14. Drawing Simple Objects

In this section, you will learn how to create simple objects in GIMP. It’s pretty easy once you figure out how to do it. GIMP provides a huge set of Tools and Shortcuts which most new users get lost in.

14.1. Drawing a Straight Line

Let’s begin by painting a straight line. The easiest way to create a straight line is by using your favorite brush tool, the mouse and the keyboard.

Procedure 7.1. Drawing a Straight Line

1. Figure 7.33. A new image

   

   The dialog shows a new image, filled with a white background.

Create a [new image]($d64b1005d2d645be.md "2.2. New…"). Select your favorite [brush tool]($e02fbf792abc6ba7.md "3.3. Brush Tools (Pencil, Paintbrush, Airbrush)") or use the [pencil]($6a6748d2199ebd03.md "3.6. Pencil"), if in doubt. Select a [foreground color]($b09a8339e76d23e1.md#gimp-toolbox-color-area "1.3.1. Color Area"), but be sure that the foreground and background colors are different.

1. Figure 7.34. The start of the straight line

   

   The dialog shows a new image, with the first dot which indicates the start of the straight line. The dot has a black foreground color.

Create a starting point by clicking on the [image display]($e63fa508823fd56f.md#imagewindow-display) area with the left mouse button. Your canvas should look similar to [Figure 7.33, “A new image”]($920d741fbf9745bf.md#gimp-using-straightline1 "Figure 7.33. A new image").

1. Figure 7.35. The helpline

   

   The screenshot shows the helpline, which indicates how the finished line will look.

Now, hold down the **Shift** button on your keyboard and move the mouse away from the starting point you created. You'll see a thin line indicating how the line will look.

1. Figure 7.36. The line after the second click

   

   The line created appears in the image window after drawing the second point (or end point), while the Shift key is still pressed.

If you're satisfied with the direction and length of the line, click the left mouse button again to finish the line. The GIMP displays a straight line now. If the line doesn't appear, check the foreground and background colors and be sure that you kept the **Shift** key pressed while painting. You can keep creating lines by continuing to hold the **Shift** key and creating additional end points.