Software & Apps Design How to Use Photoshop Brushes in Other Programs Open ABR files in GIMP and other graphics software By Sue Chastain Writer 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. our editorial process LinkedIn Sue Chastain Updated September 08, 2019 Tyson Ferro / Getty Images Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design Tweet Share Email 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: 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.