Posts: 142
Threads: 46
Joined: Aug 2017
Reputation:
0
Operating system(s): Windows (Vista and later)
Linux
I am using GIMP on Windows if that matters in Single Window Mode.
It looks like I did something, unknown to me, which has caused the tool options to stop being displayed in the frame on the left side of the window. It looks like they now appear in the top of the frame on the right side which, for me, normally displays a histogram. I think the setup I prefer is the standard default (out-of-the-box so to speak.
I'd be grateful if someone could explain how to restore GIMP to its' prior state.
Posts: 142
Threads: 46
Joined: Aug 2017
Reputation:
0
Operating system(s): Windows (Vista and later)
Linux
Thank you. Looks like that does fix it.
Might you have any idea what I did to screw it up?
Posts: 8,070
Threads: 174
Joined: Oct 2016
Reputation:
1,108
Gimp version:
Operating system(s): Linux
06-16-2026, 06:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-16-2026, 06:41 PM by rich2005.)
Just a guess:
You accidentally detached the tool options with a click-drag on the tab. Lost when you closed Gimp
Restored the tool options using Windows -> Dockable Dialogues -> Tool Options which put the tab in the top left dock.
Look for the lock tab to dock toggle and appiy it. Note it is not global, you have to apply for each tab in turn.
Posts: 2
Threads: 1
Joined: Jun 2026
Reputation:
0
Gimp version:
Operating system(s): Windows 11
I had something similar happen with the Layers panel once. It turned out that a single accidental drag was enough to completely change the layout I was used to.
Posts: 736
Threads: 49
Joined: Oct 2016
Reputation:
52
Gimp version:
Operating system(s): Windows 10
06-28-2026, 11:46 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-28-2026, 11:49 AM by sallyanne.)
I have closed the tool options box before but got it back using the add dockable dialog. This time I can get it to open in it's own window, until I do something else which it then disappears. I have tried all these sugestions and it is still disappearing on me. Lock tab is on but it is not staying! I am unable to add the tab on my other dock (other side of window) either.
Was trying to do something I did once before but instead ended up with this headache. HELP! please
Posts: 736
Threads: 49
Joined: Oct 2016
Reputation:
52
Gimp version:
Operating system(s): Windows 10
Yesterday, 01:48 AM
(This post was last modified: Yesterday, 02:01 AM by sallyanne.)
@ Mrs P from C - no it doesn't help. I can open the tool options but cannot move the tab into the dock.
EDIT - Ah ha, I think I found out why I couldn't move it. It was because it was locked to dock (the window) already. I unlocked it and it moved then. Now to make sure it is locked in place again and to fix windows up so they stay in place.