Software & Apps > Design How to Use Photoshop Brushes in Other Programs Open ABR files in GIMP and other graphics software By Sue Chastain Sue Chastain Writer St. Petersburg College Sue Chastain is a former Lifewire writer and a graphics software authority with web design and print publishing credentials. She's also skilled in WordPress administration. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 25, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design What to Know Convert ABR to PNG: In ABRviewer, select File > Open brush sets > choose ABR file > Export > Thumbnails.Use PNG in GIMP: Open PNG file > Select > All > Edit > Copy. Next, go to Edit > Paste as > New Brush. This article explains how to convert Adobe Photoshop custom brushes from ABR files to PNG files so they can be used in other graphics programs. Additional information covers how to use Photoshop brushes in GIMP. How to Convert ABR Brush Sets to PNG Files Use ABRviewer, an open-source program that converts ABR files to the PNG format, to import custom brushes into your software of choice: Open ABRviewer and select File > Open brush sets. Choose an ABR file and select Open. Select Export > Thumbnails. Choose where you want to save the PNG files and select OK. How to Use Photoshop Brushes in GIMP GIMP does not require most ABR files to be converted; Photoshop brushes can be directly copied to the GIMP brushes directory. If the ABR file does not work, or if you would rather use the PNG files: Open the PNG file in GIMP. Go to Select > All. Go to Edit > Copy. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C or Command + C to copy the image. Go to Edit > Paste as > New Brush. Enter a brush name and file name, then select OK. The new brush will immediately be available for use with the paint brush tool. It's also possible to use Photoshop brushes in Paint.NET and similar graphics program. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit