Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional explains how to use the open source image manipulation program, GIMP version 2.4. You'll learn how to install GIMP on Windows, Linux, and MacOS X platforms. Once you've installed the application, you'll learn about the interface and configuration options, and then jump into a quick-and-simple project to familiarize yourself even further.

With four-color graphics and screenshots throughout, you'll learn how to prepare camera images for display on web pagesincluding functions like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. The book also explains with great detail how to utilize layers, paths, and masks. You'll also learn how to draw lines and shapes, use patterns and gradients, and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients.

Touch-ups are covered thoroughly: how to smudge away blemishes, fix red-eye, and stitch panoramic images. You'll even learn how to tap into the powerful filters, effects, and plug-ins that are available and automate tasks using scripts. The entire book is laid out in a project-based manner, so as you progress through it, numerous projects help solidify your newly acquired abilities.

The GIMP Version 2.4 will be released end of 2005. We'll likely be first to market a book about the new version. Other books are pre-Version 2.4 and very outdated

Takes a project-based approach. Reader will be taught through real-world examples and projects immediately applicable for their own work

GIMP is an emerging technology in Open Source that has been making big headlines. Was used to make the Scooby-Doo movie and the official mascot of Linux (Tux)

GIMP works on Mac OSX, Linux, and Windows. This book shows how to install it on each platform.