How to apply the outline effect to images with Gimp

By following this simple, short and intuitive guide, you can learn how to use the ” Contours ” filter of the GIMP photo editing program, enriching your photographs with an original and particular and unique touch.

The software in question is very simple to use and, despite this, it often competes with more popular programs such as Photoshop. Knowing and using it could help you in many fields. So here’s how to apply the outline effect to images with GIMP. Now let’s get to work!

Preliminary operations

First of all, run the photo-editing program Gimp, or download it for free from the following link Gimp Download. Once downloaded you will have to install it, but the process is very easy and does not need to be explained in detail.

Once the program is launched, position the pointer on the ” File ” menu, click on ” Open ” and choose an image to which to apply the effect in question. Go to the ” Filters ” menu, then to ” Contour detection ” and finally to ” Contours. ” You will now see a window where you can modify the filter and customize it to your liking.

Only by pressing ” Ok ” can you confirm everything and apply it permanently. For reasons of space, we will not investigate all the functions of this area of the program, but we invite you to try them out on your own anyway.

Choice of filter

The preview will give you the opportunity to see the effect and further customize it. Choose the ” Algorithm ” for the outline mode: you can choose between ” Sobel“, ” Prewitt compass “, ” Gradient ” for thinner and more contrasted edges, ” Roberts “, ” Differential “, for less light colors and ” Laplace “. Now select the one you like best by viewing the preview.

The Sobel algorithm is the default one, as it is easier to set up and offers you a fairly pronounced effect at the same time. If you are looking for something lighter and more delicate, the Laplace filter is the one for you. Don’t forget that if you don’t like the result, you can always go back to the previous version of the image by simply pressing the ” Ctrl + Z ” commands.

Final operations and rescue

Adjust the ” Quantity ” setting to a low value if you want a black, highly contrasted image with thin outlines, or a high value for thick edges, low contrast with many colors in dark areas. Choose the ” Spot “, ” Wrap,” or ” Black ” option to generate adjacent pixels that are more colorful, more rounded, or black.

The advice is not to overload the image too much so that it does not become tacky or confusing. In general, try not to exceed 3/4 filters. Finally, click on the ” Ok ” option to apply the changes and save your new image by selecting the ” File ” menu and clicking on the ” Save ” or ” Save As ” button.

Now, with these simple and quick steps, you will also know how to edit your photos by adding a graceful and original frame that will make your shot truly special. It takes very little to change the face of our photographs, and with this program, you will succeed in hitting your relatives and friends with extremely beautiful and imaginative photos. Now you just have to indulge in the choice of the many frames present, and you’re done!