path:
- Original path: ${gimp_dir} → ${gimp_plug_in_dir}
- Enhanced path: ${gimp_dir} → ${gimp_data_dir} → ${gimp_plug_in_dir}
Improved Plugin Discovery: The addition of ${gimp_data_dir} provides:
- System-wide plugin support: Plugins can be installed in shared data directories
- Package manager compatibility: Better integration with Linux distribution packaging
- Deployment flexibility: Multiple installation locations for different plugin types
Search Path Priority: Maintains logical search order:
- User directory (${gimp_dir}) - highest priority for user-specific plugins
- Data directory (${gimp_data_dir}) - system/shared plugins
- Plugin directory (${gimp_plug_in_dir}) - standard plugin installation location
Backward Compatibility: The change is additive, preserving existing plugin loading behavior while expanding capabilities.

This enhancement enables more flexible plugin deployment strategies and better integration with system package managers, particularly important for Artbox’s distribution and plugin ecosystem.

convert-meson

Purpose: Build system rebranding from GIMP to Artbox through data directory path modification in the Meson build configuration.

Role: Infrastructure change that establishes Artbox’s distinct data directory structure and installation paths.

Files Modified (1 file, 1 insertion, 1 deletion):

meson.build (1 line modified): Data directory path configuration change from project-based to Artbox-specific

Implementation: This branch implements a build system change that establishes Artbox’s independent identity:

Data Directory Rebranding: Changes the gimpdatadir configuration from:
- Original: get_option('datadir') / project_subdir (uses dynamic project name)
- Updated: get_option('datadir') / 'artbox' (uses hardcoded ‘artbox’ identifier)
Installation Path Impact: This change affects all data file installations:
- System themes: Now installed to /usr/share/artbox/ instead of /usr/share/gimp/
- Resources: Brushes, patterns, gradients use Artbox-specific paths
- Documentation: Help files and documentation use Artbox directories
- Plugins: Data-dependent plugins reference Artbox data locations
Independence from Project Variables: By hardcoding ‘artbox’, this ensures:
- Brand consistency: All installations clearly identify as Artbox
- Separation from GIMP: Prevents conflicts with existing GIMP installations
- Predictable paths: Data locations are consistent regardless of build configuration
Build System Integration: Works with the existing Meson infrastructure while:
- Maintaining compatibility with existing build options
- Preserving other directory variables (gimpplugindir, gimpsysconfdir)
- Ensuring proper data directory references throughout the build

This simple change is important for Artbox’s independent distribution and ensures users can install Artbox alongside GIMP without data directory conflicts.

convert-dynamics-editor

Purpose: Dynamics editor interface overhaul with input label management, improved function signatures, and modernized GTK widget handling.

Role: Architectural improvement to the dynamics editor providing better maintainability, user interface consistency, and improved input mapping visualization.

Files Modified (2 files, 279 insertions, 40 deletions):

app/widgets/gimpdynamicseditor.c (100 insertions, 5 deletions): Enhanced dynamics editor with input label management and modernized widget handling
app/widgets/gimpdynamicsoutputeditor.c (219 insertions, 2 deletions): Major expansion of output editor functionality with enhanced UI components

Implementation: This branch represents an architectural improvement to the dynamics editor system:

Enhanced Function Signatures: Modernizes function parameters throughout the dynamics editor system:
- gimp_dynamics_editor_add_output_row(): Enhanced with GtkWidget **input_labels parameter for improved label management
- gimp_dynamics_editor_init_output_editors(): Added input labels parameter for better component tracking
- dynamics_check_button_new(): Enhanced with row label and input label parameters for improved checkbox management
Input Label Management System: Introduces input label tracking with GtkWidget *input_labels[7] array, enabling better coordination between different dynamics input channels and their visual representation.
Modernized GTK Widget Handling: Updates deprecated GTK functions for better compatibility:
- Replaces gtk_widget_show() with gtk_widget_set_visible(widget, TRUE) for improved clarity and future GTK compatibility
- Enhanced widget visibility management throughout the interface
UI Architecture: Expansion of the output editor (219 lines added) with improved:
- Mapping matrix layout with better visual organization
- Scrollability for complex dynamics configurations
- Tooltip systems for user guidance
- Reset confirmation dialogs to prevent accidental data loss
Component Integration: Better integration between the main dynamics editor and individual output editors, providing more cohesive user experience and improved state management.

This modernization provides a foundation for dynamics editing while maintaining backward compatibility and improving user experience.

convert-context-all-merged

Purpose: Context system enhancement providing previous tool tracking and eraser toggle functionality for improved tool workflow and context-aware operations.

