A GIMP Tutorial to create a window in a wall using Alpha Channels
The Gimp is a wonderful, 100% free, open source, 2 dimensional paint program that does just about whatever you could want it to do. If it doesn’t do it, I’m sure you can find a plug-in that will make it do it! A Warning first, though. The more plug-ins you put in, the longer it takes the Gimp to load on your computer ;P So pick and choose!
If you are running Linux, you know how to install this stuff, but if you are running Windows, and want the simplest way to install the Gimp, please follow these directions:
1. Go here to download two files. They are Gimp installers created for Windows by Jernej Simoncic
2. Remember to first install the GTK libraries, then the Gimp. Instructions are on that page, it’s very easy, just use the defaults.
Ok, now that you have the Gimp installed, please open it up and let it load. I’ve forgotten, it’s been a while, but it used to check your system for the monitor and video card. Then gave a first time-start up window telling you what it found, and all… Just accept it, I doubt there’s anything you need to change. ;P
Main Gimp Window
This is the main Gimp window. To start using it, you can go to File, and open an existing picture or you can open a New image. Lets open a New image:
Choices window for new picture
I like to work on either a canvas of 512 X 512 pixels, or 1024 X 1024. These are standard sizes, and it’s a good idea to make any textures one of these sizes so that any program can use them when (especially open GL type games) also 128 X 128 and 256 X 256 are very popular sizes. It’s always easier to draw big, and then scale down to the size needed though.
Ok, Now, one of our most important tools when working with the Gimp, is our Layers. You will see how important this is, as you become more familiar with the program. Lets open up the Layers window. Everything in the gimp is opened by right clicking on the image and choosing from the pop up window. Most open source programs use this kind of menu system, however, if you are used to old fashioned windows programs, this may feel awkward at first. It is, however, a much faster and easier system to work with.
Right Click menue and choosing Layers window
Now, you should have a window open that looks like this:
Layers Window
