Anyone use GIMP?

teddyprayer · 09-13-2005, 10:57 PM

I'm new to scrapbooking, new to GIMP, and not familiar with PS or PSE -- so I'm ready for all the tips and tricks I can get!

**Amanda** · 09-14-2005, 07:24 AM

I know it is possible to use GIMP, but I don't know anyone who does use it. So you'll be on your own for figuring things out since we don't have support for it. Welcome to DSP though

**shazzt** · 09-14-2005, 12:38 PM

No I haven't used GIMP but I hear it is pretty good. If you have questions, post them anyway - most programs work in a similar way so we may be able to muddle through on something.

missusking · 09-14-2005, 12:41 PM

What in the world is GIMP???

**Amanda** · 09-14-2005, 01:39 PM

Its a graphics program that is free - runs in the public domain. *I think*

teddyprayer · 09-14-2005, 06:47 PM

It's actually open source software . . . that means it's free

, plus designers have access to the "source" so they can keep making improvements. If you plan to download it, make sure you download the "compiled" version . . . that said, I've heard it's as powerful as photoshop -- and the bonus for me is that, unlike PS, it can actually run on Windows 98!

I'll post questions as I come across them . . . I've already used a couple PS tutorials to get me started, and like most computer software, sometimes you just have to play around with it . . .

Michele

LindaSH85 · 09-16-2005, 11:38 AM

I use the GIMP. I LOVE the GIMP. OK, it can be slow and a bit quirky, but it recognizes PNG files when my old PS doesn't. The version I have, V. 2.3.? has most of the plugins incorporated, so it is packed with cool stuff.

It isn't as easy to use as PS, I will give you that. And it can be really tricky sometimes to figure out how to do things as the Mac documentation is lacking, especially in the area of plugin installation.

Overall, given that it is free, I think it is a great tool. I like it alot, and I use in tandeom with Old Ps. This seems to be enough for now.

THere are some sites and forums for GIMP. Just Google it. If you are a PC user, you will find more info. But Mac info does exist.

Also, all of the wonderful PS and PSP tutorials will still be helpful to you because you are just following directions. The menus may differ, and the labels may be different, but if you can get past that hurdle, you can learn how to do anything.

My biggest complaint so far is that the drop shadow script in GIMP is very clunky. PS, even back in the day of v.5, has a much more subtle "tool". The upshot? You have to manually touch up the shadow. No big deal from a technical standpoint. Yeah, it takes time, but it isn't all that hard to deal with.

I recommend the GIMP to anyone who is interested in trying something new and isn't already using a commercial product to their liking. I found GIMP in part because I was looking for Freeware and Shareware graphics software. I have not been disappointed.

If you are currently using PS CS, I don't think you will be terribly impressed. However, if you are on a tight budget, GIMP is definitely worth your time.

teddyprayer · 09-16-2005, 11:55 AM

Okay, so tell me, how do I manually touch up a shadow in gimp . . . or for that matter, what do I need to know about the drop-shadow script-fu. Right now I'm trying to put shadows around some photocorners. How do I realistically put shadows on only the parts where the photo isn't? (Does that make sense? . . . I have 4 photocorners one a photo. The defaults work fine on the bottom right corner).

Thanks! It's good to know I'm not gimping along all by myslef

LindaSH85 · 09-16-2005, 02:39 PM

Hey!

First off, the script-fu will add too much shadow and doesn't allow you to specify the angle from which the "light" is coming. THis is a pain.

In order to give you a "real" answer, I am going to have to see what happens myself so I can visualize it. I will post later.

Generally, I think about where I think the light should come from. I usually consider the top corner of the outside edge of my page (rather than the edge that will be bound). So if the light is coming from the top right corner, it will cast a shadow to the left and bottom of the element. If you have already I would work wit the shadow in a separate layer, so as not to mess up your other work. And I would be as consistant as possible. I usually use a small shadow - no more than 3 pixels for "paper" and scale from there for thicker stuff. I tend to make the blur as wide or slightly wider than the shadow.

COme to think of it, the script-fu generates a separate layer when it makes the shadow. Hmmm....

Liet me get back to you. I want to check something out.

Hope this helps for now. I will post after I have a chance to experiment.

teddyprayer · 09-28-2005, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the info! I'm starting to figure this out -- I had a bit of time to play this last week while my parents were visiting and occupying the kids

. I've also figured out how to "merge layer down" -- but unlike a powerpoint group command, you can't "ungroup" (unmerge?) afterwards, right? Or is there a way to do that?

**Amanda** · 09-28-2005, 04:57 PM

I don't think so. If you want to group things there may be a way to do that rather than merge them.

teddyprayer · 09-28-2005, 10:57 PM

Okay, another very basic question . . . what's the easiest way to make a very basic border in GIMP? I'd like to put white borders around some photos (like you can get when you get your photos developed). The only methods I've found so far either produce a bevelled edge, or depend too much on my ability to center a photo on a second layer . . .

LindaSH85 · 09-29-2005, 04:51 PM

Good question. Let me play with it and I will get back to you. In PS (ancient version) I added a white border by increasing the canvas size with the image centered. I played with the size until I got a look that I liked. Try giving that a try in GIMP.

GIMP is quirky, and it can do some amazing things. But it can also be like a surly toddler - not terribly easy to figure out and quite frustrating.

Will post back as soon as I get some "free" time. ;-)

LindaSH85 · 09-29-2005, 07:25 PM

OK, borders in GIMP.

Go to the "Select" menu. There is an option called "Border" which is right above "Rounded Rectangle". If you "select all" your image, you can add a border of any width you like, and the dialog box gives you the option to center the image inside the border.

Does that make sense? Let me know how it works for you.

teddyprayer · 09-30-2005, 05:06 PM

I thought your description made lots of sense, but I can't quite get it to work in practice . . . (I even waited 'til today to try it again, so that I couldn't just blame it on being too tired last night

). I've found the border option (don't know how I missed it the first time! -- thanks for pointing it out). I can't seem to get the border select to work at all when I use "select all" (maybe my canvas isn't large enough to accomodate the border? is there an option to allow the canvas to "grow" automatically?). If I manually select, I can make a border, but it is not a solid border (maybe for solid borders, I'm better off creating a filled rectangle?) and there are no options other than width. I haven't found the dialog box that allows me to centre. My "border selection" dialogue only gives me the option of selecting the width in pixels, inches, etc. Is there another dialog box that I should have open? Thanks so much for helping me along. I'm really enjoying using GIMP (and I'm learning LOTS!), and it sure is nice to know there's people to ask if I can't figure it out myself!