This is a series of scripts that implement various layer effects:
- Drop Shadow
- Inner Shadow
- Outer Glow
- Inner Glow
- Bevel and Emboss
- Satin
- Color Overlay
- Gradient Overlay
- Pattern Overlay
- Stroke
Some effects can have contours (a.k.a. curves) and noise added to them. Effects can either be applied on a separate layer, or be merged into the active layer (which in some cases gives better results).
Tested with GIMP 2.4.2.
Updated 6/9/2009:
- Stroke now supports gradients and patterns! (Python version only)
- Better undo handling in the Python version.
- Various bugfixes.
Updated 11/15/2008:
- The Python version now has live previewing! With the "Preview" checkbox active, the preview now updates automatically every time you change a setting!
- New "Reapply Effects" function: Reapplies all effects that have been applied to the current layer. If you change anything on the layer, use this to update all the effects in one go! (Mind you, this only works for effects that were not applied using the "Merge with layer" option.)
- Various bugfixes.
Updated 09/02/2008:
- Bugfix in Script-Fu version.
Updated 07/19/2008:
- You can now scale patterns in pattern overlays. (Python version only.)
Updated 07/08/2008:
This script has now been rewritten as a Python plugin! This adds several new features that weren't possible in Script-Fu!
- You can now preview effects! Click the "Preview" button to see what it will look like with the currently selected settings.
- The plugin now records the settings used to make an effect, so now you can reapply it! Run the same effect plugin on the same layer again, and it recovers the previous settings for that layer and shows them in the dialog box. You can then change the settings and apply the effect again, and it will replace the original effect layer! (Note: This will only work if you don't select "Merge with layer". Once an effect has been merged into the layer, it can't be removed or changed.)
Updated 04/21/2008:
Updated 03/02/2008:
- Added grayscale support
- Bugfixes
How to install (Script-Fu version):
- Right-click on the link below that says "layerfx.scm". A pop-up menu should appear. Click "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As..." or whatever the equivalent option in your browser is.
- Save the file "layerfx.scm" in your scripts folder. If you're not sure where your scripts folder is, you can check by opening GIMP and going to <Toolbox>/File/Preferences -> Folders -> Scripts. If more than one folder is shown, then any one of them will work.
- Once you have saved the file in your scripts folder, if you are already running GIMP, either click <Toolbox>/Xtns/Script-Fu/Refresh Scripts, or just close and reopen GIMP.
- If you have done this correctly, the scripts will appear in the menu under <Image>/Script-Fu/Layer Effects. If this menu is not there, try clicking <Toolbox>/Xtns/Script-Fu/Refresh Scripts. If it's still not there, make sure the file is in your scripts folder and that the filename ends with ".scm", not ".txt" or ".scm.txt" or something.
How to install (Python version):
- Right-click on the link below that says "layerfx.py". A pop-up menu should appear. Click "Save Target As..." or "Save Link As..." or whatever the equivalent option in your browser is.
- Save the file "layerfx.py" in your plug-ins folder. If you're not sure where your plug-ins folder is, you can check by opening GIMP and going to <Toolbox>/File/Preferences -> Folders -> Plug-Ins. If more than one folder is shown, then any one of them will work.
- If you're on a UNIX system, make sure layerfx.py is executable by typing this in the shell:
chmod +x layerfx.py
On other operating systems, you might have to do something else to make it executable.
- Once you have saved the file in your plug-ins folder, if you are already running GIMP, close and reopen it.
- If you have done this correctly, the scripts will appear in the menu under <Image>/Layer/Layer Effects, and <Layers>/Layer Effects. If these menus are not there, close and reopen GIMP. If they're still not there, make sure the file is in your plug-ins folder, that it is executable, that you have Python support installed, and that the filename ends with ".py", not ".txt" or ".py.txt" or something.
Comments
Thanks! Now some suggestions :D
Hey. Love the plugin. Thank you so much.
Been using it for some time now, and I have a suggestion or so.
I bug/problem I noticed with he bevel is: Unless 'merge with layer' is selected, inner bevel blurring goes outside the lines. If the size is greater than 0, then it will bleed into the surroundings.
Also, unless there is a size greater than 0, there are lines in the bevel. Maybe use a faint blur or even 'selective guassian blur' to the bumpmap layer before use?
I'd also like to see a soften/blur option for inner/outer glow.
Another problem I noticed is (at least with outer glow): If an effect is performed on an invisible layer, that layer then becomes visible. I know this seems like a small thing, but sometimes I have to apply an effect to many invisible layers (see end of post).
Again, love the plugin. Here's some stuff I made with it:
http://cheeseenthusiast.deviantart.com/art/Surge-Xion-skin-138554091
http://cheeseenthusiast.deviantart.com/art/Thrine-xion-skin-138971961
Scaling effect?
Would you please, please, pretty please add a scaling / cropping effect? I'm tired of Gimp edit operations that permanently alter my source image. I took several days and learned Scheme so I could make a Layer Groups feature, which Miguel has nicely added on to, but it might take me weeks to learn Python.... I'm willing to try but any help would be appreciated.
