GIMP Class

This class will give you the skills to open, edit and combine images using the powerful program named GIMP.

To Install:

GIMP will likely be installed on your computer already, but if not, you can find it in Synaptic Package Manager under "gimp." Other useful packages are "gimp-data-extras" that include extra brushes and gradients, and the "gimp-help-en" package.

Step One: Different Ways to Open a File

Right-click on the file and choose "Open with...GIMP Image Editor." Alternatively, start GIMP first and drag the picture file into the toolbar.

Step Two: GIMP history

GIMP makes a mistake as easy to fix as the keyboard shortcut "ctrl-z."

The undo command and extensive undo history are also found under the "Edit" menu. Try something crazy, you can always undo it if you don't like the outcome. If you don't like the fact you've undone something, the "Redo" command will restore your edit.

Keeping track of multiple files is easy, too. Once a file has been opened it will appear in a list under "Open Recent" in the File menu.

Step Three: Selection Tool

The top-left tool in the toolbar is the basic selection tool. It can be used to draw a box around and capture a specific portion of an image. To use the tool, select the tool in the toolbar, move the mouse icon to the image, then left click and drag the box around the portion of the image that you want to capture. Once the box is created you can move the edges to fine-tune your selection by clicking and dragging on the corners of the box. The arrow directional keys are particularly useful for fine-tuning.

Once the square is perfect, use "ctrl-c" to copy the box contents to the clipboard.

Step Four: Working with Layers

By adding layers we can apply effects to specific parts of the image while leaving the rest unchanged.

Create a new layer by right-clicking on the image and choosing Edit>Paste As...>New Layer. This will create a New Layer named "Clipboard" with the contents of the clipboard.

You can also create layers by right-clicking on the image and choosing Layer>New Layer, which will pop up a dialog giving you an option to name the layer and adjust its properties. Name the layer whatever you want and ensure it will be a Transparent layer, clicking OK when done.

Once the new layer is added to the image, move it around using the Move tool. It looks like two blue crossed arrows.

If you want to see under the layer momentarily, you can make the layer visible or invisible by clicking on the Eye icon in the Layer Properties bar, under the toolbar.

Another important layer property is Opacity. This enables you to easily "blend" images together. Try it on your top layer (make sure it is selected) with the Opacity slider, found above the list of Layers.

Step Five: Filters

Because we are working with Layers, we can add effects to the Background and "upper" Layer separately. Try it out! Extract a piece of an image, make it a new layer and turn it Day-Glo. The options are only limited to your imagination.

GIMP has a huge number of effects and filters and that list continues to grow. The main list is found under "Filters." Experiment with these! Don't forget, it is easy to undo anything, so go ahead and try things out. In class, we will go over a few of my favorite filters if we have enough time.

Hopefully, these skills will give you the confidence and footing to begin to explore the possibilities that GIMP can offer you! Good luck!

Jackson