To create a new image, select ‘File’+‘New’ or press Ctrl-N. This opens a dialog in which to make settings for the new image. If desired, use ‘From Template’ to select a template on which to base the new image. The GIMP includes a number of templates, ranging from an A4 sheet of paper to a CD cover, from which to choose. To create a custom template, select ‘File’+‘Dialogs’+‘Templates...’ and use the controls offered by the window that opens.

In the ‘Image Size’ section, set the size of the image to create in pixels or another unit. GIMP defaults use inches as the other unit. Click the unit to select another unit from the list of available units. Changing the pixel size modifies the other unit size and vice versa. The ratio between pixels and a unit is set in ‘Resolution’. A resolution of 72 pixels per inch corresponds to screen display. It is sufficient for web page graphics. A higher resolution should be used for images to print. For most printers, a resolution of 300 pixels per inch results in an acceptable quality.

In ‘Image Type’, select whether the image should be in color (‘RGB’) or ‘grayscale’. For detailed information about image types, see 20.6.2. “Image Modes”. Select the ‘Fill Type’ for the new image. ‘Foreground’ and ‘Background’ use the colors selected in the toolbox. ‘White’ uses a white background in the image. ‘Transparent’ creates a clear image. Transparency is represented by a gray checkerboard pattern. Enter a comment for the new image in ‘Image Comment’.

When the settings meet your needs, press ‘OK’. To restore the default settings, press ‘Reset’. Pressing ‘Cancel’ aborts creation of a new image.

To open an existing image, select ‘File’+‘Open’ or press Ctrl-O. In the dialog that opens, the current directory is listed above the center column. Available directories are listed in the left column. Double-click the directory to make it the current one. ../ moves up a level in the hierarchy.

The center column shows the files available in the current directory. Click a file name to select it. If available, a preview of the selected file is shown in the right column. Alternatively, enter a file name in the field towards the bottom. Pressing Tab while entering a name in the field attempts to complete the name. Available completions are then listed in the ‘Folders’ and ‘Files’ columns. Select one or enter enough of the name to identify the file uniquely then press Tab again. Click ‘OK’ to open the selected image. Press ‘Cancel’ to skip opening an image.

The new or opened image appears in its own window. The menu bar in the top of the window provides access to all image functions. Alternatively, access the menu by right-clicking the image or clicking the small arrow button in the left corner of the rulers.

‘File’ offers the standard file options, such as ‘Save’ and ‘Print’. ‘Close’ closes the current image. ‘Quit’ closes the entire application.

With the items in the ‘View’ menu, control the display of the image and the image window. ‘New View’ opens a second display window of the current image. Changes made in one view are reflected in all other views of that image. Alternate views are useful for magnifying a part of an image for manipulation while seeing the complete image in another view. Adjust the magnification level of the current window with ‘Zoom’. When ‘Shrink Wrap’ is selected, the image window is resized to fit the current image display exactly.