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A1 - Introduction to Gimp

Part 1 – Working with Files and Basic Tools

Opening and Saving

Open GIMP from your computer’s Applications/Programs menu.

When GIMP loads, notice three main parts:

  • Toolbox (left) – where tools live
  • Image Window (center) – where your picture is shown
  • Layers/Undo Panel (right) – where you see your layer list and history

Try It:

  • File → Open…
  • Choose a photo from your files (you might need to download something from the Internet first)
  • To save in GIMP’s editable format: File → Save
    • Choose XCF format (keeps layers).
  • To save a finished image: File → Export As…
    • Choose PNG (keeps transparency) or JPG (no transparency) - choose one or the other for this assignment.

Basic Tools and Functions

Zooming and Panning

  • Zoom In: View → Zoom → Zoom In (or + key, or use mouse wheel)
  • Zoom Out: View → Zoom → Zoom Out (or - key, or use mouse wheel)
  • Pan: Hold Spacebar and drag the image (or drag with middle mouse button)

Basic Tools

  • Move Tool – Move a layer or selection around (Shortcut: M)
  • Scale Tool – Resize an image or layer (Shortcut: Shift + S)
  • Crop Tool – Cut away part of the image (Shortcut: Shift + C)
  • Text Tool – Add words to your image (Shortcut: T)

Try It:

  • Add some text to your photo (eg, your name)
  • Crop the image to make the subject stand out
  • Resave as .XCF and export as .PNG

Part 2 - Working with Layers

Layers in Gimp are similar to those in Krita or other graphics programs you may have used.

Creating and Naming Layers

  • Layer → New Layer... (there is also a button for this in the Layers docker)
  • Choose a name (e.g., "Background," "Text")
  • Click OK.

Moving Layers

  • In the Layers panel, click a layer to select it.
  • Use the Move Tool (M) to move its content.

Hiding and Showing Layers

  • Click the eye icon next to a layer to hide/show it.

Changing Layer Opacity

  • Select a layer.
  • In the Layers panel, drag the Opacity slider to make it more transparent.

Simple Blending Modes

  • Select a layer.
  • In the Layers panel, change Mode (try "Multiply" or "Overlay") to see blending effects.

Try It:

  • Open two images.
  • Put one above the other as separate layers.
  • Change opacity of the top one to see both.
  • Save as .XCF and export as .PNG

What to Show Me

Show me the two PNG files you ended up with after completing parts 1 and 2. I will only ask to see the files open in Gimp if I need to.