Role: Core infrastructure improvement that enables tool switching behaviors and context-aware features throughout Artbox.

Files Modified (2 files, 7 insertions, 1 deletion):

app/core/gimpcontext.c (4 insertions): Previous tool tracking implementation and memory management
app/core/gimpcontext.h (4 insertions, 1 deletion): New context fields and function declarations

Implementation: This branch introduces tool context enhancements that form the foundation for tool behaviors:

Previous Tool Tracking: Adds prev_tool_info field to the GimpContext structure, enabling the system to remember the previously active tool. This is useful for tool restoration workflows and toggle behaviors.
Tool Management: Implements tool transition handling in gimp_context_real_set_tool():
- Stores current tool as previous tool before switching: g_set_object (&context->prev_tool_info, context->tool_info)
- Maintains tool history for workflow restoration features
Memory Management: Lifecycle management for the new context fields:
- Initialization: Sets prev_tool_info to NULL during context initialization
- Cleanup: Implements g_clear_object (&context->prev_tool_info) in dispose method to prevent memory leaks
Eraser Toggle Foundation: Declares gimp_context_eraser_toggle() function in the header, providing the foundation for eraser toggle functionality that allows switching between tools and eraser mode.
API Extension: Extends the context API to support tool management patterns needed by Artbox’s tool workflows, particularly for paint tools and selection tools.

This enhancement enables tool switching behaviors, including the ability to restore previous tools after filter operations, implement tool toggles, and provide context-aware tool behavior throughout the application.

convert-pref-all-merged

Purpose: Preferences system overhaul introducing selection highlighting, path visualization, and configuration management for Artbox-specific features.

Role: Configuration system expansion that provides the foundation for user customization and visual feedback systems throughout Artbox.

Files Modified (10 files, 1343 insertions, 19 deletions):

app/config/gimpcoreconfig.c (93 insertions, 1 deletion): Core configuration with selection highlighting and path line properties
app/config/gimpcoreconfig.h (6 insertions): New configuration property declarations
app/config/gimpdisplayconfig.c (14 insertions): Display-specific configuration enhancements
app/config/gimpdisplayconfig.h (1 insertion): Display configuration property declarations
app/config/gimpguiconfig.c (566 insertions, 1 deletion): Major GUI configuration expansion with advanced user interface options
app/config/gimpguiconfig.h (38 insertions): Extensive GUI configuration property declarations
app/config/gimprc-blurbs.h (29 insertions): Configuration help text and descriptions
app/dialogs/preferences-dialog-utils.c (298 insertions): New preference dialog utility functions
app/dialogs/preferences-dialog-utils.h (8 insertions): Preference dialog utility declarations
app/dialogs/preferences-dialog.c (309 insertions, 1 deletion): Major preferences dialog expansion

Implementation: This branch represents an enhancement to Artbox’s configuration system with several improvements:

Selection Highlighting System: Introduces selection visualization options:
- PROP_SELECTION_HIGHLIGHTING: Boolean toggle for selection highlighting feature
- PROP_SELECTION_HIGHLIGHT_COLOR: Customizable selection highlighting color (default: black with 0.5 alpha)
- PROP_SELECTION_LINE_WIDTH: Configurable selection line thickness
- PROP_SELECTION_LINE_ALPHA: Adjustable selection line transparency
Path Visualization: Adds path rendering controls:
- PROP_PATH_LINE_WIDTH: Customizable path line thickness for better visibility
- PROP_PATH_LINE_ALPHA: Adjustable path line transparency for optimal contrast
GUI Configuration Expansion: Enhancement to GUI configuration (566 lines added) including:
- User interface customization options
- Layout and behavior controls
- Accessibility features
- Workflow optimization settings
Preference Dialog System Overhaul: Expansion of preference management:
- New utility functions (298 lines) for preference dialog construction
- Preference organization and categorization
- Improved user experience for configuration management
- Better validation and error handling
Configuration Architecture Enhancement: Improved configuration system architecture with:
- Better property management and type safety
- Default value handling
- Improved configuration persistence
- Better integration with Artbox-specific features

This overhaul provides users with customization capabilities while establishing a foundation for Artbox’s visual feedback and user interface systems.

convert-paintbrush-all-merged

Purpose: Paintbrush system transformation with brush engine, tool options overhaul, and brush control interface for digital art creation.

Role: Core foundation providing the paintbrush architecture that enables digital art workflows and brush behavior throughout Artbox.

