How to Use Photoshop Brushes in Other Programs

Open ABR files in GIMP and other graphics software

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Sue Chastain
Sue Chastain
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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.
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Sue Chastain
Updated on May 12, 2020

Adobe Photoshop custom brushes are distributed as ABR files, which cannot be used with most other graphics programs. However, if you convert the brushes to a PNG file, you can import them into your software of choice.

Instructions in this article apply to all Photoshop brush sets with the .ABR file extension.

How to Convert ABR Brush Sets to PNG Files

ABRviewer is an open source program that converts ABR files to the PNG format. To convert Photoshop brush sets to PNG so that they can be used in other programs:

  1. Open ABRviewer and select File > Open brush sets.

    A screenshot of abrViewer with the Open Brush Sets command highlighted

  2. Choose an ABR file and select Open.

    A screenshot of abrView's Open menu with the Open button highlighted

  3. Select Export > Thumbnails.

    A screenshot of abrViewer with the Export Thumbnails command highlighted

  4. Choose where you want to save the PNG files and select OK.

    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:

  1. Open the PNG file in GIMP.

    Open the PNG file in GIMP.

  2. Go to Select > All.

    A screenshot of GIMP with the Select All command highlighted

  3. Go to Edit > Copy.

    Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C or Command + C to copy the image.

    A screenshot of GIMP with the Copy command highlighted

  4. Go to Edit > Paste as > New Brush.

    A screenshot of GIMP with the "Paste As New Brush" command highlighted

  5. Enter a brush name and file name, then select OK.

    A screenshot of GIMP's Save as New Brush window with the OK button highlighted

  6. The new brush will immediately be available for use with the paint brush tool.

    The new brush will be immediately available for use with the paint brush tool.

It's also possible to use Photoshop brushes in Paint.NET and similar graphics program.

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