Getting Started with GIMP: Workspace, Files, and a Simple Editing Workflow

This chapter sets the workflow you will use repeatedly: open/import your source images, do a non-destructive setup so edits stay flexible, edit with tools and layers, then export a finished copy for sharing.

The course workflow: Open/Import → Non-destructive setup → Edit → Export

1) Open or import (choose the right starting point)

• Open when you want to edit a single image as the main document.
• Import as layers when you want to combine multiple images into one document (collage, composite, adding a logo, replacing a sky, etc.).

2) Non-destructive setup (protect your original and keep edits adjustable)

GIMP is primarily a raster editor, so many edits permanently change pixels. You can still work “non-destructively” by using a few habits:

• Save a working file in XCF early and often (keeps layers, masks, selections, paths, and undo history as much as possible).
• Duplicate layers before big changes (keep an untouched backup layer).
• Use layer masks instead of erasing (hide/reveal without deleting pixels).
• Use adjustment-like tools on copies (e.g., color changes on a duplicated layer) so you can compare and revert.

3) Edit (tools + layers + dialogs)

Most edits happen through the Toolbox and Tool Options, while you manage structure in the Layers dialog and track mistakes in Undo History.

4) Export (create a shareable file)

Export creates a new file (JPG/PNG/etc.) optimized for where it will be used (web, print, messaging). Your XCF remains the editable “master.”

Tour of the GIMP interface (what you’ll use every session)

Image window (the canvas area)

The image window shows your document. It includes rulers (optional), guides (optional), and the visible result of your layers. If you have multiple images open, each appears in its own image window (or tabbed, depending on your setup).

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Toolbox (your main tools)

The Toolbox contains selection tools, paint tools, transform tools, and more. Examples you’ll use often:

• Move (reposition layers or selections)
• Crop (trim the image)
• Scale and Rotate (transform layers)
• Brush and Eraser (painting and cleanup; prefer masks over erasing when possible)
• Text (add type on its own layer)

Tool Options (the “settings panel” for the active tool)

Tool Options change based on the tool you select. This is where beginners often get stuck because a tool “doesn’t work” simply due to an option setting. Typical options include:

• Mode (how the tool blends)
• Opacity
• Brush size/hardness (for paint tools)
• Transform settings (for Scale/Rotate)
• Selection behavior (add/subtract/intersect)

Habit: when something behaves unexpectedly, check Tool Options first.

Dockable dialogs (your control center)

Dialogs are panels you can dock (attach) to the interface. The most important ones for this course:

• Layers: controls layer order, visibility (eye icon), opacity, blend mode, masks, and grouping.
• Channels: stores color channels and selections (a selection can be saved as a channel for reuse).
• Paths: stores vector paths (useful for precise selections and shapes).
• Undo History: shows a list of recent actions so you can step back to a specific point.

Status bar (feedback and hints)

The status bar (typically at the bottom of the image window) shows helpful information such as tool hints, progress, and sometimes cursor coordinates or zoom level. If GIMP is “busy,” you’ll often see it here.

Working with files: Open vs Import as Layers vs New

Open an image (single-image editing)

Use File → Open… to load a photo as the main document. This is the usual start when you’re retouching one image.

Import images as layers (multi-image documents)

Use File → Open as Layers… to bring one or more files into the current document as separate layers. This is ideal for:

• Adding a watermark/logo on its own layer
• Combining multiple photos
• Replacing backgrounds
• Building a thumbnail with multiple elements

Tip: If you accidentally used Open instead of Open as Layers, you can still copy/paste between images, but Open as Layers is faster and cleaner.

Create a new file (start from a blank canvas)

Use File → New… when you need a blank document (social media banner, icon, collage base). You’ll choose dimensions and resolution. For web graphics, dimensions in pixels are usually the key setting.

Common file formats: XCF vs PNG vs JPG (what to use and when)

Rule of thumb: Save your project as XCF, then export a JPG for photos or a PNG for graphics/transparency.

Guided exercise: From photo to XCF working file to web-ready export

Goal

• Open a photo
• Save an editable XCF working file
• Make a small, safe edit using a non-destructive habit
• Export a web-ready JPG or PNG with appropriate settings

Step 1: Open a photo

1. Go to File → Open….
2. Select a photo from your computer and open it.
3. Look at the Layers dialog: you should see one layer (often named “Background”).

Step 2: Save an XCF working file immediately

1. Go to File → Save As….
2. Choose a project folder (create one if needed).
3. Name it something like photo-edit-working.xcf.
4. Click Save.

Why now? If you crash, experiment, or change your mind later, the XCF preserves your editing flexibility.

Step 3: Non-destructive setup (duplicate your base layer)

1. In the Layers dialog, right-click the photo layer and choose Duplicate Layer.
2. Rename the top layer to Edit (double-click the layer name).
3. Rename the bottom layer to Original.
4. Click the eye icon on/off for Original to confirm you have a clean backup.

This simple step gives you a safe “before” layer without changing the original pixels.

Step 4: Make a simple edit (example: quick crop)

1. Select the Crop Tool from the Toolbox.
2. In Tool Options, ensure you are cropping the image (default behavior is fine for beginners).
3. Drag a crop rectangle around the area you want to keep.
4. Press Enter to apply.

If you dislike the result, open Undo History and click the step before the crop, or use Edit → Undo.

Step 5: Export for the web (JPG for photos, PNG for graphics)

Exporting creates a shareable copy. Your XCF remains your editable master.

Option A: Export as JPG (recommended for most photos)

1. Go to File → Export As….
2. In the filename, end with .jpg (example: photo-web.jpg).
3. Click Export.
4. In the JPG export options, set Quality to a practical range:

• 80–90: usually excellent for web photos (good balance of quality and size)
• 70–80: smaller files, slight quality loss may be visible in detailed areas
• 95–100: large files, often not worth it for web

Tip: If available, enable a preview to compare file size and appearance while adjusting quality.

Option B: Export as PNG (best for sharp text, logos, transparency)

1. Go to File → Export As….
2. End the filename with .png (example: graphic-web.png).
3. Click Export.
4. Use default PNG settings to start; PNG is lossless, so you typically don’t choose a “quality” slider like JPG.

Step 6: Verify you did not overwrite your working file

• Confirm you have two files in your folder: the editable .xcf and the exported .jpg or .png.
• Re-open the .xcf to ensure layers (Original and Edit) are still there.

Quick troubleshooting checklist (common beginner issues)

• Tool isn’t doing anything: check Tool Options (wrong mode, opacity at 0, wrong selection behavior).
• Edits affect the wrong thing: confirm the correct layer is selected in the Layers dialog.
• Can’t see a layer: check the eye icon (visibility), opacity, and layer order.
• Need to go back: use Undo History to jump to a previous step.
• Saved but lost layers: you likely exported (JPG/PNG) instead of saving XCF—use XCF for the working file.