Click once where you want the arrow to start (the tail) and once where you want it to end (the head).
Go to Edit > Stroke Path . Select a "Line width" that fits your design and click Stroke .
This bridges the gap. You get the tactile satisfaction of drawing a line, and GIMP handles the trigonometry of calculating the arrowhead at the exact angle you drew.
Buried within GIMP’s menus is a feature that many users overlook. It is technically a "Script-Fu," a mini-program running inside GIMP, designed specifically to solve the arrow crisis. It doesn't draw the arrow interactively with your mouse; instead, it mathematically generates one based on the guidelines you place on the canvas. gimp insert arrow
This is the feature most users actually want. Once installed (a simple drag-and-drop of a .scm or .py file into the plugins folder), it adds a tangible workflow:
The most common way to bridge this gap is through the use of . For years, the "Arrow script" (a simple .scm file) has been the community’s standard response. Once installed, it lives quietly in the Tools menu, turning a simple path—a line with two points—into a customizable vector arrow with a single click. It is a testament to the open-source spirit: if the software lacks a feature, the people will build it themselves.
To understand why the "Arrow Button" is so coveted, one must understand the manual process. In standard GIMP workflow, drawing an arrow is a three-step ballet: Click once where you want the arrow to
Use the Paths Tool again to click from the tip of your line to one side, then back to the tip and out to the other side. Repeat the Stroke Path command to finish the head. 2. Using the "Arrow.scm" Plugin (Recommended)
Click the pen-like icon in your toolbox or press B on your keyboard.
For the power user, this is superior to a simple "Arrow Tool" button. It allows you to curve arrows (by stroking a curved path), taper the shaft, and apply layer effects (like drop shadows or glows) to the arrow after it is rendered. While it may lack the immediate gratification of a one-click stamp, GIMP’s arrow features offer a depth of customization that transforms a simple red line into a precise, professional annotation tool. This bridges the gap
For those who frequently need arrows, installing a script is the most efficient choice. This adds a dedicated "Arrow" option to your menu. [Question] Easy easy to add arrow, rectangle, etc?
Tutorial Toolkit 2:52 5.2. Paths - GIMP Documentation There are different possibilities to activate the tool: From the main menu: Tools → Paths. By clicking the tool icon in the Toolbo... GIMP 5.2. Paths - GIMP Documentation Simply click on the path and drag it. This button allows creation of a selection that is based on the path in its present state. T... GIMP 5.2. Paths - GIMP Documentation The Paths tool allows to create complex selections called Bézier Curves, with all the adaptability of vectorial curves. GIMP How to Draw an Arrow in GIMP Aug 14, 2025 —
This is the fastest way to add a basic arrow without installing extra files. It uses the to ensure clean, sharp lines.
The absence of a dedicated "Arrow Tool" is not an oversight; it is a philosophy. GIMP treats an arrow not as a singular object, but as a combination of geometric primitives—a line and a triangle. However, for users looking to annotate screenshots or create diagrams, GIMP offers a powerful, if hidden, solution that transforms this geometric chore into a streamlined workflow.