GIMP User Manual
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# The Image Window

The image window is the one that you will see when you are composing your image.

Figure 4-1. The Image Window

The main part of the window is the section in which your image can be created. See the help for the tools for more information on what can be done.

By default, the image window is bordered at the top and left by a ruler which is measured in pixels at 100 pixel intervals or in the unit you choose in the preferences dialog. There is an arrow on each ruler which show the vertical and horizontal position of the cursor when your pointer is within the window. The position of the cursor can also be seen in figures at the bottom left corner of the window if turned on. This is in the format X direction, Y direction and is in pixels or the image's unit.

Also at the bottom of the image window (on the Statusbar) is the filename and other information about the image such as the zoom level. This is also displayed as the title to the window. The information displayed can be configured in Preferences (Image Windows, Image Title Format). Next to this is a section which displays a progress bar when an operation will take a long time. That action can be aborted by clicking the Cancel button next to it.

Just above the coordinates display, there are two buttons, one which shows a , and the other a red square. Clicking the invokes the "Quick Mask". This adds an extra channel which can be edited to make complex selections. Once the mask has been edited to your satisfaction, click the dotted square to convert it into a standard selection. The color and opacity of the mask can be configured by double-clicking either button.

The final feature of the image window is the . Clicking and holding this button will show a small preview of the whole image. This is particularly useful when you are working at very high zoom levels and want to see how your changes affect the overall image. Moving within this box will move the picture to the desired location and remain there after the button is lifted.

Many of these features can be configured, or turned on and off in Preferences Image Windows, so you may need to make some changes to see all the features.

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