Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional (Expert's Voice in Open Source)

Author Akkana Peck demonstrates the usage of layer masks in GIMP with a little help from Tux. From first installation to advanced image manipulation techniques, Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional, Second Edition explains how anyone can utilize The GIMP: a free, open source image manipulation program. You will learn how to install The GIMP on Windows, Linux, and MacOS X platforms. Once youвЂTMve installed the application, youвЂTMll learn about the interface and configuration options, and then jump into a quick and simple project to familiarize yourself. With four–color graphics and screenshots throughout , youвЂTMll learn how to prepare camera images for display on web pages—including processes like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Utilizing layers, paths, and masks are also covered in extensive detail. Of course, you will also learn how to draw lines and shapes; utilize patterns and gradients; and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. GIMP expert and author Akkana Peck teaches you how to touch up digital photographs, smudging away blemishes, fixing red–eye, and stitching panoramic images. YouвЂTMll learn how to tap into the powerful filters, effects, and plug–ins that are available for The GIMP and automate tasks using scripts. The entire book is approached in a project–based manner, and as you progress, numerous projects will help strengthen your newly acquired abilities. What youвЂTMll learn Install The GIMP on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX. Explore the interface and configuration options. Prepare your camera images for use on the Web, including rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Learn basic techniques such as drawing lines and shapes, utilizing patterns, and making use of gradients. Master advanced techniques such as layers, paths, and masks. Create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. Discover tricks for fixing blemishes, removing redeye, and stitching together panoramic images. Who is this book for? This book is for graphics designers, digital photographers, and hobbyists. ItвЂTMs is aimed at those who need to utilize a full–featured image manipulation program but donвЂTMt have hundreds of dollars to pay for Photoshop. The GIMP is also the preferred image manipulation application for the open source advocate. The GIMP is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX. About the Apress Beginning Series The Beginning series from Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that crucial entry–level job. These books will teach you a standard and important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly designed to take you from “novice to professional.” YouвЂTMll start your journey by seeing what you need to know—but without needless theory and filler. YouвЂTMll build your skill set by learning how to put together real–world projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take you there—it is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory! ## Author Akkana Peck demonstrates the usage of layer masks in GIMP with a little help from Tux. From first installation to advanced image manipulation techniques, __Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional, Second Edition__ explains how anyone can utilize The GIMP: a free, open source image manipulation program. You will learn how to install The GIMP on Windows, Linux, and MacOS X platforms. Once youвЂTMve installed the application, youвЂTMll learn about the interface and configuration options, and then jump into a quick and simple project to familiarize yourself. **With four–color graphics and screenshots throughout**, youвЂTMll learn how to prepare camera images for display on web pages—including processes like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Utilizing layers, paths, and masks are also covered in extensive detail. Of course, you will also learn how to draw lines and shapes; utilize patterns and gradients; and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. GIMP expert and author **Akkana Peck** teaches you how to touch up digital photographs, smudging away blemishes, fixing red–eye, and stitching panoramic images. YouвЂTMll learn how to tap into the powerful filters, effects, and plug–ins that are available for The GIMP and automate tasks using scripts. The entire book is approached in a project–based manner, and as you progress, numerous projects will help strengthen your newly acquired abilities. ## What youвЂTMll learn * Install The GIMP on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX. * Explore the interface and configuration options. * Prepare your camera images for use on the Web, including rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. * Learn basic techniques such as drawing lines and shapes, utilizing patterns, and making use of gradients. * Master advanced techniques such as layers, paths, and masks. * Create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. * Discover tricks for fixing blemishes, removing redeye, and stitching together panoramic images. ## Who is this book for? This book is for graphics designers, digital photographers, and hobbyists. ItвЂTMs is aimed at those who need to utilize a full–featured image manipulation program but donвЂTMt have hundreds of dollars to pay for Photoshop. The GIMP is also the preferred image manipulation application for the open source advocate. The GIMP is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX. ## About the Apress Beginning Series The Beginning series from Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that crucial entry–level job. These books will teach you a standard and important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly designed to take you from “novice to professional.” YouвЂTMll start your journey by seeing what you need to know—but without needless theory and filler. YouвЂTMll build your skill set by learning how to put together real–world projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take you there—it is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory! From first installation to advanced image manipulation techniques, Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional, Second Edition explains how anyone can utilize GIMP: a free, open source image manipulation program. You will learn how to install GIMP on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X platforms. Once you've installed the application, you'll learn about the interface and configuration options, and then jump into a quick and simple project to familiarize yourself. With four–color graphics and screenshots throughout, you'll learn how to prepare camera images for display on web pages—including processes like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Utilizing layers, paths, and masks are also covered in extensive detail. Of course, you will also learn how to draw lines and shapes; utilize patterns and gradients; and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. GIMP expert and author Akkana Peck teaches you how to touch up digital photographs, smudging away blemishes, fixing red–eye, and stitching panoramic images. You'll learn how to tap into the powerful filters, effects, and plug–ins that are available for GIMP and automate tasks using scripts. The entire book is approached in a project–based manner, and as you progress, numerous projects will help strengthen your newly acquired abilities. COVER ......Page 1 Front ......Page 2 Contents ......Page 6 Getting to Know GIMP......Page 22 Improving Digital Photos ......Page 40 Introduction to Layers......Page 88 Drawing......Page 130 Selection......Page 180 Erasing and Touching Up......Page 234 Filters and Effects......Page 270 Color......Page 314 Advanced Drawing......Page 363 Advanced Compositing......Page 411 Plug-ins and Scripting......Page 454 Additional Topics......Page 500 Getting and Installing GIMP......Page 539 Installing GIMP on Older Systems ......Page 544 Building from Source ......Page 547 A Preview of GIMP 2.6 ......Page 551 Index ......Page 556 The GIMP Version 2.4 will be released end of 2005. We’ll likely be first to market a book about the new version. Other books are pre-Version 2.4 and very outdated Takes a project-based approach. Reader will be taught through real-world examples and projects immediately applicable for their own work GIMP is an emerging technology in Open Source that has been making big headlines. Was used to make the Scooby-Doo movie and the official mascot of Linux (Tux) GIMP works on Mac OSX, Linux, and Windows. This book shows how to install it on each platform. Provides instructions on creating and editing images with GIMP, covering such topics as layers, drawing, filters and effects, erasing, color, and plug-ins and scripting.