Convert images from GIMP

What you need:

• GIMP
• pictures

Why GIMP has its own format

• If you have a graphic it is usually saved in xcf format. This program-specific format allows the storage of a large amount of image information that is necessary for further processing.
• You should keep this format, for example, to be able to work with multiple layers. Changes to the image are very easy to achieve in this way.
• If you add text to your graphics, it can also be saved as text on its own layer. You will then have to do without graphical editing of the letters to a large extent, but in return you can simply change this text again. This is a useful addition to posters or other information sheets.
• If you have your pictures in a different format, you should always convert a copy. The original is then still available for further processing.

Which format for which pictures?

• If you want to publish the picture on the Internet, jpeg or jpg are suitable as the file format. This format compresses the images into files that are as small as possible. The loading times are thus shortened considerably. Choose a resolution between 72 and 96 dpi and scale the image to the size it is on screen should have. In this way you can make the picture as small as possible without having to worry about major loss of quality.


GIMP: Make the picture brighter - this is how it works

If a few pictures should be too dark for you, it doesn't have to be a problem ...

• To print the picture, it should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Jpeg and jpg are also useful formats here. If you can print the images yourself, you don't have to convert them.
• If you want to bring movement into your picture, the pictures must be saved in the gif format. The format is also suitable for comic book drawings and clip art that do not have very detailed color levels. You can then use a gif animator to create a moving image.
• Your pictures are in good hands in png if you want to use them as thumbnails, i.e. especially small pictures that should perhaps not have a rectangular frame.

This is how it works

1. Open the image in GIMP.
2. Choose File - Save As.
3. Enter a new name if desired. Alternatively, you can keep the original name to indicate that it is the same image.
4. Change the desired format by entering the appropriate ending separated from the file name by a period in the name field.
5. Confirm with OK.