GIMP is an open source photo editor . The utility allows you to perform correction of simple images and digital painting. Unlike the Adobe Photoshop photo editor, GIMP takes up little space on your hard drive and is distributed completely free. As soon as the user gets used to the unusual interface of the application, it will become easy and pleasant to work. This article talks about how to use GIMP.
Application installation
First you need to download the utility and run the installer. GIMP was created for the Windows and MacOS operating systems. The authors suggest users to download installers from the official site. To install the application on Ubuntu, you need to run the following command: $ sudo apt install gimp. The program is launched from the main menu of the operating system.
Window arrangement
The user may notice that the utility is different from most similar editors. GIMP interface in Russian. The program window consists of several parts. In the side columns are toolbars and layers.
In the center is a working window. The panels can be moved if necessary. To return to the usual screen, select "Single window mode" in the menu.
Color correction
After installing and configuring the utility, you should return to the question of how to use the GIMP photo editor. The program is used to create digital pictures from scratch. The application has a large set of tools that allows you to draw original works. Ordinary users can edit photos, perform color correction and optimize other settings.
To get started, open the image. In the “Colors” menu section, automated tools cannot be found. The user can manually adjust the saturation, contrast, balancing and other parameters.
Applying filters
GIMP allows you to enhance the appearance of images with one click of a computer mouse. By opening the "Filters" menu, you can add the effect of a lens or flash, blur the picture and make corrections. To return the image to its original state after an unsuccessful experiment, you need to click on the cancel button.
GIMP 2 supports batch image processing. The selected filter can be applied to several photos at once.
Red Eye Removal
In order to remove a defect, you need to select an object using the Magic Wand or Lasso tool. Then you should find in the "Filter" section the item "Improvement". Next, click on the link “Red-Eye Removal”.
Using the slider, you can change the color. All corrections are displayed in a special window. The slider should be moved until the eyes take a natural look.
Bug fixes
Editing pictures in the free GIMP is one of the key points of the work of photographers. When removing dark spots, glare on faces, small leaves and other unwanted objects from images, a healing brush is used. How to work with this tool?
To eliminate the shortcomings, you need to click on the icon in the form of a patch piece and indicate the size of the area to be fixed. The area to be painted can be selected using the Ctrl button. Then, left-click the optical mouse on an unnecessary item. Unwanted object will disappear.
Return to previous state
If the owner of the computer conducts many experiments with his photos, he will soon notice that he lacks the number of cancellation levels in GIMP. How to use the option to increase the amount of used memory? First, go to the "Edit" menu, select the "Options" section and switch to the "Environment" tab. Next, you need to set the values at your discretion.
Image transformation
This is one of the main features of the GIMP program. How to use the Transformation tool? First you need to go to the "Transformation" section. Here you can find all the possible options for transforming photos. The application allows you to rotate the picture, distort the picture, change perspective and perform other actions.
Layer editing
If the reader previously used other complex programs for creating and processing images, then he already faced a similar problem.
Work with a picture is performed only on a certain layer. This is one of the most important processes in GIMP 2. Each layer contains its own part of the image. If you combine all the elements, you can get the whole image. To make changes, you need to make the layer active.
If this action is not possible, then part of the image cannot be edited. Switch active layers using the Page UP and Page Down keys. The program allows you to finish the details. If the user changes his mind about adding new elements, he can make the layers invisible or delete them.
Work with other tools
The developers offered users a set consisting of classic and custom brushes. They also provided the opportunity to create new brush options. To add a tool, you need to open the Brush section in the left pane. Using a special slider, you can change the geometric shape of the brush. The result is saved in the same section.
Advanced users can create grayscale images. Results are saved in GBR format. Users also have the option of creating wireframe brushes and multi-colored pictures with several levels.
Adding a watermark
To complete the task, you need to select any graphic image and activate the "Text" tool. The area indicated by the dashed line will be used as the base layer. Next, you need to write the text. It is recommended that you specify the color, size, and style of the font.
After setting all the parameters, click on the text layer in the right panel. Using the slider, you can select the desired level of opacity. To set the logo, go to the “File” section, click on the “Open as Layers” link and specify the image location. Next, you need to select the value of the “Opacity” parameter.
Adding plugins
Free add-ons allow you to expand the functionality of the program. How to use Photoshop filters in GIMP? To do this, install the PSPI plugin. With the free Focus Blur extension, you can improve background image processing.
The Save For Web plugin is used when saving small pictures in good quality. In order to add additional fonts and text settings, you can install the Free Type Text extension.
Export Photos
After you finish working with the image, you need to save the result. The user can select the XCF format for exporting the picture. The file stores all information about the layers. Photos exported in XCF format cannot be viewed in other applications.
In order to be able to open saved images in other programs, you need to go to the “File” section. Then you need to select "Export". Next, save the edited version of the photo in JPG or PNG format.
conclusions
This article discusses the key points of working with the application. The program has all the necessary tools. The level of complexity of the work performed depends only on the user's skills.