How to Add an Inner Shadow in GIMP
In GIMP, you can add an inner shadow to an object by taking advantage of the program's layering capabilities, selection tools and feathering effect. Although there is not a one-click solution in the free graphic editor, you can follow a few simple steps to achieve the polished look, which can add the appearance of depth to your image and create a visual interest otherwise lacking.
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Instructions
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Launch GIMP and open the workbook or picture you want to add an inner shadow to by clicking on "File" and "Open." Select the name of your file and click "Open." Your file will appear in its own GIMP workbook.
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Open the Layers dialog by clicking "Windows," "Dockable Dialogs" and "Layers." The Layers window has a thumbnail that corresponds with each layer that exists within your workbook. As you insert new layers into you workbook, a new thumbnail will appear in the Layers dialog. When using any tools or effects, the actions will take place on the active layer, that thumbnail which is currently selected.
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Click on the thumbnail of the layer you want to add an inner shadow to. If you began with a multi-layer workbook, click on the specific layer you want; if you opened a single-layered picture, your layer will already be highlighted.
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Select the object you want to add an inner shadow to. If the region is rectangular, use the "Rectangle Select Tool" to double-click at the region's top-left corner and drag your cursor to the bottom-right of the object, clicking inside the rectangle when satisfied. Use the "Ellipse Select Tool" to highlight an elliptical shape, or the "Free Select Tool" to freehand a border around a unique shape.
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Insert a new layer by clicking on "Layer" and "New Layer." Be sure that "Transparency" is checked and click "OK." Click on the "Foreground Color" in the main toolbox to select what color your shadow will be and press "OK." Fill the selection by clicking on "Edit" and "Fill with FG Color."
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Click "Select" and "Shrink." Insert a number into the "Shrink selection by" field to give your inner shadow a width, and click "OK." Click "Select" again and choose "Feather." Put a number into the "Feather selection by" in order to give your shadow a blurred edge as opposed to a crisp one.
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Press "Delete" on your keyboard to remove the unwanted coloring in the middle of your object, and click "Select" and "None." Save your workbook, as desired, by clicking on "File" and "Save As."
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Tips & Warnings
Save your image as a picture by using a file extension such as ".jpg" or ".png." Save your image as a GIMP workbook by using GIMP's native format ".xcf."
When you save your workbook using a picture extension such as ".jpg," you will be prompted to export your file during the saving process in order to flatten your multi-layered image. Follow the prompt to complete the save.
