So, you want a free software image manipulation program? You’ve always wanted to be able to smooth out your own photos? You’ve downloaded the GIMP, but when you open the program to have a go you just get intimidated? You can work out some of it, but you really want to optimise your use, and feel like you aren’t just wandering about in the dark? Where should you turn in this situation? Well your first stop should definitely be Beginning GIMP, From Novice to Professional by Akkana Peck.

Beginning GIMP is an Apress publication, and lives up to the excellent standards we have come to expect from the “expert’s voice in open source”. From the very beginning, Akkana Peck’s writing assures the reader that they are in good hands; her writing style is calm and straightforward, and she starts from the very beginning. Not even the most timid newbie will flounder through Peck’s concisely detailed instructions, and the end of each chapter contains a hands-on project for the reader so they can learn interactively.

Not even the most timid newbie will flounder through Peck’s concisely detailed instructions

The contents

Beginning GIMP weighs in at 483 pages—there’s a lot in it, but it isn’t so big that a reader would feel intimidated. It is so easy to read that the book can be read quite quickly, and the projects give the reader a sense of achievement. Beginning GIMP is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter one introduces the GIMP—navigating through the fairly unique interface that is the GIMP. Chapters two through six cover various aspects of image editing—improving digital photos, layering, drawing, selection, and erasing and touching up. Chapter seven showcases the filters and effects on offer with the GIMP, then chapters eight, nine and ten delve into more advanced topics: colour manipulation, channels, and layer modes; advanced drawing; and advanced compositing. Chapter eleven deals with plugins and scripting, and finally chapter twelve deals with additional topics such as printing, screenshots, configuration, and a list of additional resources to help you with your newly acquired GIMP skill!

Who’s this book for?

Beginning GIMP is ideal for beginners of the GIMP who want to become proficient. It’s also great for self taught GIMP users. While the initial chapters may seem too easy, there are lots of benefits for the self taught GIMP user, some of which will make the user say “Oh so THAT’S how you do it!” The later chapters are great for the more confident user of GIMP.

Relevance to free software

The GIMP is completely free software. It can be run on Linux, Mac, or Windows, and Peck has included appendices that describe how to install the GIMP on each.

Pros

This book is excellent for anyone who hasn’t used the GIMP but wants to, has the GIMP but isn’t quite sure what to do with it, or wants to optimise their use of the GIMP.

Cons

If you are a GIMP master or already familiar with Photoshop, you may find this book a little basic.