Book Image

GIMP 2.6 cookbook

By : Juan Manuel Ferreyra
Book Image

GIMP 2.6 cookbook

By: Juan Manuel Ferreyra

Overview of this book

<p>The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring, and is a viewed by many as a rival to commercial applications like Photoshop. The GIMP is one of Open Source's legendary applications &ndash; renowned for its power and flexibility, but daunting to new users and with a steep learning curve to mastery.</p> <p>This book is packed with answers to get you preparing great images with the GMP immediately. Even if you are a relative novice to this powerhouse application, the straightforward instructions will guide you through the tasks to unleash your true creativity without being hindered by the system.</p> <p><i>GIMP 2.6 Cookbook</i> begins with simple tasks like drawing and painting and then moves into the deeper and more rewarding areas of filters, effects, text, and fonts. You will learn how to create fantastic logos, scintillating effects, and beautiful backgrounds. Experiment with color and sharpness and also create a web design layout for your website. Imagine how great you will feel when you are equipped to create wonderful images that can give your website a much-deserved makeover.</p> <p>Straightforward instructions guide you through tasks with the GIMP to unleash your true creativity without being hindered by the complexity of the system</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b></p> <h3><b><center>Practical recipes with real results:</center></b></h3> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.packtpub.com/sites/default/files/gimp_cookbook_create_web_graphics.jpg" border="0" width="580" height="939" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
GIMP 2.6 Cookbook
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Removing backgrounds


In this task we are going to pick an object from a picture and erase its background in a few easy steps. This is useful when you want to add something to another photo or just want to erase everything but the object in question and have a solid color (or a transparency). There are a few different ways to do this. In this task, we are going to use the Quick Mask tool.

How to do it...

Choose a photo, and select one object in it that you want to keep. Following is the picture I will be using:

  1. Select the Lasso Tool. Draw a rough selection around the object. There's no need to be accurate at this point.

  2. Click on the little square button at the left bottom corner of the picture window. This activates the Quick Mask tool:

    Don't be alarmed! The translucent red is the actual mask. It represents everything that is NOT selected:

  3. Select the Pencil Tool, and use a black color. Use it to paint the background more precisely around the object you selected. Remember, you can use the Zoom Tool...