I wonder if there is a plug-in or a function for grouping layers in Gimp. I am eager to learn and am hindered by not being able to do this...or is this function of importing PS files into the software?
Looks like this functions interests a lot of people.
I found these two script, until now, to "act like" grouping layers.
http://gimp-registry.fargonauten.de/node/207http://www.calcmaster.net/personal_projects/gimp/
I'd say, Google is your best friend...
If you find any better, please PM me, I am as eager as you to find a workaround to this lack of function in Gimp.
Also about the PS fils, I am able to open any of the files I worked in the past in CS2. I used to saved as optimized for all versions, if I remember correctly. Might be linked to the version you used?
not yet at the moment you may only chain layers, but not in different groups
anyway that even be useful but i may do all kind of image manipulation without...
I can't imagine how may be a hindrance to learn except if you are making the mistake to learn Gimp using tutorial for photoshop
Importing PS file has as far i know nothing to do with that
(or that maybe is a additional problem to open pds, if a pds has text layer, or use unsupported layer mode can't be opened...or may be opened only with delusive results ).
But anyway since you quoted PS remember that in gimp format to save work in progress and original is xcf, NOT psd,
(then you can even save A COPY as psd, i hope this point clear )
Krita has layer groups. Photoshop has layer groups. Gimp **NEEDS** layer groups. The lack of this feature makes the entire product a second class image editing software in my opinion. Or at least, it can't compare to photoshop or Krita2.
As a professional designer, working with Gimp without layer groups is simply unrealistic. Period.
You can use gimp for simple image manipulation jobs, photo retouch, logo design, icon design, simple ads, etc. More serious designs like magazine frontpages, multi-page flyers, websites, etc becomes incredibly tedious without layer grouping.
For example, in a traditional website design proposal, we create a background layer group for the template, then we create as many layer groups as there are pages (usually about 15-20 pages). Finally, we print each background+page combination as an image for a nice PDF proposal document.
Try doing this with Gimp. You can't!!!! it will take you hours to do a simple mockup proposal to a client without having to code HTML (the ultimate no-no) because of the lack of grouping... or you'll have tons of files, and you won't be able to make tiny changes in timely manner.
So, what else is there to talk about? - Chaining? naaah. That's just a teaser.
The bottom line is this: Let's say I make $50 / hour (try $100 for design firms). It takes me 4 hours for rolling out a simple yet complete website design with Photoshop. It takes me (I did it a couple times) 16 hours to do the same with Gimp. Factored in there were all the times when you tweak the background template and commit it back to the main design.
Difference? 12 hours => 12 * 50 = $600 => you just lost one photoshop license. Let's say you get better at gimp and can increase your productivity, you'll still lose money.
Can you guys finish this great product and add layer grouping? Please, please, pleeeaaase!!!
md
Using photoshop is the simple answer. If you use windows or mac, are running a business, and require a tool to be productive, then buy the tool. Your example itself indicates you make enough to warrant the purchase in one job, so purchase it!
From the gimp product vision:
* GIMP is Free Software;
* GIMP is a high-end photo manipulation application and supports creating original art from images;
* GIMP is a high-end application for producing icons, graphical elements of web pages and art for user interface elements;
* GIMP is a platform for programming cutting-edge image processing algorithms, by scientists and artists;
* GIMP is user-configurable to automate repetitive tasks;
* GIMP is easily user-extendable, by ‘one-click’ installation of plug-ins.
SO if you feel this strongly that "magazine frontpages, multi-page flyers, websites, etc." be added to that, join in and participate.
(Though, imoo the first is a better fit with a vector based package like inkscape or illustrator, and the second is a better task for a dtp package, like scribus...)
-Rob A>
is planned, and is planned from long time
But while for Photoshop when something is planned all may be solved hiring a good programmer, for Gimp is needed some more volunteers to actually code it
As now, without the miracle of new groups of skilled volunteers going to work 7 days at the week for the fun to work for free ,a solution may take time.
A vague hope will be in gimp 2.8, good chances will be on gimp 3.0
Some workarounds
grouping layers
grouping layers is a must-have
The alternative is to use the tool that fits your needs.
Writing here is not the
Writing here is not the best way to reach GIMP developers, btw.
grouping layers