This Project Is an Introduction in Image Manipulation Using GIMP Image Editing Software
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This project is an introduction in image manipulation using GIMP image editing software. Learn how to use some basic selection tools, image effects, and layers to make a photo collage or try pasting your own image into a “dream vacation” background image. What You Need • GIMP: GNU Image Manipulation Program, an open-source image editing program that is similar to Adobe Photoshop®. • You can download the program from http://www.gimp.orgfor Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems. • A computer • Some digital images, either from a digital camera and downloaded onto the computer, or copyright-free images you’ve found online. Here are some good sources of free and legal images online: o Stock.Xchng http://www.sxc.hu/ o morgueFile http://morguefile.com/archive/ o Creative Commons http://search.creativecommons.org/ Getting Started 1. Create a new project, sized 640x400. 2. Give it a name and save as a .xcf file. 3. Choose your collage theme. Find some images online from sources listed above. Save them on your computer. 4. Open the images inside gimp. Use Tools>Selection Tools>Intelligent Scissors to cut the object out of the background photo. Check the Feather edges checkbox to soften the edges. Once you’ve outlined your image, click inside to select. Then copy and paste the image you cut out into your new collage. 5. Add more images. Each image will be on its own layer. If you want to move an image around, use the Move tool, making sure the layer for that image is selected. 6. Add a background. 7. Try playing with the effects filters. Select the layer you want to filter, and then look under Filters. 8. Save changes. Before saving as a .jpg you’ll need to “flatten” your image. This squishes all your multiple layers into one layer (once you do this you won’t be able to edit your image layers anymore unless you save your image as a .xcf file type). Go to Image>Flatten Image. You’re ready to save as a .jpg. You now have an edited image that can be used in a Scratch project. Further Exploration • Try scanning and importing your own hand drawn images into a free program called Art Rage, where you can use real art supplies and materials. You can download and use the “Starter Version” for free from this address on their website: http://www.artrage.com/artrage-demos.html .