Quick Start: Filters and Script-Fu
The GIMP is a powerful tool for creating and editing graphic images. With power comes quite a bit of complexity, however. So, to make our introduction to GIMP fun and simple, we'll start with doing some cool tricks that only require us to click one or two menu options.
What is GIMP?
The GIMP is an image manipulation program written for the Linux operating system and available for free. It is capable of creating images, retouching photos, editing graphics, and a whole lot more. The program is designed as professional-strength image editing software, however, and takes some learning before you can use it effectively.
The version used for this course is a Windows port of the original GIMP program, and it is not perfect. Due to licensing issues, the Windows version does not have built-in support for .gif images. You can download an extra plug-in for editing and creating .gif files, but it is not legal in the USA. Also, the Windows version still has a few bugs that may crop up from time to time. In general the software is great, but every now and then a wild Script-Fu will crash, so be sure to save your work regularly.
Filters and Script-Fu
The GIMP has two built-in methods for making standard changes to images, filters and script-fu. In general, script-fu tend to be a little more complex than filters, but both can be used to create some really amazing photo effects with very little effort. Some filters or script-fu work best once you have learned how to select regions of a photo, or manipulate layers, but a lot of them can be run without knowing anything. So, let's start there.
Applying a Filter or Script-Fu to an Image
- Get a picture to work with and save it on your computer.
- Start GIMP. The toolbox pictured above should appear.
If this is the first time running GIMP, it will ask a bunch of questions. Just say 'Okay'.
- Click "File" --> "Open" and open your picture.
- When the image is open, right-click anywhere on the image to bring up a menu of picture editing options.
- To run a filter ...
- Point to "Filter"
- Browse through the available options
- Select a filter
- Adjust the settings for the filter then say "OK" to run it.
- To run a Script Fu ...
- Point to "Script-Fu"
- Browse through the available options
- Click a script-fu
- When you select a script-fu a new dialogue window will open asking for details on what you want the script to do. Sometimes this dialogue window hides behind another open window, so you may have to hunt for it.
- Adjust the settings in the dialogue box and click "OK"
Samples
Below are some samples of what you can do with built-in filters and Script-Fu.
Original Image
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Filter - Artistic - Cubify
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Filter - Distorts - Whirl and Pinch
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Filter - Light Effects - gflare
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Filter - Blur - Motion Blur
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Filter - Distorts - Kaleidoscope
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"Filter - Map - Bump...
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Script-Fu - Decor - Old Photo
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Script Fu - Alchemy - Weave
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Script Fu - Alchemy - Predator
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Restricted access | 
