Multiple Font Issues etc.

[Joe]

   
As much as I enjoy using the Gimp program; version 3.2.4, Windows PC – it has some very strange situations built in that I have never experienced when using other graphics editors.

The first one, I am unsure of how to describe. When creating layers containing fonts – Gimp often assigns them and creates new locked font layers that even affect surrounding (above and below) layers within the image? Gimp locks the layers and does not allow them to be edited or modified beyond font layers? This has drained substantially large amounts of my time; erasing layers and adding new layers trying to correct this issue.

One more recent discovery is when I created a layer with a font. I applied a shadow to that layer. After the shadow is applied – it extended below the desired area. I assumed that the shadow on that layer could be edited – it cannot. Using the free select or the rectangular select tool cannot affect the shadow. Funny thing – I can cut part of the font ONLY on that layer – but not the shadow. Is there a method that Gimp could be set to apply the shadow to a separate/adjacent layer and edited without being directly linked to the font layer?

Another recent more startling development and much more concerning – Gimp (how - I cannot explain) began to apply a pattern to my fonts instead of a color. No matter what I did – I could not terminate this activity. Closed and re-opened the program, created a new image, etc. After trying many unsuccessful internet suggestions - I actually had to uninstall Gimp to correct this issue.

P.S. Is there a reason that Gimp does not include a shapes menu?

For your consideration – I thank you.

[rich2005]

(3 hours ago)Joe Wrote: As much as I enjoy using the Gimp program; version 3.2.4, Windows PC – it has some very strange situations built in that I have never experienced when using other graphics editors.

You should probably stop thinking about "quote when using other graphics editors"   Never does any good

Quote:The first one, I am unsure of how to describe. When creating layers containing fonts – Gimp often assigns them and creates new locked font layers that even affect surrounding (above and below) layers within the image? Gimp locks the layers and does not allow them to be edited or modified beyond font layers? This has drained substantially large amounts of my time; erasing layers and adding new layers trying to correct this issue.

Difficult to answer that one without you supplying an example xcf file. Locked layers ?  There is a function in Gimp 3.2.4 to rasterize a layer, that would remove the text properties and you edit as any other raster layer.

Quote:One more recent discovery is when I created a layer with a font. I applied a shadow to that layer. After the shadow is applied – it extended below the desired area. I assumed that the shadow on that layer could be edited – it cannot. Using the free select or the rectangular select tool cannot affect the shadow. Funny thing – I can cut part of the font ONLY on that layer – but not the shadow. Is there a method that Gimp could be set to apply the shadow to a separate/adjacent layer and edited without being directly linked to the font layer?

 

There is a Drop Shadow (legacy) filter which puts the shadow on its own layer.

Quote:Another recent more startling development and much more concerning – Gimp (how - I cannot explain) began to apply a pattern to my fonts instead of a color. No matter what I did – I could not terminate this activity. Closed and re-opened the program, created a new image, etc. After trying many unsuccessful internet suggestions - I actually had to uninstall Gimp to correct this issue.

Is it a feature of Windows users to uninstall / reinstall all the time ?  Since you are using Gimp 3.2.4 you might try the recent features or is that what is the problem.
You have made a text layer (1) and in the Layers menu you can create a path from the text.  In the paths dock right click context menu there is a Path to Vector Layer (2) which does what it says and makes a vector layer in the layers dock.  The paths tool (3) now used to Fill(colour or pattern) or Stroke the text for an outline.
For a drop shadow, it is applied to the vector layer and if you want to say erase part of it, then ensure the (fx) is applied from the layer menu.

   

Quote:P.S. Is there a reason that Gimp does not include a shapes menu?

  Well, it is not Windows Paint, although it might be coming. For earlier Gimps there are plugins that create shapes.  Only one at the moment for Gimp 3 see: https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-arakne...0#pid47140