Transform image tutorial in the GIMP

Using the Transform Graphic Tools

Click here to watch the GIMP Transformation Tools video

With the next set of tools, you'll be able to scale, rotate, skew and provide a different perspective of your selection or image.

As always, you can watch the video above or follow along below...

The first tool is the Roate image tool.

This tool allows you to rotate your selection. Simply click inside an area you already have selected (with the ants) and then you'll get a box with 4 handles. Grab any of these handles and drag either clockwise or counterclockwise. This will rotate your selection.

When you are done rotating, just hit the rotate button:

The little black dot inside the rotate box is the center point. You can move this point and it will rotate around wherever the new point is. This is helpful for creating lots of unique images, like petals on a flower for example.

The next transform tool is the Scale Tool.

This tool allows you to make the selection bigger or smaller. It works the same as the rotate tool with the handles. If you want to keep the selection in perspective as you scale, remember to hold down the ctrl key while you are dragging out the new scaled selection.

The next transform tool is the first tool in the 3rd row. It's called the shear tool. With this tool you can 'shear' the selection. Move the handles horizontally to see the effect.

The next transform tool is the perspective tool. You can change the perspective of the selection with this tool. Grab any corner and drag it out to and watch how it affects the selection. When you are done, hit the 'perspective' button to change your selection. This is great for making images more 3-D.

The last transform tool is the horizontal or vertical flip tool. To flip your selection, make sure you have the appropriate one selected from the properties box. Then click on the image to flip it. Great for mirroring images and also comes in handy when doing animations.

Ok, that's it for the transformation tools. Coming up next is the Text Tool....