How to Make Color From Black & White in GIMP

The graphics program GIMP can help you add color to black-and-white images such as this one.

GIMP is a freeware graphics and photo-editing application. The program has an array of tools and features similar to those found in expensive commercial products such as Adobe Photoshop. Like Photoshop, GIMP is often used to repair, alter or retouch photographs. One type of photo alteration that can be done in GIMP is to add color to a black-and-white image. The process for doing this in GIMP is surprisingly quick and easy.

Instructions

1. Load the image that you want to work with onto your computer, either by copying it from a digital source like a camera or SD card, or by scanning in a printed copy. If you are using a scanner, set the dpi to at least 300.

2. Open GIMP. Select "File" from the menu and choose "Open." In the dialog that now appears, locate the image that you loaded and select it. Click "Open."

3. Select the "Path" tool from the toolbar on the upper left. Use the tool to draw a path around the part of the image you want to add color to.

4. Select "Colors" from the menu and choose "Colorize." In the dialog that appears, adjust the "Hue" and "Saturation" sliders until the preview color is what you want for the selection. Click "OK."

5. Repeat steps 3-4 as many times as it takes to colorize all the other features of the image. Save your work.

References

• GIMP: GIMP English Manual