Discovering The GIMP

Installation

Getting started

Colour selection

Perspective correction

Cloning an image

Step by step: editing an image

Discovering The GIMP
Helen Bradley shows how to start editing images with The GIMP

When it comes to graphics programs, Photoshop is the undisputed industry leader - the program by which all others are compared. One might wonder then, why you would need a Photoshop look-alike when you have the real one. Well, Linux and Unix folk don't have Photoshop and lots of others choose not to shell out the large amount of money required to buy it. For them, GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a freely distributable Photoshop clone that works surprisingly well and will meet the needs of most graphics users.

This month we'll tell you how to find GIMP, how to install it and we'll get you up and running with its slightly unusual, but easy to learn interface.