GIMP Tutorial – GIMP 2.10 Photo Editing Tutorial

In this tutorial, we will explore how to use the clone tool, also known as the stamp tool, in GIMP to remove an object from an image. We will demonstrate this by removing a plane from a sky image, leaving only the background intact. This guide will provide you with the necessary steps and tips to achieve a clean and natural-looking edit.

To begin, open GIMP and load the image you want to edit. For this tutorial, we will use an image of a plane against a blue sky. You can find the image linked in the YouTube description of the tutorial.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

1. Open the Image: Drag and drop the image into GIMP.
2. Duplicate the Image: Right-click on the image layer in the layers panel and select “Duplicate Layer”. This creates a backup of your original image, allowing you to revert back if needed.
3. Hide the Original Layer: Click the eye icon next to the original layer to hide it, so you can work on the duplicate.

To work more effectively, zoom in on the area where the plane is located. You can do this by holding down the Control key and scrolling your mouse wheel. This will allow you to see the details more clearly and make precise edits.

1. Choose the Clone Tool: Click on the clone tool icon in the toolbox or press the shortcut key (usually “C”).

2. Adjust Tool Settings: In the tool options, set the following:

   • Size: Adjust the brush size to around 160-190 pixels, depending on the area you are working on.
   • Spacing: Leave this at the default setting.
   • Hardness: Set this to around 25 for smoother strokes.
   • Force: Set to 100 for full opacity.
   • Alignment: Change this to “Aligned” to ensure the clone tool references the correct area as you paint.

3. Set the Source Point: Hold down the Control key and left-click on an area of the sky that you want to use as a reference for cloning. This will be the area that the clone tool will use to paint over the plane.

4. Start Cloning: Move your mouse over the plane and begin painting over it. You may need to adjust your source point frequently by holding Control and clicking on different areas of the sky to ensure a natural look.

5. Work Methodically: As you paint, move back and forth, adjusting your brush size and angle as needed. Don’t worry if it looks rough at first; you will refine it later.

Once the plane is removed, you will notice that the sky may look uneven or unnatural. To fix this:

1. Increase Brush Size: Set the brush size to around 200 pixels for broader strokes.

2. Select New Reference Points: Hold Control and click on different parts of the sky to sample various areas. This will help create a more natural gradient and texture.

3. Blend the Sky: Continue painting over the sky, using different reference points to avoid repetition and create a more realistic appearance.

4. Check for Repetition: Look for any areas where the clouds or sky look too similar. Use the clone tool to break up these patterns by selecting new reference points.

5. Zoom Out: Once you are satisfied with the sky, zoom out to see the overall effect. Make any final adjustments as necessary.

6. Save the Edited Image: Go to “File” > “Export As” to save your edited image. Choose JPEG format and set the quality to around 92.

7. Close GIMP: After saving, you can close the program. You will now have two images: the original with the plane and the edited version with the plane removed.

In this tutorial, we learned how to effectively use the clone tool in GIMP to remove unwanted objects from images. By following these steps, you can create clean edits that look natural and professional. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different images and techniques. Stay tuned for more tutorials on using GIMP Graphic Design tools for various photo editing tasks!