How to Make a Grid in GIMP

GIMP can place a grid over an image to make some jobs easier.

GIMP--otherwise known as the "GNU Image Manipulation Program"--is a free utility for editing graphics that can be installed on several different operating systems. In some environments, GIMP can be a replacement for expensive software such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel PaintShop Pro. Like many other image editors, GIMP has the ability to overlay a grid on an image. This feature can make certain tasks easier by giving you the ability to tell what the proportions of the final published image will be.

Instructions

1. Launch GIMP and open the image that you want to manipulate.

2. Click the "View" menu above the image you are working on.

3. Click "Show Grid." A grid is displayed over the image. If you are happy with the appearance of the grid, stop here.

4. Click the "Edit" menu above the image, then click "Preferences."

5. Click the "Default Grid" heading on the left side of the window.

6. Click the drop-down menu next to "Line Style" to specify how the grid should be drawn. The default grid is made up of solid lines, but this style can make the image difficult to see. Try "Intersections" or "Dashed" to make the image easier to see.

7. Use the boxes under "Spacing" to input, in pixels or another measurement, how far apart the grid lines should be spaced.

8. Use the boxes under "Offset" to input where in the image the grid should start. You can have the grid begin somewhere in the middle of the image by inputting positive numbers, or off the edge of the image by using negative numbers.

9. Click "OK" to save your settings.

References

• GIMP User Guide: Show Grid
• GIMP User Guide: Default Grid Preferences