Files Modified (12 files, 1386 insertions, 493 deletions):

app/config/gimpguiconfig.c (34 insertions): Brush reset and update button configuration options
app/config/gimpguiconfig.h (2 insertions): GUI configuration property declarations for brush controls
app/dialogs/preferences-dialog.c (14 insertions): Preference dialog integration for brush settings
app/paint/gimpbrushcore.c (3 insertions, 1 deletion): Enhanced brush core functionality
app/paint/gimppaintcore.c (8 insertions, 1 deletion): Improved paint core operations
app/paint/gimppaintoptions.c (445 insertions, 3 deletions): Major paint options enhancement with advanced features
app/paint/gimppaintoptions.h (46 insertions, 1 deletion): Extensive paint options structure expansion
app/tools/gimppaintoptions-gui.c (1287 insertions, 111 deletions): Complete GUI overhaul for paint tool options
app/tools/gimppainttool.h (5 insertions): Paint tool header enhancements
app/widgets/gimpcontainerpopup.c (12 insertions, 1 deletion): Container popup improvements
app/widgets/gimpviewablebox.c (11 insertions, 1 deletion): Viewable box widget enhancements
libgimpwidgets/gimppropwidgets.c (12 insertions): Property widget improvements

Implementation: This branch represents the most significant transformation to the paintbrush system, establishing Artbox as a digital art platform:

Brush Control Interface: Complete redesign of the paint options GUI (1287 lines added) featuring:
- Brush parameter controls with precision sliders
- Brush dynamics integration
- Real-time brush preview and feedback systems
- Brush behavior customization options
Paint Options Enhancement: Expansion of paint options system (445 lines added) including:
- Brush behavior parameters
- Opacity and flow controls
- Blending mode options
- Brush dynamics support
Brush Management: Introduction of user-configurable brush control features:
- PROP_SHOW_BRUSH_RESET_BUTTONS: Optional reset buttons for quick brush parameter restoration
- PROP_SHOW_BRUSH_UPDATE_BUTTONS: Optional update buttons for brush setting management
- Brush preset integration
Widget System: Improvements to widget handling (46 property additions) including:
- Better container popup behavior for brush selection
- Improved viewable box functionality for brush previews
- Property widget responsiveness and usability
Paint Engine: Core improvements to paint engine architecture:
- Brush core performance and rendering
- Improved paint core operations for better responsiveness
- Better integration with brush features

This transformation establishes the foundation for digital art creation, providing artists with the brush control and responsiveness expected in modern digital art applications.

convert-force-artbox-config

Purpose: Configuration directory enforcement that ensures Artbox uses its own dedicated configuration directory separate from GIMP installations.

Role: Infrastructure component that prevents configuration conflicts and ensures Artbox maintains its own user settings and preferences.

Files Modified (1 file, 4 insertions):

libgimpbase/gimpenv.c (4 lines added): Configuration directory path enforcement for Artbox

Implementation: This branch implements an identity separation at the configuration level:

Dedicated Configuration Directory: Forces Artbox to use .config/Artbox/3.0/default as the configuration directory when the GIMP3_DIRECTORY environment variable is not set:
```
/* Force a different directory for Artbox config files */
if (! env_gimp_dir)
  env_gimp_dir = ".config/Artbox/3.0/default";
```
Environment Variable Respect: Maintains compatibility with manual configuration directory specification through the GIMP3_DIRECTORY environment variable, allowing advanced users to override the default location if needed.
Clean Separation: Ensures that Artbox installations do not interfere with existing GIMP configurations, allowing both applications to coexist on the same system without conflicts.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Uses proper path construction that works across different operating systems while maintaining the Artbox-specific directory structure.

This change establishes Artbox as a completely independent application from GIMP at the configuration level, preventing user confusion and ensuring that settings, brushes, presets, and other user data remain separate between the applications.

convert-name

Purpose: Rebranding from GIMP to Artbox throughout the application interface, about dialogs, and user-facing text.

Role: Identity transformation establishing Artbox as a distinct application with its own branding and attribution.

