Filter Forge (latest version is 14) creates PBR textures, seamless tiles,mandale, distortions, watercolor effects and more.
Filter Forge works as a standalone program (paid) with free filter libraries.
https://www.filterforge.com/
14115 free user-submitted filters:
https://www.filterforge.com/filters/

From time to time, older versions of the program are available for free download (my version is 7).

However, you can't use the typical ShellOut (FF starts without the possibility of exporting a layer from Gimp) or 8bf.
However, FF has 8 test images to evaluate the effect of filters.
My idea is to overwrite 1 image with a layer from Gimp.
It concerns the first one in the order: Built-In Preview Images Lifesaver.
Few filters themselves change the test image, so you have to set it back to Lifesaver.
After applying a filter, you always overwrite one swap file:
d:/_FilterForge-Tmp/filterforge-tmp.png.
After closing FF, you will return to Gimp with a new layer.


Installation plugin:

Place two directories:
1. On drive d swap directory d:\_FilterForge-Tmp (contains swap file to overwrite: filterforge-tmp.png)
2. In plug-ins directory Gimp_to_Filter_Forge (contains: Gimp_to_Filter_Forge.py and StandardImageOpaque1Lifesaver.tga).















And important:
Filter Forge must be given write permissions via Properties ➤ Security ➤ Edit



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Edit 25.04.2025
Changed attachment for Gimp 3:
disabled 2 lines from sys.stderr

Hi Rod.

I was surprised by your message about the missing d:\ drive.
You can place the directory with the swap file anywhere (I chose d:\ with a name with '_ ' so that it would be easy to find).
However, you need to edit the *.py file.

Find:
xchange_ff='d:/_FilterForge-Tmp/filterforge-tmp.png'

gimp2 line 83
gimp3 line 110

and replace it with the location of your choice (but remember to check if it is writable in the new location).

Hi MareroQ

I did make sure permissions were set to full for c/program files/filter forge 14, the py file and the temp folder.
I changed the lines in the python files to c directory as well.
Still doesn't show in gimp 2 nor gimp 3 menu. ;(

EDIT:
Ok after setting full perms to the actual tga file in the Filter Forge 14/ Previews directory i got it to work in Gimp-2 but not in Gimp 3 still.

Works excellent in Gimp-2 though!

Much faster than shellout to PS CS2 to FF.

Don't know why i can't get it to work in Gimp-3.

Hi Rod.

Thanks for your comments.

Regarding permissions.
I had the option to choose: apply changes to all files and subfolders.

Regarding registration in the Gimp3 menu.
Denzjos reported a problem with sys.stder files.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=21641#p296022
Does the modified version for Gimp3 in #1 (without sys.stder) register in the menu?

Yes it does! Thanks!