When i type text, then go to 'Text to path', make a selection from that path and save it in a channel, that selection is superior (more precise) to using 'Alpha to selection' and saving that in a channel, right ?

Is there any advantage when using the Displacment Filter, in using a channel as the map instead of a black & white bitmap ?
Or is that technically the same ?

it seems [img][/img] is currently not working

https://www.flickr.com/photos/115367823@...2/sizes/o/
Haven't looked at uploading pictures to here yet and I don't want too put one on here that is too large.
I cut a small area out of a photo with red bottle-brushes on them and made a pattern.

There is some sort of inconsistent behaviour that i'd like to understand.

If i make a drawing in Inkscape, there are no layers unless i create them.
When i draw something in Illustrator, part of shapes are automatically on different layers.

When i import a path i made in Inkscape into Gimp, it creates a bunch of path-layers for different parts, that werent existent in Inkscape.

Why is that ?

A set of short videos about installing and setting up Gimp in Windows 10
Duration 3 to 6 minutes each (no 30 minute Epics here)

Installing Gimp for the first time. 






Initial set-up






Adding resources, brushes, fonts, a new theme






Installing local help






Moving tabs and docks
Did you look at the second video Initial set-up for Gimp in single window mode? That is the best way for new users.

However, changing the look of the interface is possible, this gives examples for re-arranging the parts of the single window. About 6 minutes duration.

Is it possible to create angled guides in Gimp? For example, I want a guide to go through point (x,y) at an angle of 22.5 degrees. I can't find a way to rotate a guide.

I installed ufraw. But i was expecting to modify a raw image in a way like in GIMP with a jpeg or png etc. Having all the tools (copy/paste, blend, layers, etc.). But you dont. All you get in urfraw is a histogram, EXIF info, etc. Not the basic tools. 

What if i wanted to blow up an image using a raw image, while also doing tasks such as
http://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-removin...m-an-image

My goal:
I am trying to remove the kid from the left. At least enough to crop to make a decent pic without him. 

I "usually" do this by selecting random smaller sections from the area and blending/healing them in to make it look more natural. However if there is a simpler way i would like to know. 

On this i copied a section from the right and moved it over. Its good enough up to the point that the selection is too dark. Is there a way to lighten the selection to the surrounding area all at once? 



The actual image
http://imgur.com/a/HoFFf

Cant upload here as the file is too large 4912x3264 at 2.3 MB

Are you able to add links to places where you can let people know where to get a good version of gimp etc?
I know many people will already have one before they go looking for a forum but just an idea. Maybe some other places as well that you trust. Or isn't it something you are interested in.