Pinehead.com: GIMP: Using Layers

[ Thanks to maddog
for this link. ]

“One of the main keys to doing graphics with GIMP is the use
of layers. By using layers you can control every aspect of your
image. Each picture is actually a combination of several pictures.
This is called a composite image. Each layer should be a different
component that you can manipulate at will. If you want to
change some part of the background or nudge that big cool sci-fi
looking orb a little to the left you can do so by selecting the
appropriate layer.<“

“Start out by creating a new image. Go to file | new, set your
image size and click OK. Decorate it a bit by applying a gradient.
Change the foreground and background colors by double clicking the
appropriate colors in the toolbox. I’ve found that just about
anything in the foreground and black in the background usually
produces a striking effect. Now select the gradient tool. There’s a
variety of options available here, but for our purposes we’ll use
the default linear gradient. Hold your left mouse button down at
the top of the image, drag about halfway down, and let go. You now
have your foreground color at the top fading to the background
color at the bottom.”

“Right click your new image and select Layers | Layers, Channels
& Paths (this might be labeled slightly differently depending
on which version of GIMP you’re using). You’ll see that you have
one layer labeled “Background”. Click the icon at the lower left. A
box will pop up called “New Layer Options”. Accept the defaults and
you’ll have a new transparent layer the same size as the
background. You can name it or keep “New Layer”. Click OK and there
you have it. The checkerboard pattern indicates that it’s a
transparent layer.”

Complete
Story