GIMP already has scaling and
GIMP already has scaling and cropping tools.
Python version not working in GIMP 2.7.0/Windows Vista
I downloaded the python version of this plug-in, copied it to my plug-ins directory (with the .py extension) as you said...but when i open an image in GIMP I don't see the "Layer Effects" menu under the "Image/Layer/" menu.
I have GIMP 2.7.0, Windows Vista and Python 2.6.2 installed.
Other applications that use Python (eg. Blender) work fine.
It works with Gimp 2.7.0 (Vista)
Tested with Gimp 2.7.0 and Python 2.6.2
Link : http://www.aljacom.com/~gimp/download.html
Start Gimp with gimp_en_anglais_disque_dur.bat
Um...
Yeah, when I right-click the link, the "Save Target As" won't let me click it. Help?
Use a different browser?
Use a different browser?
The same problem with *.py in Windows Vista
Hi, i have tha same problem. In Vista PY-script loaded by started GIMP 2.6.7 but in Image > Layer - i do not see this. Sorry (bad english).
You are sure that other
You are sure that other Python plug-ins work, and you know how this is confirmed?
In Vista work only Python 2.6.x
In my Vista work only Python 2.6.2 + I installed GTK+. Now I installed Python 2.4 plus GTK+ and gtk - not installed! With 2.6.2 - no problems! I think you must layer.py testing in vista Py2.6.2 + GTK.... or problem with Python in Vista?
Mine shows up under the Layer Menu on top
Also, under Layer in the right click context menu. It's working in mine, using Vista as well. Do you have Home Premium?
I use Home Premium...would
I use Home Premium...would it have something to do with the python version or maybe GIMP 2.7.0 (since it's a development version)?
Do any other Python
Do any other Python plug-ins for GIMP work on your system?
Tried other Python plugins, they didn't work
I tried another Python plugin (cross-stitchify) and that didn't work either...what could be wrong?
Not sure...
I would think it was an issue with being a dev version, but why is it working on my laptop? Hmmm...
It must not work with 2.6
The scripts run, but it just creates a layer with one color.
which do not works?
Which of the layer effects does not work for you
And your image is in RGB mode? (check in Image/image mode,change in RGB if is in a different mode)
Inner Shadow
Hey, I have Gimp 2.6 and I installed the Phython version; only problem is I can't find inner shadow. Where can I find the inner shadow layer effect?
Error Message -
Hi, I'm working on Mac, Leopard and I keep getting the same message each time I try to use any of the effects.
For example, with gradients:
First error message:
GIMP Message
Plug-In 'Gradient Overlay' left image undo in inconsistent state, closing open undo groups.
Next error message immediately following:
Gradient Overlay Message
Error while executing script-fu-layerfx-gradient-overlay:
Error: eval: unbound variable: cadr
And also with Inner Glow
GIMP Message
Plug-In 'Inner Glow' left image undo in inconsistent state, closing open undo groups.
Inner Glow Message
Error while executing script-fu-layerfx-inner-glow:
Error: eval: unbound variable: cadr
... any suggestions?
Error Message -
What version of gimp you have ? ..i mean the release number.
Not sure if the Py version will work on MAC but script fu works on all OS...but you need at least gimp 2.4.x ,
2.6 will be fine too but not previous version
I don't have a Mac, so I
I don't have a Mac, so I can't test this, sorry. Try the Python version and see if that works.
Hi, Great tool! I love the
Hi,
Great tool! I love the speed of the python version.
One question: how can i change the default-settings? I need the same drop-shadow-values for several projects. Every time I restart Gimp I've to enter them manually.
I changed settings under def python_layerfx_drop_shadow (line 6197) and def python_layer_fx_drop_shadow (line 6216). For example the opacity to 80 instead of 75. But when i close and reopen Gimp, the setting is still on 75. Is there some cache or hidden setting?
Never mind - found it. The
Never mind - found it. The basic settings for the drop shadow are under line 628 / def showDialog(self)
Vertical Gradient?
Is it possible to do vertical gradients on text with this? If so, how?
Note: I realize I could probably rotate the text, do the gradient, and rotate again, but that sort of defeats the purpose of having a filter do it in the first place. =/
An earlier comment mentioned the gradient doing nothing but displaying the FG or BG color. A reply mentioned messing with the center values, width, etc. It seems for a typical linear gradient you need to use an angle of 30 for it to work right. I have no clue why, but it worked. (My default assumption was 0 angle would be flat, and 90 would be vertical, but I was wrong.) Is there a way to setup defaults that make sense for each type of gradient?
The thing is, the script has
The thing is, the script has no way to determine what defaults would "make sense" for any particular image. There is no single set of values that would "make sense" for every image. It's not psychic. It can't "just know" what you want. So it defaults to 0, 0 for the center (which is the top-left corner of the image, not necessarily the layer) and 0 for the width (which produces a solid fill of the starting color). You just need to set, at least, the width and center to where you want them.
