so I finally downloaded GIMP.
but I have never used any program like this before and I am at a total loss in using it. The only program I have used is MS Paint. I understand there are numerous tutorials online to show how to do different things. But I am at a loss as to understanding the terms and the why's behind the different tools so I can export that info learned to doing one of my pages.
All your help is dearly needed and may be helpful for others.

The best piece of advice I got when I got my first real paint program (Jasc) was to play around and explore. I've never used Gimp before but I'd bet money that you'll learn the basics better by trying new things. Remember, there is a reason why most programs have an undo button!

Also, it isn't until after you are comfortable with the program that those tutorials really start making sense.

Yeah just jump into it, it won't kill anything-don't be afraid of it.
In fact go find someone elses image online and play with it if you want.

GIMP is a huge program and couldn't possible write all I know here, So if you're ever having problems/need advice feel free to drop me a pq and i'll help you out ;)

Gimp is insane to use right out of paint, but as you mess around with it, you learn how to do stuff. its a lot like photoshop. But that info won't help. just stat drawing lines and painting. Then you could play around with layers and such. But treat it like paint for a little while, till you get the hang of it

well I spent the last week messing with it for the new page posted today.
it is a vast program with so much potential.
What I have a bit a problem understanding is the terms for different things they have on their. MS Paint things were simple to figure out, like, curve line tool or just line tool. One thing gimp doesn't have which I used a buttload on Paint was the fill shape tool... the one where you draw a shape and then it fills with the color automatically. If Gimp has this and I don't know it...please advise.

I googled GIMP "fill shape" and found this tutorial.

Does it help?

http://gug.sunsite.dk/tutorials/titix1/ [gug.sunsite.dk]

TheMidge28
One thing gimp doesn't have which I used a buttload on Paint was the fill shape tool... the one where you draw a shape and then it fills with the color automatically. If Gimp has this and I don't know it...please advise.

Create a selection in the shape that you want and then fill it with the paint bucket (make sure it's set to fill whole selection). To add a border around the object you have multiple options:

1)"edit>stroke selection"

This one is by far the easiest, but does not produce anti-aliased edges, meaning that the edges will look pixelated like the ones created in ms paint. This is a bit of a step backward in my opinion, and I advise against it.

2) - "select>to path"
- "edit>stroke path"
This one usually works well with circles and the like, but when the selection is converted to a path, it is not always accurate, and edges can smoothened out as bit.

3) - "layer>New Layer"
- "select>grow selection"
- fill in with the color that you want the border to be
- "select>shink selection"
- press delete.

This method, while it is lengthy, usually produces the best results.

JustNoPoint
I googled GIMP "fill shape" and found this tutorial.

Does it help?

http://gug.sunsite.dk/tutorials/titix1/ [gug.sunsite.dk]

That's a scripting tutorial to create plugins for the GIMP. It's not quite the same.

Well, I saw it fill a selection =p

Not a GIMP user and a GIMP user had not replied yet... so I was "trying" haha :kitty:

appreciate all the help.
but those examples are not the same as what I could do with the shape fill tool in MS Paint. I wish Gimp had this tool.

Do in mspaint- then do the rest in gimp.

The fill tool is gimps weakest part, mostly you'll hafta use the brush tool then erase it to avoid white pixels.

I'm not sure if this would help, but what I use to fill in large shapes (like coloring flats) would be the Paths tool. You have to get used to using it though (clicking, dragging to make it curve, always drag in the direction your line is heading), and make as few nodes as possible. Once you've surrounded the area you want to fill, click selection to path button, then Edit>Fill.

Try Paint.Net - http://www.getpaint.net/ [getpaint.net]

It's made as a replacement for MS Paint.

tohoscope
Try Paint.Net - http://www.getpaint.net/ [getpaint.net]

It's made as a replacement for MS Paint.

Thanks for advice but...
well, I'm not looking to download anymore programs.
I'm looking for tips and advice on GIMP specifically. :)

TheMidge28
Thanks for advice but...
well, I'm not looking to download anymore programs.
I'm looking for tips and advice on GIMP specifically. :)

The GUI for Paint.NET is a lot more intuitive then the GIMP. Especially if you're used to MS Paint or Photoshop. It's free and it's open source code. And for my money it's easier to use then trying to learn the GIMP. Just saying.

The GUI for Paint.NET is a lot more intuitive then the GIMP. Especially if you're used to MS Paint or Photoshop. It's free and it's open source code. And for my money it's easier to use then trying to learn the GIMP. Just saying.


I won't lie, the GUI for Paint.NET is nice, but it is lacking in some areas that I'd rather not give up, especially when it comes to vexel (psuedo vector work) or svg (real vector) compatability.

I like smooth, clean lineart, and nothing does that better than working with paths (pen tool/bezier curves). Unfortunately, creating curves in Paint.Net doesn't leave a margin for error. (You can't really modify them after you're done)

When the pen tool features in the gimp don't seem good enough for me, I use inkscape for my lineart, creating a scalable vector image in the svg format that I can open back up in the GIMP directly at whatever size I deem necessary. I can even import the paths.

Paint.net may be open-source, but it relies on .NET framework, which is owned by Microsoft (therefore making it depend on closed-source software to function). The GTK environment, which the GIMP depends on, is completely open source, as well as the program itself. The gimp also ends up being very compatible with other open source programs, such as the already mentioned Inkscape, Scribus and even blender 3D. It also makes it easy for multi platform ports. So, as far as which program ends up being the most open-sourcy (lol) the GIMP wins.

In GUI, Paint.NET wins hands down. The GIMP just ends up having all the tools I need. Under windows Vista or most linux window managers, a single window interface can be easily emulated with the "always on top" feature.

This being said, Paint.NET, is still bit of free-software. In the end, it all depends on how you want to do your work. You might even find yourself switching between different programs to get the results you want.