Files Modified:

app/about.h (12 modifications - name, acronym, copyright, and license text)
app/actions/dialogs-actions.c (8 modifications - dialog action descriptions)
app/dialogs/about-dialog.c (6 modifications - about dialog title and website)
app/display/gimpdisplayshell-callbacks.c (48 deletions - removes GIMP-specific drop zone graphics and unstable version warnings)
app/errors.c (2 modifications - development version message)

Implementation: Renaming operation that transforms core identity elements:

Application Identity: Changes GIMP acronym and “GNU Image Manipulation Program” to “Artbox” throughout the interface
Copyright Attribution: Updates copyright to include “Mark Sweeney” alongside original GIMP developers
License Text: Modifies license statements to reference “Artbox” instead of “GIMP”
About Dialog: Updates dialog titles, website URL (to https://script-fu.github.io/artbox/), and website labels
Help Text: Changes all user-facing help text and tooltips to reference Artbox
Visual Cleanup: Removes GIMP-specific drop zone graphics (Wilber mascot) and development version warnings that don’t apply to Artbox
Error Messages: Updates development version messages for Artbox context

This branch establishes Artbox as a distinct application while maintaining attribution to the original GIMP developers. The changes affect all user-visible text and branding elements.

convert-brush-aspect-ratio

Purpose: Brush aspect ratio enhancements with normalized linear range for predictable distortion.

Role: Enhanced brush shape control with simplified aspect ratio interface.

Files Modified:

app/core/gimpbrush-transform.cc
app/core/gimpbrush.c
app/core/gimpbrushgenerated.c
app/paint/gimpbrushcore.c
app/pdb/context-cmds.c
app/widgets/gimpbrusheditor.c
pdb/groups/context.pdb

Implementation: Replaces the old non-linear aspect ratio range of -20 to 20 with a simplified linear range from -1 to 1. Value of 1 means undistorted, 0 represents high distortion, and -1 flips the brush stamp, providing predictable linear distortion and finer control over brush appearance.

convert-boolean-options

Purpose: Boolean option default changes that improve workflow efficiency by enabling device tool sharing and immediate filter merging by default.

Role: User experience enhancement that establishes more productive default behaviors for workflow scenarios.

Files Modified (2 files, 2 insertions, 2 deletions):

app/config/gimpguiconfig.c (1 insertion, 1 deletion): Device tool sharing default changed from FALSE to TRUE
app/tools/gimpfilteroptions.c (1 insertion, 1 deletion): Filter merge default changed from FALSE to TRUE

Implementation: This branch implements two default value changes that improve user workflow:

Device Tool Sharing Enhancement: Changes the default behavior for devices-share-tool from FALSE to TRUE:
- Impact: When multiple input devices (mouse, tablet, stylus) are used, they now share the same tool by default
- Benefit: Eliminates the confusion of having different tools selected on different devices, providing a more intuitive experience for users switching between input methods
- Use Case: Beneficial for digital artists who frequently switch between mouse and tablet/stylus input
Filter Merge Default: Changes the default behavior for filter operations from FALSE to TRUE:
- Impact: Filters are now immediately merged/applied by default rather than remaining as editable non-destructive filters
- Benefit: Provides immediate results for users who prefer direct editing workflows
- Flexibility: Users can still disable this option to access non-destructive filter editing when needed

These changes reflect Artbox’s focus on streamlined workflows and user-friendly defaults, reducing the need for users to manually configure preferences while maintaining flexibility for users.

convert-icon-picker

Purpose: Icon picker interface enhancements.

Role: Improved icon selection and management.

Files Modified:

app/widgets/gimpdynamicseditor.c
app/widgets/gimpiconpicker.c
app/widgets/gimpiconpicker.h
app/widgets/gimppropwidgets.c
app/widgets/gimppropwidgets.h
app/widgets/gimptemplateeditor.c
app/widgets/gimptoolpreseteditor.c

Implementation: Enhances the icon picker interface for better icon selection and visual feedback.

convert-tool-tips-option

Purpose: Tooltip system enhancement that provides user-configurable tooltip display based on application preferences for improved user experience control.

Role: User interface customization that allows users to control when tooltips are displayed, providing cleaner interfaces for experienced users while maintaining help for beginners.

Files Modified (2 files, 17 insertions, 3 deletions):

app/widgets/gimpdockbook.c (13 insertions, 3 deletions): Enhanced dockbook tab widget creation with tooltip configuration integration
app/widgets/gimptoolbutton.c (7 insertions): Tool button enhancements with GUI configuration integration

Implementation: This branch introduces tooltip management that respects user preferences:

Configuration-Aware Tooltip Display: Integrates with the GUI configuration system to conditionally display tooltips:
```
if (gui_config->show_tool_tips)
  show_tips = gimp_dockable_get_blurb (dockable);
```
Dockbook Integration: Modifies the dockbook tab widget creation process to:
- Access the context and GUI configuration through gimp_dock_get_context() and GIMP_GUI_CONFIG()
- Conditionally set tooltip text based on user preferences
- Maintain help data functionality while respecting tooltip preferences
Tool Button Configuration: Adds GUI configuration support to tool buttons through config/gimpguiconfig.h integration, enabling tooltip behavior customization for tool buttons as well.
Variable Management: Better organization of local variables in tab widget creation with clearer naming and initialization patterns.
User Experience Control: Allows users to disable tooltips for a cleaner interface while preserving help system functionality for when tooltips are enabled.