To get the right coordinates for the center, try moving the mouse cursor to where you want the center to be, then check the coordinates in the image's status bar. Then enter those for the center.
You should be able to get a vertical gradient, or a horizontal one, or whatever, by setting the angle. 30 should not be a requirement, any angle should work as long as you have set the center in the right place. Remember, the gradient always passes through the center, whether it's inside the layer bounds or not.
If you get a solid fill instead of a gradient, it either means you didn't set a width, or the gradient is outside the bounds of the layer and you need to change the center setting, or maybe your start and end colors are the same. Or something similar.
Bevel & Emboss window doesn't show all the options
When my Bevel and Emboss window comes up it's not showing all the settings as other users, such as, "gloss contour", "Direction", etc. I am unable to achieve certain text effects without a complete window. I've uninstalled, reinstalled GIMP, upgraded then downgraded my version, reinstalled FX-Foundry, then manually installed the script alone. I'm still only getting half my bevel and emboss setting options. I prefer to use GIMP 2.4.7 since when I upgraded to 2.6.6 all it did was crash. How can I get the full Bevel and Emboss window?
FX-Foundry doesn't have this
FX-Foundry doesn't have this script. You must be using a different script. Try downloading and installing the script from here instead of the FX-Foundry one.
Thanks for the help, I
Thanks for the help, I finally got it working well.
Error
The gradient tool will not work. I've tried fiddling with different settings, changing which gradient I try to use, but all I can se is a circle with a line through it when I go to use the tool. Any suggestions?
perfect
Thank you kindly
http://www.tech4eleven.com
Gradient Overlay Doesn't Work
My GIMP version is 2.6.6, gradient overlay doesn't work. It just overlay with the star color, or with the end color if I select reverse.
If you're doing a linear
If you're doing a linear gradient, try changing the angle to 30, gradient width to length of text box, and center to text box size height/2, width/2 . That should get you a typical gradient.
I know it took me far longer than it should have to figure that one out. =/
Did you enter anything for
Did you enter anything for the "Center" and "Gradient Width" parameters?
Thank you
Great plug-in!
Please help!
I have the script-fu version.
I saved it into my scripts folder and it won't show up in my program after restarting Gimp and refreshing the list. It's a Text Document while all the other scripts in the folder are SCM.
HELP!
What did I say in the "How
What did I say in the "How to install" instructions? The filename needs to end in ".scm", not ".txt".
Yes, but
It's a .txt file, not a .scm file.
It says under save name "Text Document"
It automatically saves it as
It automatically saves it as a .scm.txt document, and there is nothing I can do about it.
simple
click the test document drop down menu and click all files
Just change the filename so
Just change the filename so it ends in ".scm".
How do I install?
How do I install plug-ins on Mac OS 10.5.7?
Perhaps you could try
Perhaps you could try reading the "How to install" instructions above.
Error?
I am running 2.6.6 on Mac Leopard. I installed the Script-Fu version, but it doesn't work, I get these messages:
> Plug-In 'Drop Shadow' left image undo in inconsistent state, closing open undo groups.
>Error while executing script-fu-layerfx-drop-shadow:
Error: eval: unbound variable: cadr
What can I do?
Same problem...
I have the exact same problem, none of the effects work and I get the same error message. I'm also working on Mac Leopard... any help?
Found Bug
Hey, thanks for the plugin. I found a bug on my first attempt to use it and thought "another piece of crappy software" and was about to delete it, but I saw that other users were praising it, so I persevered and found out that it sometimes works. I'm using the Script-Fu version. Here's how to repeat the problem:
- Create new document
- Select text tool
- Write my name: André
- Choose Script-Fu / Layer Effects / Drop Shadow
- BAM! See error messages below.
Drop Shadow Message
Error while executing script-fu-layerfx-drop-shadow:
Error: Procedure execution of gimp-layer-new failed on invalid input arguments: Procedure 'gimp-layer-new' has been called with value 'Andr
GIMP Message
Plug-In 'Drop Shadow' left image undo in inconsistent state, closing open undo groups.
Aha! Did you think everyone in the planet writes in English only? :)
The same problem happens with other effects too.
Thanks, good job.
André
Huh, that's odd. Might be a
Huh, that's odd. Might be a bug in TinyScheme. One workaround I found is to change the layer's name to remove any special characters like "é". This doesn't seem to happen in the Python version, though.
Layer names like "André"
Layer names like "André" work fine when executing the procedures in the Script-Fu console.
Same problem... in English
Hi, I get this same error with all of the effects. I do not have any special characters in my later name. My background layer is labeled "background" and my new layer is labeled "new," but still none of the effects work. I'm working on a mac, btw.
Options are all grayed out under Layer Effects
Looks like layer effects installed but all of the options are greyed out... I'm using GIMP 2.0 and the script fu version. I've never installed plugins before so there's a good chance it was my error somewhere :) Thanks!!
Options are all grayed out under Layer Effects
same thing happened to me but I got through it, just go to filters then click down at the bottom script fu then refresh, problem solved