Customizing the View settings
I just started to use GIMP and now I have my first question.
I open a file which is empty and use it to open other files as layers.
I set up the grids for this file and make them visible.
I work on the file, save it under another name, then close it.
When I open the same file again the grids are not visible, so any time
the file is opened I have to make the grids visible (View-->Show
grid), an annoyance.
Is there any way to save the setting for this file only which would
include visible grids?
Photoshop has that useful feature.
A more general question: can I customize the View settings and save
them for future reference?
Gimp is not a copy/clone of Photoshop so expect differences
While Image -> Configure Grid settings are retained when saved as an .xcf file, the switch to toggle view on/off is not. Maybe ask for this to be added as a feature: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/issues/ (but do not hold your breath)
View -> Show Grid is enabled permanently from the Preferences Menu: Edit -> Preferences -> Image Windows -> Appearance. All the other options are there as well.
Since this is a global setting applied to any image you might want to set the Default Grid size to something more than 10 pixels. Edit -> Preferences -> Default Image -> Default Grid.
example: https://imgur.com/91HQIQ1.jpg
Newcomers to Gimp have been baffled by a large image opening as completely black - the grid covering everything - yes it has happened.
A better way if you do not want to dive into the view menu might be set up a hot-key to toggle the grid on/off. Most keys are already assigned, use one you will never miss
example: https://imgur.com/1azFetI.jpg