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+--- Thread: Transforming a selection on a layer (/Thread-Transforming-a-selection-on-a-layer)
Transforming a selection on a layer - pdev - 08-07-2017
Hi, I'm just switching to GIMP from Photoshop and can't seem to work out how to do something I did quite often in PS.
I had photographed a number of objects and one of them needed to be rotated. In PS I would select the object, copy it to a new layer (Cmd-J on my Mac), select the object on the layer with the Transform tool (Cmd-T) and then rotate it with the curly arrows in the corner.
I've managed to copy a selection to a new layer in GIMP (copy > paste > new layer) but can't work out how to rotate the selection independently of the base layer.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
RE: Transforming a selection on a layer - RStJohn - 08-08-2017
I'm a newbe too but this should work for you:
1. Click Tools tab > Transform Tools > Rotate. Or
2. Right click in the new layer, choose Tools, Transform Tools, Rotate. Or... (wait for it)
3. Just do a <shift> R and then rotate it with the rotate icon.
RE: Transforming a selection on a layer - Blighty - 08-08-2017
Just to add to what RStJohn said:
You rotate the entire layer, not the selection
Select the Rotate tool and click on the layer. A grid with corner handles appears. Use those to rotate.
RE: Transforming a selection on a layer - rich2005 - 08-08-2017
Try not to think in PS terms. PS can have vector like 'objects' where there is no equivalent in Gimp. So no objects.
Quote:...I've managed to copy a selection to a new layer in GIMP (copy > paste > new layer) but can't work out how to rotate the selection independently of the base layer.
Just a point that while you can copy then paste as a layer, which is always a good way to go and the previous posts give the information, it is possible to copy and paste straight into your image.
![[Image: dp2HjeL.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/dp2HjeL.jpg)
The important thing here is that 'Floating layer'(1). Temporary until you finally fix it in position.
It works as any other layer, all the transform tools work. Resize (2) in this example, Select the resize tool in the toolbox, click in the canvas brings up the dialogue. With height and depth linked, click-n-drag the 'square' handles.
![[Image: vZLwkb2.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/vZLwkb2.jpg)
For rotating, same process, choose the rotate tool from the tool box, click in the canvas and work directly on the 'Floating layer' No corner handle, click in the grid and drag to rotate.
When complete. The important bit. Right click in the layers dialogue to give the option of 'To a New Layer, always the best bet, or Anchor (merge). (and not a drop spilt)
edit:
Remember ex-PS users, Gimp does not have a 'neutral' tool. The last tool used remains active until the next is selected
RE: Transforming a selection on a layer - pdev - 08-08-2017
Thanks so much to all of you for your help. I think you've solved my problem for me.
rich2005, you've hit the nail on the head when you say I've got to stop thinking in PS terms. But I'd been using it since the late 1990s!
Cheers!