How to Make Bumps With GIMP

GIMP's Bump Map filter will turn an image into a collection of bumps.

GIMP is a free graphics editor with a variety of tools and filters. The program's Bump Map filter can transform an ordinary picture into a collection of bumps, which creates an embossing effect. Customize the Azimuth, which controls the lightning, the Elevation and Depth scrollbars, which can be adjusted until the image preview matches your preferences.

Instructions

1. Launch GIMP and open the image you want to turn into a bump map by clicking "File" and "Open." The picture you select will appear in a GIMP workbook.

2. Select the "Filters" tab, click "Map" and then "Bump Map." The corresponding settings dialog will appear as a pop-out.

3. Double-click and drag the tab of the Azimuth scrollbar to the left or to the right until you approve of the direction of the lighting. The tab placed at the far left produces a value of 0 degrees, which corresponds with the 0 degrees of a compass, also known as east. Increasing the value will move the lighting counter-clockwise.

4. Double-click and drag the tab of the Elevation scrollbar to the right to increase the height of the bumps. Similarly, drag the tab of the Depth scrollbar to the right to increase the depth of the bumps. Click "OK" when satisfied, and your image will be transformed.

Tips & Warnings

• Save your bump-transformed image by clicking "File" and "Save As."

• If you exit the Bump Map dialog without clicking "OK," the filter will not be implemented.

References

• GIMP: Bump Map
• GIMP: Map Filters
• GIMP: Save As

Resources

• GIMP