What is GIMP

GIMP is a graphics program for editing photos and other digital imaging on the computer. GIMP is ideal for designers and drafters for editing photos.

The extensive functionality and extensibility that is GIMP has become a package that can compete with popular programs like Adobe Photoshop.

But above all, GIMP is free.

 

Downloading and installing GIMP

Before we can install GIMP, we must first download it.

Go to this link www.gimp.org, and click the “Download” button.

 

This brings you to the second page, where you get the text “Download GIMP …” click (A).

 

In the dialog that appears, click the “Save” button.
You then choose a location on your computer where you want to save this file and click “Save”.

 

When the file is downloaded, you’ll find it in the folder where you have saved it.
I have saved it in a folder called GIMP that I had created on the desktop, but if you have this saved somewhere else, it does not matter.

 

To install GIMP double click the downloaded file “gimp-6.2.11-i686-setup-1.exe” (A).
This opens the first window of the installation wizard.
Click the button “Run”.
Click the button “Next”, in the next window that appears.
In the third window, again click the button “Next”.
And in the fourth window you can select either “Install now” or “Customize”.
Click the button “Install now”.
This will install GIMP.
When this finishes, a window appears where you can launch Gimp if you check the “Launch GIMP” option and then click the button “Finish”.

 

If it is the first time you start GIMP, it may take a while before the application starts.

This is because all data, such as plug-ins and extensions, must be loaded.

Once everything is loaded, GIMP opens.
At first sight this looks a bit unusual.
You will get two panels, one with tools (A), and one with nothing (B), other than some buttons with text.
And these windows are separate.
But do not panic, once you finish this course, you will be a common “GIMP’er” working with this wonderful application.

 

If you have not chosen to launch GIMP when it is done with the installaton, then you can always start it with the icon that has been added to your desktop (1), or click the “Start” button in the task pane, select”All Programs” and click on GIMP.

Featured Courses

• Downloading iPad Apps
• Lesson 1: Introduction to Publisher
• Lesson 65: File Formats