Guide to GIMP

[omgMooter]

Since i've done a few little pictures with GIMP that have gotten a few compliments i wanna teach folks the basics of GIMP so they can pull off some wicked pictures!


INDEX:
1. What and Where is GIMP?
2. The Basics
3. The Fancier Stuff
4. Tips and Tricks


1. What and Where is GIMP

GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is an Open-Source software equivalent to Photoshop (IF you know how to properly use it.) Much like photoshop it uses layers in order to make picture effects and photo manipulation. GIMP is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything.

GIMP can also be found at GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

2. The Basics

The interface:
GIMP's interface is very odd at first. Unlike most picture editing software GIMP has 3 windows to work with. 1 being the main canvas and the 2 other too being your toolbox and Layer/Channel Managing. This might seem very silly but if you do lots of photo editing at once its a beautiful thing.

GIMP's lovely interface

The Tools:
GIMP has a wide array of tools ranging from Brushes to Smudge Tools. These tools are useful for various things, however i won't go into great deal since many of the tools are situational and generally won't be fiddled with.


3. The Fancier Stuff

The Filters:
Like Photoshop GIMP has a wide range of different filters. Which are all easily found in the menu bar on the main canvas window. Filters are used to achieve really cool photo effects with the simple click of a button.

All of GIMP's filters are organized in categories.

The Layers:
Finally, layers. Layers are by far your best friend when using GIMP or any photo editor that uses layers. Layers can be used to outline a character's body then you would make another layer below the outlining so that you can draw in the character's colour without having to worry about sloppy drawing or ruining your outline. Also, layers are great for cleanliness try putting things that you are testing with in seperate layers. The reason behind this is because you can hide layers, so if you don't like it simply hide it! I could go on about layers however the best way to learn about layers is by using them.

4. Tips and Tricks

Tips:

• Always save ".xcf" files before finalizing, this way if you need to revert it's very easy to edit your layers.
• The internet is full of resources to help you with being a better artist, whether it's renders or various different style brushes.
• When using lots of layers always make sure your on the right layer before drawing. Naming your layers is often a good way to differentiate between layers.
• Try different styles/colours when drawing, you'll often be surprised on how a different colour can impact the final look of your work.

Tricks:

• To make a straight line when tracing bodies and various lines click where you want to start drawing then hold shift to desired location, if you use it in very short distances you can make smooth edges.
• Try using layers of solid colours and use the Layer Modes that GIMP offers to add neat lighting/blending effects that can really make a picture look very nice!
• Know your file extensions. certain file types do not support transparency and others may make your image look worse, A good file type to generally use is ".PNG" as is supports transparency and high quality images.
  
  
  
  GIMP has many useful layers modes that can help make your picture much nicer!