Working with Layers in GIMP

It is critical that you understand and learn to work with the concept of Layers in GIMP. If you have worked with graphics in Microsoft applications such as Word and PowerPoint, CSS on a web page, or Canva, you are most likely familiar with the idea of stacking things in front and behind each other. Image editing software such as Photoshop and GIMP take this one step further by allowing you to create layered files. Each layer in the “stack” can contain one or many things and the layers can then be arranged at will.

^_01. Open an image

and save the image file.

1. Open GIMP
2. From the menus select File » Open
3. Select the downloaded image from where you saved it
4. The image is imported into a new Layer (created automatically)
5. The Canvas is the size of the imported image — click Image » Canvas Size… to view the dimensions 300 x 224

^_02. Adjust the Canvas size

We are going to make the Canvas wider:

1. The current Width and Height displayed
2. The default unit is pixels
3. If the chain button is enabled the width-to-height ratio will be locked; changing one dimension will adjust the other automatically to maintain the ratio
4. A preview of the canvas
5. Change the width to 800 (note the height remains the same)
6. The preview now shows the changed outline of the Canvas
7. Left-click and drag the image thumbnail to the right
8. You can do some mathsing and fine-tune the positioning
9. We do not want to resize the Layers (the content of the Canvas) in this example
10. Set the new area of the Canvas to be transparent
11. Click the Resize button

^_03. Zoom & Pan

The Canvas and its contents may not be neatly visible in the interface, or you may need to zoom in to work on some fine details of your work.

Hold down the Ctrl button and use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.

Use the scroll bars to move the canvas into the centre, or hold down the SHIFT key and move the mouse to reposition it.

^_04. Save the Project

GIMP Project files have an .xcf file extension.

1. File » Save
2. Provide a name and select a location: gimp-love.xcf

It is worth creating a project folder to organise & store your Project file, assets such as images and your final exported file(s).

^_05. Rename a Layer

Naming Layers prevents confusion as the number of layers increases in a project.

1. Right-click on the original layer in the Layers panel
2. Select the Edit Layer attributes option
3. Type Wilber in the Layer name input and click the OK button

^_06. Add a Layer

A new Layer can be added using one of three methods:

1. Layer » New Layer…
2. Shift + Ctrl + N
3. The New Layer button in the Layers panel

1. Add a Layer name
2. Select White from the Fill with options
3. Click the OK button

The new white background layer is added above the original layer.

^_07. Re-order Layers

Position the Background layer below the Wilber layer by selecting the Background layer and using the Raise and Lower buttons or simply left-click dragging it into position.

The Wilber image should now be visible on a white background. You should already see the benefit of naming your Layers!

^_08. Add Text

Next, we will add some text.

1. Select the Text Tool
2. Click on the Font button to select a font
3. Set a font Size
4. Left-click drag an approximate marquee
5. A new Layer is added automatically
6. Type your text
7. Adjust the Text Box if necessary so all text is visible

^_09. Export image

We now export our final image:

1. File » Export
2. By default, the project name is the image file name
3. The file extension must be added (.png in this example) to the file name
4. Click the Export button
5. All the available options for the selected file type will be displayed; accept the defaults
6. Click the Export button

All visible layers will be included in the exported image. The exported image’s dimensions will be the same as the Canvas’s.

References:

1. GNU Image Manipulation Program User Manual (No date) 6.17. Canvas Size. Available at: https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-image-resize.html (Accessed: 30 August 2024).