Clear and disable document history in GIMP
Summary
This guide shows how to clear the file history in GIMP 2 and GIMP 3. It also explains how to disable the document history completely to protect your privacy and reduce workspace clutter.
Introduction #
Like many other applications, GIMP keeps a list of recently opened files to provide quick access. However, this feature may pose a privacy concern or create clutter, especially on shared systems.
This article explains how to clear the document history in GIMP and how to disable it entirely.
Clearing the GIMP file history #
To remove the list of recently opened files in GIMP, follow these steps:
Gimp 2 #
- Open GIMP.
- Click on the
Filemenu in the top menu bar. - Hover over
Open Recent. - Select
Clear History.
This action immediately removes all entries in the recent documents list. It does not delete the actual files from your system. It only clears the list that GIMP uses to track them.
Gimp 3 #
- Open GIMP.
- Click on the
Filemenu in the top menu bar. - Hover over
Open Recent. - Select
Document History. - In the document history right click to open a context menu. There you can select …
remove entryto remove a single entry from the document historyClear Historyto clear the current history
Optionally, you can manually delete the file named recently-used.xbel from GIMP’s user configuration directory. This file stores the history and can be removed to ensure complete erasure of previously logged entries.
Disable the GIMP file history #
If you prefer that GIMP does not keep track of any recently opened files, you can disable the feature:
Gimp 2 #
- Open GIMP.
- Go to the
Editmenu and selectPreferences. - In the Preferences window, navigate to the
Interfacesection. - Find the option labeled
Keep record of recently used files. - Uncheck this option.
- Click the
OKbutton to apply the changes.
Gimp 3 #
- Open GIMP.
- Go to the
Editmenu and selectPreferences. - In the Preferences window, navigate to the
System Resourcessection. - Find the option labeled
Document History. - Toggle the option to
off. - Click the
OKbutton to apply the changes.
After disabling this setting, GIMP will no longer log the files you open. This setting persists across sessions and remains effective until manually changed.
Alternatively, you can write protect the file named recently-used.xbel from GIMP’s user configuration directory after cleaning its contents.
FAQ's #
Most common questions and brief, easy-to-understand answers on the topic:
How do I clear the recent file history in GIMP?
Open GIMP, go to File > Open Recent > Clear History. This action removes all recent files from the list.
Can I stop GIMP from keeping a history of opened files?
Yes. You can disable recent file history in Edit > Preferences > Interface by unchecking Keep record of recently used files.
Where does GIMP store its recent file list?
GIMP stores its recent file list in a configuration file located in the user profile directory, typically named recently-used.xbel.
Is the file history shared across different GIMP projects?
Yes. The file history is global and not limited to specific projects or sessions.
Does clearing the file history delete the actual files?
No. Clearing the file history only removes the references from GIMP. The original files remain untouched on your disk.
Further readings #
Sources and recommended, further resources on the topic:
Author
Jonas Jared Jacek (J15k)
Jonas works as project manager, web designer, and web developer since 2001. On top of that, he is a Linux system administrator with a broad interest in things related to programming, architecture, and design. See: https://www.j15k.com/License
Clear and disable document history in GIMP by Jonas Jared Jacek is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. It allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, for noncommercial purposes only. To give credit, provide a link back to the original source, the author, and the license e.g. like this:
<p xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/"><a property="dct:title" rel="cc:attributionURL" href="https://www.ditig.com/clear-and-disable-gimp-history">Clear and disable document history in GIMP</a> by <a rel="cc:attributionURL dct:creator" property="cc:attributionName" href="https://www.j15k.com/">Jonas Jared Jacek</a> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="license noopener noreferrer">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>.</p>For more information see the Ditig legal page.