This enhancement provides users with control over tooltip display, supporting both experienced users who prefer minimal interfaces and new users who benefit from contextual help information.

convert-help-id

Purpose: Help system enhancement with additional path editing help identifier for user guidance and documentation access.

Role: Help system expansion that provides specific help context for path editing operations, improving user access to relevant documentation.

Files Modified (1 file, 1 insertion):

app/widgets/gimphelp-ids.h (1 line added): New help identifier for path end edit operations

Implementation: This branch adds a help system enhancement:

Path Editing Help Expansion: Introduces GIMP_HELP_PATH_END_EDIT help identifier specifically for path end edit operations:
```
#define GIMP_HELP_PATH_END_EDIT "gimp-path-end-edit"
```
User Guidance: Provides a dedicated help identifier that can be referenced throughout the application when users need guidance on ending path edit operations, ensuring consistent access to relevant help documentation.
Help System Completeness: Fills a gap in the help identifier system where path editing operations had identifiers for import, export, and general edit operations, but lacked specific guidance for ending edit sessions.
Documentation Integration: Enables the help system to provide context-specific documentation for path editing workflows, particularly important for users learning complex vector path manipulation.

While this is a small change (single line addition), it represents a usability improvement that ensures users have access to appropriate help documentation for all path editing operations, supporting Artbox’s focus on user-friendly workflows.

convert-curve-view

Purpose: Enhancements to the Curve View interface used in the Dynamics Editor and Curves Filter for improved usability and 4K display compatibility.

Role: UI improvements that enhance the curve editing experience across all curve-based tools and filters.

Files Modified (414 insertions, 231 deletions):

app/widgets/gimpcurveview.c (642 lines modified - major interface overhaul)
app/widgets/gimpcurveview.h (3 lines modified - interface updates)

Implementation: Based on feature-test analysis, this branch implements four improvements:

Grid Line Visibility: Added rendering modes to ensure grid lines are consistently visible across different background tones, solving visibility issues that made curve editing difficult in various visual contexts.
Coordinate Display Refinement: Redesigned the X,Y coordinate display to eliminate obtrusive block highlighting, improving readability and reducing visual distraction for a cleaner interface.
Curve Point Visibility: Visibility of curve control points specifically for 4K displays where points could become difficult to see, ensuring accessibility across all display resolutions.
Shift-Key Curve Movement: Implemented functionality to move all curve points together when holding the Shift key, enabling synchronized curve adjustments for efficient editing workflows.

These changes represent a usability improvement for all curve-based operations in Artbox, making the interface more accessible.

convert-icons

Purpose: Icon system enhancement with new editor-specific icons and document management icon additions for improved visual consistency and user interface clarity.

Role: Visual identity and user interface improvement that provides specialized icons for different editor types and enhanced document management workflows.

Files Modified (1 file, 6 insertions):

libgimpwidgets/gimpicons.h (6 lines added): New icon definitions for chain states, document operations, and editor-specific icons

Implementation: This branch expands the icon system with targeted additions:

Chain State Icons: Adds GIMP_ICON_CHAIN_HORIZONTAL_DATA_LOSS for indicating potential data loss scenarios in chain-linked controls, providing better visual feedback for destructive operations.
Document Management Icons: Introduces batch document operation icons:
- GIMP_ICON_DOCUMENTS_SAVE: For saving multiple documents simultaneously
- GIMP_ICON_DOCUMENTS_SAVE_AS: For batch save-as operations
- These support document management workflows in Artbox
Editor-Specific Icons: Adds dedicated editor icons for improved visual distinction:
- GIMP_ICON_EDITOR_BRUSH: Specialized icon for brush editor interfaces
- GIMP_ICON_EDITOR_DYNAMICS: Specialized icon for dynamics editor interfaces

These additions provide more precise visual communication in the user interface, helping users quickly identify different types of operations and editor contexts while supporting Artbox’s workflow capabilities.

convert-dialogs

Purpose: Dialog factory enhancement that updates editor dialog icons to use the new specialized editor-specific icons for improved visual consistency and user interface clarity.

