How to Add a Frame Around a Photo Using Gimp

Keep in mind that GIMP's border effect filter will resize your image slightly.

You've snapped some frame-worthy digital photographs, so dress them up with an attractive, polished-looking border. There's no need to head to the store to purchase a frame -- pixels will do the trick just fine. GIMP, a free software application, allows you to set your photos in digital frames that go beyond flat, colored margins. Using a combination of filter effects, you can create a beveled, three-dimensional border, and even make your photo look as though it's set behind glass.

Things You'll Need

• GIMP software

Instructions

1. Launch GIMP and open the photo you want to frame.

2. Click the “Filters” tab. Choose “Decor” from the drop-down menu and select “Add Border.” A Script-fu dialog box appears.

3. Enter your desired frame dimensions into the Border X and Border Y fields. Click on the color swatch to select your preferred color.

4. Enter a number between 25 and 50 into the Delta Value on Color field. The higher the number, the more pronounced the three-dimensional effect will appear. Once you’re satisfied with the border settings, click OK. A border appears around your photo.

5. Select the “Filters” tab and choose “Decor,” then click “Add Bevel.” A Script-fu dialog box appears.

6. Enter a number between 12 and 20 into the Thickness field. Check the Keep Bump Layer box and uncheck the Work on Copy box. Click OK. The photo border now has a beveled, three-dimensional appearance.

7. Click the “Filters” tab and select “Light and Shadow,” then choose “Xach-Effect.” A Script-fu dialog box opens.

8. Click OK, leaving the Xach-Effect options on the default settings. This adds a shadow and a highlight to the image, making the photo look as if it is behind glass.

References

• GIMP: Documentation -- GIMP User Manual