2. Common Features

Since GIMP 2.10, most filters are GEGL filters. GEGL is the image processing library used by GIMP. These filters have several options in common, some of which are only shown under certain conditions.

Figure 17.1. Common Options of GEGL Filters

Common Options of GEGL Filters

When a selection is active

Common Options of GEGL Filters

When the active layer has an alpha channel and no selection is active


Presets

Filter presets are similar to tool presets, in that you can save your favorite settings and recall them when needed. They consist of:

  • A drop down list that shows the current preset and lets you choose a different one.

  • An icon to save the current settings as a named preset.

  • An icon that opens a menu with options to import presets from a file, export the current presets to a file, and manage presets.

Input Type
[Note] Note

The input type dropdown list is only visible when a selection is active.

  • Use the selection as input If this option is selected, the filter only uses pixels inside the selection as input for the filter.

  • Use the entire layer as input If this option is selected, the input of the filter is the entire layer. The output will only affect the selection. The layer outside the selection remains unchanged.

Clipping
[Note] Note

The clipping dropdown list is only visible when the current layer has an alpha channel, and no selection is active.

This setting determines what to do when the result of this filter is larger than the original layer.

  • Adjust The layer will be automatically resized as necessary when the filter is applied. This is the default.

  • Clip The result will be clipped to the layer boundary.

Blending Options

When you expand this option by clicking the +, you can choose the blend Mode to be used when applying the filter, and the Opacity. These work the same as the Layer Mode blending options.

Preview

When this option is enabled (default), changes in the filter settings are directly displayed on canvas. They are not applied to the image until you click the OK button.

Split view

When this option is enabled, the view of the image is divided in two parts. On the left side it shows the effect of the filter applied, and on the right side it shows the image without filter.

[Note] Note

You can click-and-drag the line that divides the preview to move it, and Ctrl-click to make the line horizontal, or to switch it back to vertical.