Role: User interface improvement that leverages the enhanced icon system to provide better visual distinction between different types of editor dialogs.

Files Modified (1 file, 2 insertions, 2 deletions):

app/dialogs/dialogs.c (icon replacements): Dialog factory registration with updated editor-specific icons

Implementation: This branch updates the dialog factory system to use the newly available editor-specific icons:

Brush Editor Icon Update: Changes the brush editor dialog registration from GIMP_ICON_BRUSH to GIMP_ICON_EDITOR_BRUSH:
- Provides visual distinction between brush resources and brush editing functionality
- Improves user interface clarity by using purpose-specific iconography
Dynamics Editor Icon Update: Changes the dynamics editor dialog registration from GIMP_ICON_DYNAMICS to GIMP_ICON_EDITOR_DYNAMICS:
- Distinguishes between dynamics resources and dynamics editing interfaces
- Maintains visual consistency with other editor-specific icons
User Experience: The specialized icons help users quickly identify editor dialogs versus resource browsers, reducing confusion and improving workflow efficiency.

This change leverages the icon enhancements from convert-icons to provide a user interface where different types of dialogs are clearly distinguished through appropriate iconography.

convert-issue-templates

Purpose: Transformation of GitLab issue templates from GIMP-specific reporting formats to streamlined Artbox-focused templates that improve issue reporting efficiency and relevance.

Role: Development workflow improvement that provides focused and efficient issue reporting templates tailored to Artbox development needs.

Files Modified (2 files, 10 insertions, 55 deletions):

.gitlab/issue_templates/Default.md (50 deletions, additions): Streamlined default issue template focused on Artbox-specific reporting
.gitlab/issue_templates/feature.md (15 deletions, additions): Simplified feature request template

Implementation: This branch implements an overhaul of issue reporting templates:

Simplified Issue Reporting Structure: Replaces the complex GIMP issue template with a streamlined Artbox-focused format:
- “What issue bothers you in Artbox?”: Direct, user-friendly problem identification
- “Does it also happen in GIMP?”: Acknowledges the relationship while focusing on Artbox
- “How can I make it happen in Artbox?”: Clear reproduction request
- “Reproduction steps”: Structured problem replication guide
Removed GIMP-Specific Content: Eliminates GIMP-specific references, version requirements, and complex environment specifications that don’t apply to Artbox development workflow.
User Experience: The simplified templates reduce barrier to entry for issue reporting, making it easier for users to provide useful feedback without overwhelming technical requirements.
Focused Development Workflow: Templates are designed to gather essential information for Artbox development while acknowledging the relationship to upstream GIMP without being constrained by GIMP’s more complex reporting requirements.

This transformation supports Artbox’s goal of being more accessible and user-friendly, extending this philosophy to the development and issue reporting process itself.

convert-mnemonics

Purpose: Keyboard mnemonic handling improvements.

Role: Enhanced keyboard accessibility and shortcuts.

Files Modified:

libgimp/gimpproceduredialog.c

Implementation: Improves keyboard mnemonic handling for better accessibility and keyboard navigation.

convert-tool-events

Purpose: Tool event handling system enhancement with device-aware input processing, improved layer picking, and coordinate handling for tool responsiveness.

Role: Core input system improvement that provides better device support, layer interaction, and improved tool event processing for superior user experience.

Files Modified (4 files, 160 insertions, 13 deletions):

app/display/gimpdisplayshell-tool-events.c (136 insertions, 2 deletions): Major tool event handling enhancement with device awareness and layer picking
app/display/gimpdisplayshell.c (4 insertions): Display shell integration improvements
app/display/gimpdisplayshell.h (9 insertions): Enhanced interface declarations and coordinate handling
app/widgets/gimpdeviceinfo-coords.c (24 insertions, 11 deletions): Improved device coordinate processing

Implementation: This branch implements improvements to tool event handling:

Input Device Support: Adds device awareness with GdkInputSource detection and GdkDevice integration:
- Device change detection for better tablet/stylus support
- Input source awareness for different device types
- Device coordinate processing
Layer Picking System: Introduces set_picked_layer() function with duration-based layer selection:
- Layer picking with configurable handle duration
- Improved layer interaction workflows
- Better support for complex layer hierarchies
Tool Integration Enhancements: Expands tool integration with additional tool type support:
- Transform tool integration (gimptransformtool.h)
- Tool info integration (core/gimptoolinfo.h)
- Tool control and management
Default Coordinate System: Implements GIMP_COORDS_DEFAULT_VALUES for consistent coordinate initialization and better coordinate handling throughout the event system.
Event Processing: Improved event processing pipeline with better device change detection, coordinate validation, and tool responsiveness.

