302 CHAPTER 20 IMAGE EDITING Introducing The (Web server logs)
302 CHAPTER 20 IMAGE EDITING Introducing The GIMP The GIMP is an extremely powerful image editor that offers the kind of functions usually associated with top-end software like Adobe Photoshop. Although it s not aimed at beginners, those new to image editing can get the most from of it, provided they put in a little work. The program relies on a few unusual concepts within its interface, which can catch many people off guard. The first of these is that each of the windows within the program, such as floating dialog boxes or palettes, gets its own Panel entry. In other words, The GIMP s icon bar, image window, settings window, and so on have their own buttons on the Panel alongside your other programs, as if they were separate programs. Note The GIMP s way of working is referred to as a Single Document Interface, or SDI. It s favored by a handful of programs that run under Linux and seems to be especially popular among programs that let you create things. Because of the way that The Gimp runs, before you start up the program, it s a wise idea to switch to a different virtual desktop (virtual desktops are discussed in Chapter 7), which you can then dedicate entirely to The GIMP. Click Applications . Graphics . GIMP Image Editor to run The Gimp. When the program starts for the first time, it will run through its setup routine. Usually, you can use the default answers to the various questions asked by the wizard. After program has setup, you ll be greeted by what appears to be a complex assortment of program windows. Now you need to be aware of a second unusual aspect of the program: its reliance on right-clicking. Whereas right-clicking usually brings up a context menu offering a handful of options, within The GIMP, it s the principal way of accessing the program s functions. Right-clicking an image brings up a menu offering access to virtually everything you ll need while editing. Ubuntu includes the latest version of The GIMP, 2.2, and this features a menu bar in the main image-editing window. This is considered sacrilege by many traditional The GIMP users, although it s undoubtedly useful for beginners. However, the right-click menu remains the most efficient way of accessing The GIMP s tools. The main toolbar window, shown in Figure 20-1, is on the left. This can be considered the heart of The GIMP because, when you close it, all the other program windows are closed, too. The menu bar on the toolbar window offers most of the options you re likely to use to start out with The GIMP. For example, File . Open will open a browser dialog box in which you can select files to open in The GIMP. It s even possible to create new artwork from scratch by choosing File . New, although you should be aware that The GIMP is primarily a photo editor. To create original artwork, a better choice is a program like OpenOffice.org Draw (on the Applications . Office menu).