How to Use the Clone Tool in Gimp

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GIMP is a free editing program which can be downloaded at gimp.org. Among the many tools included, the clone tool is quite useful for removing blemishes in certain situations.

Steps

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    This one is a rose with grass in it.
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    It looks like a stamp.
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    You will probably want to adjust the opacity. If it is less than 100, it will look more natural. Also, depending on what you are covering, adjust the scale. One last thing you can do is change the brush and the brush size.
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    You can change the size of the clone brush by moving the scale button.
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    You can click on as many areas as you like and the same cloned image will appear there.
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  • Question
    Have a 'barred' symbol blocking the use of the clone stamp. Why, and how do I remove it?
    Community Answer
    You probably haven't used Ctrl + click to choose the portion of the original image that you want to clone.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 25 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do I reduce brush size?
    Community Answer
    On the far left panel, under 'tool options' there should be a box that says "Size." Use the arrows or put in a size yourself to change the size.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Having used the clone tool, how do I deactivate it, or any tool?
    Isa Wren
    Community Answer
    In Gimp, you can't actually "deactivate" tools. Instead, as you first go into Gimp you will notice it is already automatically on the zoom tool (represented by a magnifying glass). That is the default tool on Gimp. To return to the zoom tool, simply click on it, or hold Ctrl and scroll up and down to view your image closer or further away. You can do this while you are using any tool and it will automatically return to the zoom tool.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Probably, as you move away from the original source image, you will find that the colour of the source area no longer matches the part you are trying to clone over. Try to select the source image as close to possible to the part you want to clone to avoid colour mismatches.
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