Learn GIMP

Introduction

GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows and more operating systems. It is a free software.

ICT Competency

It is a tool for generic resource creation, used to edit images.

Version

Stable release 2.8.20 (February 1, 2017)

Configuration

Its GIMP is part of the Ubuntu distribution. This can be opened from Applications → graphics → GIMP.

Overview of Features

1. Tools used to perform image editing can be accessed via the toolbox, They include filters and brushes, as well as transformation, selection, layer and masking tools.
2. GIMP selection tools include a rectangular and circular selection tool, free select tool.
3. There are many tools that can be used for editing images in GIMP. The more common tools include a paint brush, pencil, airbrush, eraser and ink tools used to create new or blended pixels.

Other similar applications

GIMP Inkscape , XGimp image editor, etc

Development and community help

The GIMP Development Team

Working with the application

Functionalities

Step 1 - Open GIMP Select File → New → select which size want to edit image → OK If you didn't get side toolbox please click on Windows then click Tool box. Insert image – select File → Open → Select image. Alternatively, You can also open GIMP through image. Select image which you want to edit, and right click choose Open with > GIMP Image Editor. It will open with image to edit.	Step 2 - Select Tools Rectangle select tool : Select a rectangular Tool Ellipse select tool : Select an elliptical region Free select tool : Select a hand-drawn region with free with polygonal segments
Step 3 - Crop Select the area that you would like to retain. The area can be extended or reduced by selecting one of the sides. Once your desired area is selected (the remaining area will turn grey or darker), then double click inside the desired area. The photo will be cropped to that size. The tool is used: To reduce the size of large images. To remove unnecessary areas in a photo.	Step 4 - Scale: Select the image. Go to the menu bar on top and click on the 'Image' option. Then click on 'Scale image...'This would show you options of 'width and height' along with 'X resolution' and 'Y resolution'. Enter in 72 pixels in both X and Y spaces. This would help reduce the file to a small size. The tool is used: To reduce resolution which helps in file size. To make photos for uploading on websites (should not be used for printing).
Step 5 - Move After scaling an image, if you want to add another image to the frame, you would have to move the first image to the side. This can be done using the move tool. Select the move tool. Select the image. Click and drag to a suitable location. The tool is used: When there is more than one element in the window you are working on	Step 6 - Add Text Select the Text tool (a capital A). Now, drag the tool to were you want to insert text. A tiny box pops up. Type your text in the box. The size, colour, style of the text can be changed in the settings below the tool box. The length of the text box can be adjusted after you finishing typing your text by selecting the corners and dragging. The tool is used: To add a title or caption explaining the text is useful.

Saving the file

Like in most applications, a file can be saved using the FILE – SAVE AS command, or by the shortcut key CTRL+S. Always give a meaningful file name, reading which you should get an idea of the file contents. Its saving in .xcf

Export and publishing files

After your edits, final output file can be export from here by using the FILE – Export AS command. Always give a meaningful file name, reading which you should get an idea of the file contents. You can export the image to various formats, including .PNG .JPEG .JPG

Advanced features

1. Customizable Interface- Each task requires a different environment and GIMP allows you to customize the view and behavior the way you like it. Starting from the widget theme, allowing you to change colors, widget spacings and icon sizes to custom tool sets in the toolbox.
2. Photo Enhancement- Numerous digital photo imperfections can be easily compensated for using GIMP.

Installation

Method of installation	Steps
From Ubuntu Software Centre	Steps - type GIMP and install
From Terminal	Steps - type sudo apt-get install gimp and press Enter key. Type your password and press Enter to complete installation.
From the web	Steps
Web based registration	Steps

The application on mobiles and tablets

Currently there is no GIMP app but alternative many image editing App available at an Android play store.

Ideas for resource creation

Modify pictures hight, width, size, etc and creating resources.

References

1. GIMP Official Website
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP GIMP Wikipedia