How to Use Scissors in Gimp

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GIMP is a free photo editing software that can be downloaded at gimp.org. The intelligent scissors in GIMP are used as a select tool that is faster than using the paths tool. The lines will curve to create a selection.

Steps

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  1. They look like a pair of scissors.
    Step 1 Make sure you are on the intelligent scissors tool.
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  2. To do this, simply click on that layer in the layers and channels box.
    Step 2 Make sure you are on the layer you wish to make a selection in.
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    Click around the object you want to select. Notice that the lines curve and zigzag sometimes to get the correct selection.
  4. An infinity sign should come up (looks like a sideways "eight"). Click on this point to complete the selection.
    Step 4 Once you have gone around the object, put the mouse on on the first point created.
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    An image of a dotted circle should show up. Click inside the circle to create the selection.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I delete the selected area?
    Community Answer
    All you have to do it hit the delete button. It is that simple.
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  • Question
    Where is the 'Delete' button?
    Community Answer
    Usually you'll find one on your keyboard, above the backspace key. You can also do CTRL-X to cut the selected area, effectively removing it from the image.
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      Tips

      • You can save your scissor selection as a path by going to the paths tab in the layers/channels/paths box and clicking on the "selection to path" tool, which looks like a red oval with black dots around it (roughly accurate).
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      • If you notice the intelligent scissors have incorrectly guessed where the selection is, drag the line to the correct place. It will create another point and hopefully correct the mistake.
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      • Clicking outside the image will include up the border of the image in your selection.
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