The Gimp and UFRaw

[jya]

Two open-software programs let me diddle images, adjust color balance, contrast, size, compression ratio, you name it. I've never used Photoshop, but this seems do do the same think. The interface has built-in surprises, partly because the program allows more operations than I imagine. There is an automatic sharpening function, but I gor better results by building my own unsharp mask and applying it.

The help file has no search that I've found, only an index. The problem is, I'm almost flying blind with it, and I wish I could talk to someone who knows it a better than I do. Available for MAC, Windows, and xNIX

GIMP - Windows installers UFRaw - Home

[brian.austin]

GIMP has been out for a loooong time. All the "official" docs are here: GIMP - Documentation. There are some third party books out on it, too. Check Amazon or something.

[jya]

I used Gimp for about a year until I got a new computer, then downloaded another copy. It's Gimp 2 now, and I have a lot to relearn. I got fairly proficient at doing the limited subset og operations I needed, but some things are different. I'll look for something like GIMP 2 for dummies, but I suspect it will be a while before one is in print. In the meanwhile, I'll try the documentation site you pointed me to. Thanks for that.

[SidinUSA]

There is a book available either to purchase or do a search for "Groking the Gimp" on the website as its also available for download as a pdf file.

[SidinUSA]

Sorry. just to add there is also a Gimp forum which has a lot of help available. i have been using the Gimp for some time now. I also have Photoshop but for some reason prefer Gimp.

[jscotti]

Take a look at "Beginning GIMP, From Novice to Professional" by Akkana Peck. It's a fairly new book (came out early 2006) and pretty well written.

Jim.

[jya]

Thanks to everyone. A read through "Groking the Gimp" leads me to think that it doesn't address the differences in how Gimp 2 handles a few things. It is in any event oriented to Linux and X Window (naturally) and I'm using WinXP, so it's not a complete solution, but it's a great addition to what I knew.

SidinUSA, what's the URL of the Gimp forum you mentioned?

Jerry

[cedric_r]

I use Gimp (2 now) and ufraw on both Linux (at home) and XP (at work). I don't remember any significant changes between Gimp 1 and 2. Could you be more specific?

[jya]

When the "Flatten image" command is highlighted, for one. Now I can't "save" a jpeg image. I have to "export" it instead because the "flatten" choice is always grayed out. The "Save as" command doesn't give me a navigation box for subdirectories (it did once, but I can't get it again) so I have to save to a top level directory and move the saved stuff later. I haven't used it enough yet to settle in. Just so you know, I'm grateful to have it.

Jerry

[cedric_r]

That's strange because I don't have the flatten image greyed out.
As for the save as dialog, I suspect it's a system dialog, so it could be that the differences are due to a system upgrade rather than differences in version for the Gimp.

[jya]

I'll keep plugging away. "Groking the Gimp", which I downloaded, at least has an index (unlike Gimp's come-with docs) and I ordered two other books.

Did you succeed in integrating UFRaw as a plug-in? Right now, I have to open a raw image, do what I need by way of white balance , exposure, and contrast, then save it as (say) jpeg and open it again in Gimp. I'm sure there's a better way, but I haven't found it.

Jerry

[cedric_r]

Yes, I've installed ufraw as a plug-in without any problem.

[jya]

How?

I guess I can look it up I now. I got a copy of "Beginning GIMP, From Novice to Professional" by Akkana Peck and one of "GIMP 2 for Photographers" by Klaus Golker. Both look quite useful. The first is more comprehensive, and the second is probably easier to search for what will probably interest me.

jerry

[Frumious Boojum]

If you're more familiar with Photoshop, I highly suggest using GimpShop instead (available at Plastic Bugs ). It's a great way to transition fbetween using Gimp and Photoshop.

[jya]

No photoshop here. It's GIMP all the way. I seem to manage what's important. I'll improve with time. Thanks for the word; I may pass it on.

Jerry