This enhancement provides the foundation for input handling, particularly beneficial for digital artists using tablets, styluses, and other input devices with Artbox.

convert-localization-messaging

Purpose: Suppresses plugin localization error messages that can clutter the console when translation directories are missing.

Role: Reduces console noise from localization warnings while maintaining functional localization where directories exist.

Files Modified:

libgimp/gimpplugin.c (5 lines modified - 5 deletions)

Implementation: Comments out three specific g_printerr() calls in the _gimp_plug_in_set_i18n() function that warn about missing translation catalog directories. These messages typically appear when:

Plugin translation directories don’t exist
Plugins haven’t implemented custom localization
Default localization paths are unavailable

The warnings provided limited value to end users while creating console clutter, especially during plugin development or when using plugins without full translation support. The actual localization functionality remains intact - only the warning output is suppressed.

convert-broken-pipe

Purpose: Suppresses flush error warning messages that can spam the console during plugin communication failures.

Role: Reduces console noise by disabling specific warning messages related to plugin communication errors.

Files Modified:

libgimp/gimpplugin.c (6 lines modified - 3 insertions, 3 deletions)

Implementation: Comments out two specific g_warning() calls in the gimp_plug_in_flush() function that report communication errors between GIMP core and plugins. These warnings can become excessive when plugins crash or disconnect, flooding the console with repetitive error messages. The actual error handling and recovery mechanisms remain intact - only the warning output is suppressed to provide a cleaner user experience.

convert-display-options

Purpose: Display enhancement introducing selection highlighting system with user-configurable visibility controls and view menu integration.

Role: Visual system enhancement that provides selection visualization capabilities with user interface integration and customization options.

Files Modified (8 files, 92 insertions):

app/actions/view-actions.c (9 insertions): New view action for selection highlight toggle with menu integration
app/actions/view-commands.c (18 insertions): Command implementation for selection highlight toggle functionality
app/actions/view-commands.h (3 insertions): Command function declarations for selection highlight
app/config/gimpdisplayoptions.c (28 insertions): Display options configuration for selection highlighting
app/config/gimpdisplayoptions.h (1 insertion): Display options structure enhancement
app/display/gimpdisplayshell-appearance.c (26 insertions): Display shell appearance handling for highlighting
app/display/gimpdisplayshell-appearance.h (6 insertions): Appearance function declarations
menus/image-menu.ui.in.in (1 insertion): View menu integration for selection highlight toggle

Implementation: This branch introduces a selection highlighting system:

Selection Highlight Toggle Action: Adds view-show-selection-highlight action that allows users to toggle selection highlighting on/off through the View menu:

{ "view-show-selection-highlight", NULL,
  NC_("view-action", "Show Selection _Highlight"), NULL, { NULL },
  NC_("view-action", "Show the tinted selection highlighting"),
  view_toggle_selection_highlight_cmd_callback, TRUE, GIMP_HELP_VIEW_SHOW_SELECTION }

Command Integration: Implements view_toggle_selection_highlight_cmd_callback() function that integrates with the display shell to provide real-time toggling of selection highlighting.
Configuration System Integration: Extends gimpdisplayoptions with show_selection_highlight property, allowing the highlighting preference to be saved and restored across sessions.
Display Shell Integration: Enhances the display shell appearance system with selection highlighting rendering capabilities, providing smooth integration with existing display features.
Menu System Integration: Adds the selection highlight toggle to the View menu, making it easily accessible to users alongside other display options.

This enhancement provides users with control over selection visualization, supporting both minimal interfaces for experienced users and visual feedback for complex selection workflows.

convert-supress-timer-prints

Purpose: Development experience enhancement that suppresses performance timing debug output to reduce console noise while maintaining timing functionality for development use.

Role: Debug output management that provides cleaner console output for end users while preserving timing capabilities for development and profiling scenarios.

Files Modified (1 file, 5 insertions, 3 deletions):

app/core/gimp-utils.h (8 lines modified): Timer print suppression in GIMP_TIMER_END macro

Implementation: This branch improves the development and user experience by suppressing debug timing output:

Timer Print Suppression: Comments out the g_printerr() call in the GIMP_TIMER_END macro that outputs performance timing information:

/* g_printerr ("%s: %s took %0.4f seconds\n", \
                 G_STRFUNC, message,           \
                 g_timer_elapsed (_timer, NULL)); */

Preserved Functionality: Maintains the complete timer infrastructure including timer creation, measurement, and destruction - only the console output is suppressed.
Clean Console Output: Eliminates performance timing messages that could clutter the console during normal application use, providing a cleaner user experience.
Development Flexibility: The commented-out code can be easily re-enabled for development, profiling, or debugging scenarios by uncommenting the print statements.
Timer Resource Management: Preserves proper timer cleanup with g_timer_destroy(_timer) to prevent memory leaks.

