Create your own Paint by Number using GIMP.

This project uses GIMP to create a Paint by Number of any particular image, be it low res gif of some object or high res photo of yourself.

GIMP is the open source (free) equivalent to Photoshop. So there isn't any excuse not to try this project! If you've already got GIMP downloaded and operational, then all you need is a photo and less than 30 minutes!

Since we're creating our image on a 8.5 x 11.0 letter, you can easily translate this project into a bound collected works. Or just post your image to any profile for your own unique avatar!

Step 1 Preparing the Image

1. File>Open>Select image to manipulate.

If necessary, Image>Transform>Rotate by necessary degrees.

2. Using Rectangle Select Tool select area of image* to be traced.

3. Copy area to clipboard (Ctrl + C).

4. File>New>Choose US Letter.

5. Paste image (Ctrl + V) to New Untitled Image.

Now is a good time to Title (Save) your project!

6. Layer>Scale layer

If image taller than wider, enter 11 in height field.

If image wider than taller, enter 8.5 in width field.

The other field with auto adjust.

Click Scale button.

Comments

[seroberts]

This instructable is the product of my first attempt at GIMP + wishing there'd been a tutorial for what I was trying to do (create a paint me by number, for my Facebook profile).

I'll be the first to admit that my technique is more primitive hack. Any GIMP information is useful information to me! I definitely plan to try both your suggestions and any others.

BTW, the robot is an ifbot ROBO-CRAFT from ROBOSQUARE used in the original image as an example for prototyping ideas in robotics.

Thnx for your comments!

[Chicken2209]

use paths you'll get nicer, smoother lines

[berky93]

does gimp even have paths? anyway a great way to get clean lines is to do this: -desaturate the image -duplicate the layer -invert the top layer's colors -set the top layer's overlay mode to color dodge -apply a gaussian blur to the top layer, however thick you feel is right. this technique i actually used to give an iamge the effect of being hand drawn, but once this is all done you can either leave it as-is or use gimp's color-to-alpha tool to remove all of the white areas from the image and then duplicate the layer or use other effects to make the lines dark and clean.

[Chicken2209]

yes its the pen like tool