So glad after 3 months with no update I’m back with another open source cgi tutorial for beginner. And this time I choose Gimp. Gimp is a free and open source photo editing to use for graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. If you don’ want spend extra money on Photoshop, you can download Gimp new version directly from their official website, gimp.org.

One thing that I love about open source software is they have a wonderful, friendly, and helpful community. Expert user is always helpful to newbie, including gimp community. In their website, you can find so many tutorial and irc chat room that you can join if you need help. In this first post, I will just show you the first thing you have to do when you want to use gimp, which open a new image file or create a new file. So, let’s get started, okay?.

Open File in Gimp:

1. New File.

Just like any other software, if you click on File —> New, you will create a new gimp file (.xcf). But, if you click on File —> Open, you choose an existing image or xcf file.

Try to create a new file.

You can change the width & height size as you wish or you can use template that have size based on computer monitor and printing standard.

On advanced Options, if you choose printer template, the resolution will automatically set based on desktop printer device. Most of home printer like Canon and Hp have 300 lpi (line per inch). That’s why always make sure it’s in pixels/in. If your image source have high resolution, it’s best to set the file resolution in default standard.

After you click on OK button, you can change the view size that place on bottom panel or use shortcut (+) and (-).

2. Open Existing File (Image or CFX).

Search on your browser the jpg or cfx file you want to open. If you want to open another image file at the same window, you can click on File —> Open as Layers.

All above is just a basic getting started on gimp. If you’re a first time user, you probably won’t impress with gimp UI. I admit it doesn’t look fancy like photoshop, but it’s have the same powerful ability as photoshop, not to mention it’s free to use. Hopefully this introduction to Gimp article makes you want to switch software.

Next article we will learn about its selection tool. So, subscribe to this blog or my youtube channel, so you won’t miss it. Thank you for reading and see you soon!.