This change supports Artbox’s focus on providing a user experience by reducing debug output noise while maintaining the underlying performance measurement infrastructure for development purposes.

convert-brush-preview

Purpose: Brush preview system enhancement that enables theme-following viewables by default while providing users control over theme integration for improved visual consistency.

Role: User interface improvement that provides better default brush preview behavior while maintaining user customization options for workflows.

Files Modified (2 files, 2 insertions, 2 deletions):

app/config/gimpguiconfig.c (1 insertion, 1 deletion): Changed viewables follow theme default from FALSE to TRUE
app/widgets/gimpbrushfactoryview.c (1 insertion, 1 deletion): Changed follow theme toggle display from TRUE to FALSE

Implementation: This branch implements complementary changes that improve the brush preview experience:

Default Theme Following Enabled: Changes the default value for viewables-follow-theme from FALSE to TRUE:
- Benefit: Brush previews now automatically adapt to the application theme by default
- Impact: Provides better visual consistency between the interface and brush previews
- User Experience: New users get a more cohesive visual experience without manual configuration
Simplified Factory View Interface: Changes the follow theme toggle display in brush factory view from TRUE to FALSE:
- Result: Reduces interface clutter by hiding the theme toggle control by default
- Rationale: Since theme following is now enabled by default, most users won’t need to access this control
- Advanced Access: The functionality remains available through preferences for users who need custom control
Improved Default Workflow: The combination of these changes provides:
- Theme-consistent brush previews out of the box
- Cleaner brush selection interface
- Reduced need for manual configuration

This enhancement aligns with Artbox’s philosophy of providing sensible defaults that work well for most users while maintaining customization capabilities for workflows.

convert-gitlab-ci

Purpose: GitLab CI/CD pipeline infrastructure for Artbox AppImage generation and distribution.

Role: Provides automated build, packaging, and deployment system for Artbox, including AppImage creation infrastructure.

Files Modified (27 files, 2,993 insertions, 13 deletions):

app/gimp-version.c (4 modifications - version identification)
build/linux/appimage/README-CI.md (897 lines - comprehensive CI documentation)
build/linux/appimage/artbox-goappimage.sh (108 lines - main AppImage build script)
build/linux/appimage/docker/deps.Dockerfile (45 lines - Docker dependency setup)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/core.sh (136 lines - core bundling logic)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/extras.sh (77 lines - extra components)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/finalize.sh (108 lines - build finalization)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/main.sh (65 lines - main bundling coordination)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/plugins.sh (47 lines - plugin handling)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/resources.sh (132 lines - resource management)
build/linux/appimage/lib/bundling/utilities.sh (298 lines - utility functions)
build/linux/appimage/lib/config/arguments.sh (53 lines - argument parsing)
build/linux/appimage/lib/config/environment.sh (76 lines - environment setup)
build/linux/appimage/lib/config/identity.sh (49 lines - identity configuration)
build/linux/appimage/lib/config/main.sh (16 lines - main configuration)
build/linux/appimage/lib/config/paths.sh (40 lines - path management)
build/linux/appimage/lib/logging.sh (455 lines - comprehensive logging system)
build/linux/appimage/lib/packaging/appimage.sh (139 lines - AppImage packaging)
build/linux/appimage/lib/tools/dependencies.sh (126 lines - dependency management)
data/artbox-release.in (2 lines - release information)
data/desktop-integration-README.md (72 lines - desktop integration guide)
data/meson.build (38 modifications - build system updates)
desktop/artbox.desktop.in.in (7 lines - Artbox desktop entry)
desktop/gimp.desktop.in.in (2 modifications - GIMP desktop entry updates)
desktop/meson.build (2 modifications - desktop build configuration)
libgimpwidgets/gimpwidgets-private.c (10 modifications - widget system updates)
meson.build (2 modifications - main build configuration)

Implementation: Infrastructure addition that creates a CI/CD pipeline for Artbox. The system includes modular bash libraries for AppImage creation, logging infrastructure, Docker-based dependency management, and automated packaging workflows. This branch transforms the project from a simple GIMP fork into a packaged application with automated distribution capabilities.

Feature Branches