How to Make a Dissolve Effect in GIMP

GIMP's layer modes can add a dissolve effect by displaying random pixels.

GIMP is a free graphics design program with a variety of editing and creation tools. The software supports multi-layer workbooks, which means you can create special effects by inserting multiple layers and assigning each a special mode. For example, you can make a dissolve effect by inserting a solid layer into a workbook and changing its layer mode and opacity.

Instructions

1. Launch GIMP and open an image you want to add a dissolve effect to by clicking "File" and "Open." The image will appear as the background layer of a GIMP workbook.

2. Click on the "Layer" tab and select "New Layer." Choose a layer fill type of "White" and click "OK."

3. Click within the Layers Dialog on the "Mode" drop-down box and select "Dissolve." Double-click on the thumb of the Opacity scroll-bar and drag it to the left to decrease the opacity of the dissolve layer. A random assortment of pixels will disappear, showing your original image in their place.

4. Save your multi-layer workbook by clicking on "File" and "Save As." Use a picture file extension such as ".jpg" or ".png" during the saving process.

Tips & Warnings

• As desired, click on the Foreground Color box located in the main toolbar in order to choose a new color for your dissolve layer. After selecting your preferred color, click "Edit" and "Fill with FG Color."

• If you click on the "X" located at the top of the Layers dialog, the window will close. To re-open the dialog, click "Windows," "Dockable Dialogs" and "Layers."

References

• GIMP: Layer Modes
• GIMP: Save as

Resources

• GIMP