Transform operations applied to groups apply to all the layers within.īut it’s not exactly the best solution, because linked layers don’t have to be next to each other in the layer hierarchy, but layers within groups must also move through the hierarchy together. Layer groups are really just an organizational tool that allows you to maintain different sets of linked layers at the same time since grouped layers behave the same way linked layers do. The small ‘new folder’ icon currently highlighted at the bottom of the Layers palette quickly creates a new layer group, inserted above your currently selected layer Layer linking does exactly what it says on the tin: any transform adjustments you make are applied to all linked layers at the same time.īy default, the Layers palette is located in the bottom right corner of the GIMP workspace, unless you’ve done some additional layout customization. If you want to apply a transform operation on multiple layers in GIMP – scale, rotate, or move – then the fastest way is to link your layers in the Layers palette. But there are a couple of tips and tricks I can pass on to help you make the most out of the GIMP layer system, and hopefully speed up your workflow at the same time. Transform operations change the size, rotation, and position of your image objects, but GIMP doesn’t allow you to apply other edits like contrast adjustment or filters to multiple layers at once.Īs I said earlier, the layer system in GIMP is a bit of a mess at the moment. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right, unfortunately.Įven though you can’t select multiple layers at once, you can apply transforms to multiple layers. Many Photoshop users expect GIMP to handle layers in a similar way (including me, when I first started using it), but GIMP has other ideas: it actually doesn’t let you select multiple layers. GIMP’s layer system is extremely confusing at the moment, so don’t feel bad if you’re getting frustrated with how it works – or rather, doesn’t work. Advanced editing projects usually involve working with layers, since they’re the best way to keep your image elements separate and organized.

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