In the Layers pane we need to right-click on the layer we have coloured blue and select ‘Add Layer Mask’, stick with the default settings and choose a small, soft-edged Paintbrush.

If you read my earlier tutorial on layers and layer masks (see “Fixing Photo Contrast with The GIMP”, LJ, April 2003), you might remember that we can control the blending of layers using a layer mask.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET 2. Layer masks Layer masks are as essential as layers in GIMP. With layer masks, you can selectively modify the opacity/transparency of a layer.

GIMP has matured into a truly incredible photo-editing program. If you’re coming by way of Photoshop, however, use these tips to ease the transition.

For more fine-tuned blending, you can apply a white layer mask to the top layer using the "Layer" drop-down menu. With a white layer mask, when you paint over the top layer, the bottom layer emerges.

The technique makes use of layers and layer masks in The GIMP, so it is important to have a basic understanding of what these are beforehand. The next section introduces these concepts and provides a ...

You can also use the GIMP to export any of its other supported image formats to PDF and the export settings let you maintain any layer masks you used in the original image.