How to Restore Default Dock Panels in GIMP

Accidentally closing the Toolbox, Layers panel, or Tool Options in GIMP can instantly disrupt your workflow. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to restore your missing default dock panels, whether you need to reopen a single closed dialog or reset the entire workspace layout back to its original factory settings.

Method 1: Reset All Window Positions to Default

If you closed multiple docks or your workspace has become completely disorganized, the fastest solution is to reset the window management settings.

  1. Open GIMP and click Edit in the top menu (or GIMP on macOS).
  2. Select Preferences.
  3. In the left sidebar of the Preferences window, expand the Interface section and click on Window Management.
  4. Click the button labeled Reset Saved Window Positions to Default Values.
  5. Click OK to save the changes.
  6. Restart GIMP. All default docks, including the Toolbox, Tool Options, Layers, and Brushes, will return to their original locations.

Method 2: Reopen Individual Missing Panels

If you only closed one specific panel, you do not need to reset your entire workspace. You can reopen and re-dock it manually.

  1. Click on the Windows menu at the top.
  2. Hover over Dockable Dialogs.
  3. Select the missing panel from the list (such as Tool Options, Layers, Channels, or Paths).
  4. Once the window appears, drag its tab by clicking and holding the panel's icon or title.
  5. Drag it into the docking area on the left or right side of the screen until a blue highlight appears, then release the mouse to dock it.

Method 3: Restore the Main Toolbox

If the entire left-hand panel containing your primary tools is gone, you can bring it back with a keyboard shortcut.

  1. Press Ctrl + B (or Cmd + B on macOS).
  2. Alternatively, navigate to Tools in the top menu and select New Toolbox.

Keep Panels Organized with Single-Window Mode

To prevent panels from detaching, floating around your desktop, or disappearing behind other programs, ensure GIMP is set to Single-Window Mode. Click the Windows menu at the top and verify that Single-Window Mode has a checkmark next to it. This locks all docks, toolbars, and your main canvas into one cohesive application window.