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GIMP can be deemed a perfect alternative to Photoshop. With its simple and user-friendly interface, it's bound to leave users satisfied. Nevertheless, like any other software or application, errors are bound to occur while using GIMP. Refer to Mytour's article below to learn how to fix common errors in GIMP.
Guidelines for Rectifying GIMP Errors on Your Computer
If you haven't installed GIMP yet, you can access it here to download the application to your computer and install it.
Fixing GIMP Usage Errors
1. Error 'The dialog won't pop up when I go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs'
There are two possible causes for the error, which could be:
1. The dialog is open but hidden under another window. Try moving or resizing the main window to reveal the hidden dialog boxes.
2. Another possible cause of the error could be that the dialog you selected is attached to another window such as Toolbox, Layers, Channels, and Paths Docking windows.
If the dialog is not hidden under another window, proceed with the following steps:
- If the dialog is attached to a window, when you access Windows =>Dockable Dialogs and select the dialog, the screen will display a flashing black border around the dialog.
- If you don't see the flashing border icon, it means the dialog window is hidden. It could be minimized, obscured by another window, or hidden within the main window if you're using Single Window Mode (available in GIMP 2.8 and above).
2. Error 'The Eraser Tool isn't erasing!'
If you're using the Eraser Tool to draw instead of erase, you'll need to add Alpha Channel to the layer.
Step 1: First, access the Layers Dialog box.
Step 2: Next, locate the correct thumbnail layer you want to work with. It resembles the thumbnail version of the image you're working on or the layer you intend to work with.
Step 3: Right-click on this thumbnail layer. This will display options on the screen.
Step 4: Select Add Alpha Channel from the list.
Now the Alpha Channel will be added to your image, and the eraser tool will function properly.
3. Error 'Tools are not working, or not working as expected'
There are several reasons for GIMP not working. To fix this error, follow the steps below:
- Ensure the layer is active and visible
To check if the layer you need to edit is active, access the Layer dialog box; the active layer will be highlighted.
In the Layer dialog box, ensure the layer you want to edit is displayed. If you don't see the eye icon next to the layer thumbnail, click to the left of the thumbnail to display the eye icon.
- Check for any selections
If there's a selection on the image, GIMP will only work with that selection. If you want to save and use that selection later, access Select =>To Path to save the selection as a path. To use the selection, simply open the Paths dialog box (Windows =>Dockable Dialogs =>Paths), select the correct path from the dialog box, then access Select =>From Path.
To remove the active selection on the image, in the main window, access Select =>None.
- Ensure the tool has usable settings
Access the Tool Options dialog box and ensure the Opacity option is set to 100%.
- Ensure you're editing in an editable area
Note: GIMP only operates on images, including those you've opened or on new images (by accessing File =>New).
This article by Mytour just guided you on how to fix GIMP usage errors. Additionally, if you have any further queries or questions like How to edit images with GIMP?, readers can leave their comments below the article for clarification.
