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How to Make a Torn Paper Edge in GIMP

Add a tattered effect to photos using GIMP

By Ian Pullen Ian Pullen Writer Ian Pullen is a former Lifewire writer and an experienced graphic designer and web developer with a strong interest in free and open-source graphics software. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 15, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design

What to Know

Open image and select Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel. Tools menu > Select Tools > Free Select.Next, delete edges. Select Smudge Tool > customize brush settings. Make random strokes along edges.Go to Filter > Light and Shadow > Drop Shadow. Save your image. This article explains how to apply a torn paper edge effect to any graphic using GIMP. Instructions apply to GIMP version 2.10 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Make a Torn Paper Edge Effect in GIMP

To make any image look like a photo with tattered edges: Open your image in GIMP and select Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel to add transparency information to the image layer. Open the Tools menu and then go to Select Tools > Free Select. Click and drag to draw a narrow, jagged circle around one side of the image. Make sure the two ends of your circle touch to complete the selection. Go to Edit > Clear (or press the Delete key) to delete the area inside the selection. Go to Select > None to remove the selection. Repeat steps 2-4 along each side of the image. Select the Smudge tool. In the Tool Options palette, set the Brush to 2, the Hardness to 050, the Size to 10, and the Rate to 50. If the Tool Options palette is not visible, go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Tools Options to bring it up. Go to Layer > New Layer. Steps 8-10 are technically optional, but adding an extra layer will make it easier to see the work you are about to do to the image layer. Set Fill With to White, then select OK. In the Layers palette, click and drag the the new layer below the image layer. If the Layers palette is not visible, go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Layers to bring it up. Click the image layer in the Layers palette to make it active, then zoom in on one of the edges by going to View > Zoom > Zoom In. You can also zoom in by pressing Ctrl + plus sign (for Windows) or Command + plus sign (for Mac). Place your cursor just inside one of the edges of the image, and then click and drag outside of the image. You should see a fine line drawn out of the image that tapers off. Continue making randomly angled strokes outwards along the edges to create a feathered effect that resembles the fibers of torn paper. Go to Filter > Light and Shadow > Drop Shadow. Select View > Zoom > Fit Image in Window to see the whole image in the workspace. ` Adjust the settings in the Drop Shadow dialog to add a subtle shadow effect to give your image a little depth, then select OK. Click the box beside Preview the see how the image looks before and after the effect. Once satisfied with the effect, right click the extra layer you added in the Layers palette and select Delete Layer. Go to File > Save As to save your image as a XCF file or File > Export As to save it as a JPEG. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Make a Torn Paper Edge in Photoshop Make a Custom Gradient in GIMP Tutorial to Add Fake Rain to a Photo in GIMP How to Use the Photoshop Background Eraser Tool How to Apply Rubber Stamp Effects in Photoshop Elements 8 How to Change Background Color in Photoshop Greeting Card Template and Instructions for Adobe Photoshop How to Make Digital Washi Tape in Photoshop or Elements How to Make a Pattern in Photoshop How to Unlock the Background Layer in Photoshop How to Make High-Resolution Images Learn How to Link Layers in GIMP How to Create the Out of Bounds Effect in Photoshop How to Make a GIF in Photoshop How to Make Rubber Stamp Effects in Paint.NET How to Install and Use Photoshop Brushes in GIMP Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies