Table of Contents
Advertisement
The current foreground and background color are shown in two overlapping boxes. The
default colors are black for the foreground and white for the background. Click the box
to open a color selection dialog. Swap the foreground and background color with the
bent arrow symbol to the upper right of the boxes. Use the black and white symbol to
the lower left to reset the colors to the default.
To the right, the current brush, pattern, and gradient are shown. Click the displayed one
to access the selection dialog. The lower portion of the window allows configuration
of various options for the current tool.
Layers, Channels, Paths, Undo
In the first section, use the drop-down box to select the image to which the tabs refer.
By clicking Auto, control whether the active image is chosen automatically. By default,
Auto is enabled.
Layers shows the different layers in the current images and can be used to manipulate
the layers. Channels shows and can manipulate the color channels of the image.
Paths are a vector-based method of selecting parts of an image. They can also be used
for drawing. Paths shows the paths available for an image and provides access to path
functions. Undo shows a limited history of modifications made to the current image.
17.3 Getting Started in GIMP
Although GIMP can be a bit overwhelming for new users, most quickly find it easy to
use once they work out a few basics. Crucial basic functions are creating, opening, and
saving images.
17.3.1 Creating a New Image
To create a new image, select File → New or press
+
. This opens a dialog in
Ctrl
N
which to make settings for the new image. If desired, select a predefined setting called
a Template. To create a custom template, select File → Dialogs → Templates and use
the controls offered by the window that opens.
Manipulating Graphics with The GIMP
235
Advertisement
Table of Contents
