Layers in the GIMP

The GIMP uses layers.

A layer can contain a whole image or just part of an image.

Here's a jpeg showing the use of layers in the GIMP.



The jpeg shows a window open with an image in it and the Layers dialog box active.

There are four layers being Drop Shadow, rectangle, colour and Background. The rectangle layer is the active layer.

When using layers it is important to be aware of the active layer. Any changes you make will always occur on the active layer.

The advantage of using layers is that I can change the background colour by changing the colour on the colour layer. Like this



I simply selected the colour layer and used the paint fill tool to change the background colour.

One action to select the colour layer and make it active., one action to change the colour I wanted to use, one action to select the paint fill tool, and one to fill the active layer with my new colour.

That's four actions to achieve a change of colour in case you have to be concerned about productivity.

Using layers, I don't have to redo the whole drawing simply to change the background colour.