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CROPPING 101

Welcome to the our very first class, kids. Okay, that’s stupid. And so, here’s the most basic of the basic things you will have to learn when GIMP-ing; CROPPING. This is actually very simple, but the most important part is to know which is the most suitable cropping tool you can use and why.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Whatever tool you use for cropping, it is always better to zoom the image first, so that you can trace the outlines better. It will make things easier.

Click on the image to view in full sizeee....

1) LASSO TOOL – Lasso is as known in Photoshop. But in GIMP, we call it the Free-Select Tool. Out of many, I like this tool the most for cropping. It is simple and you can use it however you want. Not only for cropping, but also for makings shapes and stuffs. And so, here’s how you use it.

When you click, a transparent dot will appear, so simply join the dots together, trace the outlines of your character. When done, click ‘EDIT > CUT’, the image will be cut out from the background. And then click ‘EDIT > PASTE AS > NEW LAYER’.

2) FUZZY TOOL – This tool is recommended ONLY AND ONLY if the background of your image is in one color. The tool is fun to use as it is the easiest, but trust me, it is also the most annoying tool sometimes.

Simply click on the FUZZY TOOL icon and click somewhere in your image layer. Magically, the tool will detect the area to cut. Then click ‘EDIT > CUT’. Voila~ Your background is already gone.

3) SELECTION EDITOR – I just discovered this method actually. The use is not that much different from fuzzy tool. Not so recommended if the background of your image comes in more than 1 color.

‘RIGHTCLICK à SELECT > SELECTION EDITOR’. A pop-out box will appear and all you have to do is to click somewhere, anywhere in the black image. The suggestion of the places to cut will appear. And then keep on clicking until you find the best selection. When done, click X to close the pop out window. Click ‘EDIT > CUT’.

4) PATH TOOL – Path is just like lasso tool, only, you can smoothen your cropping by making curves. In which, if you have to trace curvy parts of your image, this tool really helps. I’m not really good at making curvy lines using this though. Still like Lasso for all it matters.

Just like Lasso, all you have to do is joining the dots together, tracing the outlines of your character. To make the lines because soft curves, click-drag or press shift until you get the curve that you want. /Lol this sounds so awkward/. When done tracing, ‘RIGHTCLICK > SELECT > FROM PATH’. The dots will magically join together. Now click ‘EDIT à CUT’ and ‘EDIT > PASTE AS > NEW LAYER’.

5) ERASER TOOL – This is like the easiest of the easiest. I don’t even have to teach you anything about it. Click on eraser icon and just erase the unwanted part XD! This tool is the most recommended when you’re making sad/angst/romance themed poster.

6) FOREGROUND TOOL – I never use this tool and I don’t even have any idea what it actually exists for. Cutting using this is totally not smooth at all.

Click on the icon, and start making random dots around the image. When the blue color fill the whole image, carefully trace the outline of your character. And then click ENTER to accept the selection. ‘EDIT > CUT’ and ‘EDIT > PASTE AS > NEW LAYER’. As you see, the result isn’t very satisfying. I’m not good at using this. I hate using this tool. Done with it.

Anyhow, I suck at making instructions. So yeah ASDFGHJKL visit my instagram pleaseuuuuu /bricke/Aaaaaannnnddddd that’s all for today. Thank you /bricked/