GIMP FAQ

GIMP is a very powerful application but its interface is confusing. We will try to cover some of the basic common issues here.

Q – Deleting pixels in a selection doesn’t give me transparent pixels. Why not?

A – This happens when you are on a layer that doesn’t have an alpha channel (no transparency). By default, the initial layer is like this. Note that the colour you are getting instead of transparency is actually the secondary colour.

You can simply right click on the layer (in the layer panel) and choose Add Alpha Channel. Done.

Note that new layers all seem to have transparency supported to it is only the first initial layer that can be an issue.

Q – How do I move the pixels inside of a selection?

A – Make you selection. Now hold down CTRL-ALT and drag your selection and contained pixels around.

Note that it is very strange that you do not use the Move tool for this.

Q – How do I get rid of a selection (deselect) that I no longer need?

A – Use CTRL-SHIFT-A to deselect. You can also use the menu bar at the top and choose Select > None.

Note that in most other editors, one can use CTRL-D.