In GIMP, layers are a stack of slides that contain parts of an image. They can be used to add and remove parts to an image without affecting the rest. Layers can also be used to experiment with different effects.
Creating A New Layer
Steps to create new layer:
➢ Go to Layer Menu> Select New Layer
➢ New Layer dialog box will appear
➢ Specify layer name, width & height of the layer
➢ Click on OK button.
| To enable the layers tab press Ctrl + L |
Renaming A Layer
Steps to rename a layer:
• Select the layer from Layers Tab & Right Click on it.
• Select Edit Layer Attributes
• A dialog box will appear.
• In the Layer name Text Box type the name
• Click on OK button.
Duplicating A Layer
It is used to create a copy of the layer.
Steps to duplicate a layer:
• Select the layer from Layers Tab & Right Click on it.
• Select Duplicate Layer Option
• or Press Shift + Ctrl + D combination to insert a duplicate layer.
| A small thumbnail view of an image is displayed on Layer tab. A new layer is added above the previous layer. You can work on any layer by selecting it from the Layers tab in the right panel. |
Making Layers Visible/ Invisible
You can make the layer Visible/ Invisible(hidden) by clicking on the Eye icon in the Layers Tab before the layer name. If the layer is hidden you cannot apply any tool on it.
Merging Layers
Merging means combining two or more layers into a single layer.
Steps to merge a layer:
• Select the layer from Layers Tab.
• Press Shift Key to Select Second Layer.
• Right Click on it.
• Select Merge Visible Layers Option.
Deleting A Layer
Steps to delete a layer:
• Select the layer from Layers Tab.
• Go to Layer Menu> Select delete option.
• or Click on Delete this Layer Button on Layers Tab.
The selected layer will be deleted.
Layer Masking
Layer Masks are an essential tool in photo editing. They allow us to manage transparency and other components selectively. It is useful for removing the background of the image. The layer masks can be three types white, black, or Gray, representing full transparency, full opacity, or partial transparency. So, the layer mask makes the image transparent, opaque and partially transparent.
Steps for Layer Mask:
• Insert an image to the background layer.
• Add one more layer.
• Convert the same image in the grayscale mode. (Right Click on the image > select mode from the context menu> grayscale mode)
• Right-click on the layer and select the Add Layer Mask option.
• Select the type of mask to add in the dialog window.
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■ White (full opacity) With this option, the layer mask will make all of the layer fully opaque. That means that you will not notice any difference in the appearance of the layer until you paint on the layer mask.
■ Black (full transparency) With this option, the layer mask will make all of the layer fully transparent. This is represented in the image by a checkered pattern on which you will need to paint to make any part of the layer visible.
• Select the mask
■ Use Brush if you have selected a White (full opacity) mask.
■ Use Easer if you have selected Black (full transparency)mask.
• As you paint, the Layer Mask icon will change to reflect the brush strokes that you are applying.
• You should see the image changing visibly as transparent areas become opaque again.
