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GIMP Layers 101 {the Complete Guide}

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GIMP Layers 101 {the Complete Guide}

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Layers in GIMP are essential for everything you do in, well, GIMP. Here are a few examples of how you’ll use them…

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about layers. This includes understanding what they are, the four types of layers you’ll encounter, the four ways to customize them, layer attributes, and more.

This article is the first in a series of articles on layers. Other Layer tutorials will go in-depth for particular types of layers and how to use them in the real world.

Table of Contents

First, we need to set the foundation of layers before moving onto more advanced layer concepts.  

So, if you’re ready… let’s do it!

What Is a Layer?

A layer in editing software like GIMP and Photoshop is no different than how artists work in the real world. A canvas or a piece of paper is in and of itself a layer. It’s the media by which you paint or draw on. A photographic piece of paper is a layer too.

The power of a layer is in the ability to, well, Layer (or stack) them. If you have a photographic print and decide you’d like to add text (after it’s printed), you could print it out on clear acetate. Then, you could place it over the image. The clear acetate is the second Layer in your artwork.

When you open an image in GIMP it’s the first Layer for your project. When you add text with the Text Tool, a new layer is created with its content.

Four Types of GIMP Layers

When working with GIMP layers, you’ll use four main types of them. Each is distinguishable from the others based on the thumbnail preview of that Layer. 

Here are the four kinds of GIMP layers…

BACKGROUND LAYER

The thumbnail preview of this type of Layer shows the image in its entirety. Background layers work a little differently in GIMP vs. Photoshop for those transitioning from Photoshop.

In Photoshop, when you open an image, the Layer is named “Background” and is locked from being manipulated. You have to unlock it to make adjustments to that Layer.

In GIMP, the Background is not locked, and you can begin working on it immediately. 

GROUPED LAYER

The preview of a Grouped Layer looks like a folder. To group layers, choose this option from the bottom of the panel. Once you place your layers inside, you can collapse them to hide those contained within.

For some image edits, I can use anywhere from 20 – 50 different layers! Some artists use more.  

Having many of them creates chaos, slows down your workflow, and can be detrimental to your final artwork. I recommend getting organized by grouping similar types of editing layers together.  

Plus, unlike Photoshop, you can not select more than one Layer at a time. Instead, use a Grouped Layer to achieve this.  

PIXEL LAYER

A Pixel-based layer will show the pixels being used in the thumbnail preview. The entire thumbnail will be filled with pixels like an image. Or only a part of it based on how many pixels make up that Layer. If only a portion, then the rest of the preview will have a transparent background (made up of different colored squares).

Every Layer you create requires pixels to form your image or designs. Even a text layer is pixel-based. I make this distinction for those coming from Photoshop. Text and shapes in Photoshop are vector-based. 

Vectors allow elements in a layer to be resized without a loss of quality. If you create a shape layer and resize it larger, it will become pixelated. This may change with the release of GIMP 3.0+ since shapes are on the roadmap for implementation.

TYPE LAYER

When adding text, you’ll end up with a Text Layer. It’s distinguishable from the other types with its “A” icon in the thumbnail. If you deactivate the Text Tool and decide to add more text, you can create a new Text Layer or add to an existing Text Layer.

Four Ways To Customize Your GIMP Layers

The following includes the four main ways you can customize a layer.

LAYER MASK

A Layer Mask gives you the precision to apply an edit in a specific location of an image.

OPACITY

Setting the Opacity slider of a layer allows you to decrease the visibility of that Layer. You can also use it to tone down an edit applied to an image layer.

BLENDING MODES

Blending Modes provide a multitude of creative tools for helping you achieve your creative vision. Not all Modes are created equal and will not work with every type of Layer. It depends on the intended purpose of what the Mode was designed to do.

Discover an in-depth view of each of the 38 Blending Modes, how they work, how to use them, and more by clicking here.

LAYER EFFECTS

Layer Effects were designed to be used with graphics. They can be used with a text layer or with shapes. Unlike Photoshop, there are very few effects to choose from.

Although you can extend the library effects with plugins provided by third-party developers. The only problem you may run into is when a developer disappears and doesn’t update the plugin. This recently happened to a plugin I promoted through my 37 GIMP Graphic Design class.

An expansion of the type of Layer Effects is in the roadmap for 3.0+. Hopefully, the sooner, the better.

GIMP Layer Stacking Order

Top of the world… Photo by Marius. 

Stacked! Photo by Suzy.

In the world of layers, the one on top is dominant. Or at least can hide the layers below and other special powers.

As you now know, layers are made up of pixels. If the entire layer is filled with pixels, is above all other layers, then no other layers can be seen. Only when a portion of the pixels from the top layer is removed or hidden (Layer Mask) will you be able to see the layers below.

Although you could also lower the Opacity of the top layer to reveal the others too. Lower level layers will also become visible if the topmost layer is smaller than the canvas’s dimensions. So much for being dominant.

The stacking order also has consequences on how layers interact with each other. For example, when you apply a Mode to a layer, it blends in with the one below.

In the layer management section (coming up soon), I’ll show you how to rearrange your layers.

The Layer Panel

How To Access the Layer Panel In GIMP

As with other tools, layers can be accessed via a panel called “Layers.”

The Layer Panel lists each Layer created and provides additional tools for using your layers. Plus, there are four places (1 hidden) for different tools for working with them.

To view the Layer Panel in GIMP, go to; 

Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Layers.

The Layer Tools



This post first appeared on Parker Photographic, please read the originial post: here

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GIMP Layers 101 {the Complete Guide}

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