Windows/Mac/Linux (all platforms): GIMP, the free, open-source graphics editor, has come out with a 2.6 version, and it’s put some significant changes into the editor’s interface and back-end operations. New to this version are support for 32 bits per colour channel and a new GEGL-based backend (turned on and off in the preferences), polygonal and sectional selection with the Free Select Tool, better handling of windows, toolbars, docked tools, and menus, and a “brush dynamics” sub-menu that gives creators serious control over their pixel-pushing tools. Those are just a few of the many changes in this release. GIMP 2.6 is a free download for Windows, Mac, or Linux platforms, though it’s only (officially) available as source code at the moment. Read on for help installing GIMP 2.6 on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Are you a Linux lover with a not-so-secret need for Photoshop and its many, many filters? Check out the newly-revived User Filter plug-in, which, combined with download-able filters, makes the free, open-source editor quite a bit more useful. [via]
The Digital Photography School blog has an instructive tutorial on using layers for those just getting their feet wet inside Photoshop, or other high-end image editors like the open-source GIMP. Those jumping in will learn how to make transparent layers, use masked layers to roll back effects, and duplicate layers for sharpening and other effects. Hit the link for a quick schooling, including links to related lessons, or offer up your own tutorials and advice in the comments. Understanding Layers in Photoshop [Digital Photography School]
If you’ve ever suffered from seeing a great photo sullied by red eye, reflective skin, or other blemishes, Wired’s How-To Wiki is offering an assist. The guide provides specific steps one should take with image editing tools to fix distracting imperfections or backgrounds, and while the instructions are written from a Photoshop user’s perspective, users of the free, open-source GIMP editor can follow along by finding the (usually identical) tools called for. Hit the link for a lesson, or contribute your own revisionist tips at the wiki. Photo by Noel Zia Lee. Touch Up Your Pics [Wired How-To Wiki]
Animated GIF images get a bad rap as throwbacks of the web of yesteryear, but they can also be a neat way to show a quick existing video sequence without having to worry about formatting and compatibility. A Ubuntu enthusiast offers a simple guide to creating slick-looking animations using two free, cross-platform software tools, MPlayer and the GIMP. While the first installation command is for Ubuntu Linux systems only, the other steps should be easy to follow along with in Windows, Mac, or Linux. Grab a favourite DVD, pick a scene that works without sound, and share a moment with friends—or the whole world. Making Animated GIFs With Free Software in Four Steps [via Ubuntu Forums]
DIY web site Instructables demonstrates how to create eye-catching photos by taking a color photograph and turning it into a black and white photograph with only one element still in color using GIMP photo editing software. The results are impressive and would make for a great new desktop background or living room centerpiece. If you give it a try, share your results in the comment section! If you prefer Photoshop, we’ve covered the same effect for Photoshop users, too. Gimp Color Effects on a B&W Photo [Instructables]
Linux.com has a great roundup of cross-platform applications and GIMP plug-ins that can help make your not-so-great digital pictures into keepers. Among them is a free Java-based tool called Unshake, which does exactly what you’d think, but with a high degree of customisation—you show it the blurriest parts of your photos, and it gets to work making them crisper. Other suggestions include using third-party GIMP plug-ins like Refocus and Iterative Refocus. For those great photo moments that just don’t come out that great, these tools can be a memory-saver. Photo by psd.
Unshaking and refocusing your photos [Linux.com]The free cross-platorm image editor GIMP can do a whole lot with images on its own, but its extensible nature lets it do much more, from goofy transformations to custom algorithms. Technology blog techZilo offers a handy list of more than 40 free plug-ins that cover tools many photography enthusiasts (noise reduction, red eye removal) and web designers (anti-aliasing, “save for web” functionality) would especially find useful. The plug-ins should be easy to install on Linux and Mac systems, and a few offer pre-compiled Windows versions. For help getting your plug-ins working, check out the official documentation.
Top 40+ GIMP plugins [techZilo via The Linux Tutorial]Windows and Linux: Send the photos you fix in the GIMP, the open source, cross-platform image editor, directly to your Flickr or Picasa Web accounts with GimpPublishr, a GIMP plug-in. After downloading and installing the plug-in, the “File” menu on any picture you open will offer “Publish on Web” option, with links to send the picture to each service. The plug-in’s Google Code site gives instructions for Windows and Linux systems, but I’d wager the plug-in would work on Mac systems as well. GimpPublishr is a free download.
GimpPublishr [via PhoroLinux]Windows/Mac/Linux: Open source image editing suite GIMP version 2.4 is now available and features a host of new goodies and long-awaited improvements. Chief among the new features are scaling for all kinds of brushes, intuitive selection and crop tools, a new object alignment guide and advanced tools like perspective cloning and lens distortion filters, but there are many more. GIMP is free, available already in some Linux repositories and for download for Windows and Mac users. For help getting started with GIMP, check out these intermediate video tutorials.
GIMP – Downloads [via OSNews]
