If you are looking for an affordable way to create epic logos and high-quality graphics, you may have considered using GIMP. As a free to use tool that is beginner friendly, it is quickly becoming a favorite among amateur graphic designer. However, what if you don’t have access to an internet connection?

GIMP can be used both online and without an internet connection. The initial download of the file does require internet access, but once installed, GIMP can be used offline. The GIMP tool is also available online for those who wish to use it.

As a student or designer that is always on the go, being able to work without an internet connection is a must. Below, you will find a breakdown of how to use GIMP offline, and when you will need an internet connection.

Does GIMP Require an Internet Connection?

In terms of usage, GIMP does not require an internet connection. However, this fact only applies if the program is already installed on your computer.

GIMP is an open-source image editor that was developed to give free professional-level editing capabilities to Linux, Windows, and MacOS systems. You can download the program by heading to the GIMP official website.

GIMP offers downloads available for Linux, MacOS, and Microsoft Windows. Once you’ve selected your version of the download, the file will start to download from one of GIMP’s trusted servers. As soon as the installation is complete, you should be able to use the program without an internet connection.

Keep in mind, however, that GIMP is under active development and new versions are released on a regular basis. To keep up with updates, you will require an internet connection from time to time. 

How Long Does GIMP Take to Install?

How long your download and installation take will depend on your device’s speed, available RAM, and the quality of your internet connection. This typically only takes a few minutes for most people. However, some downloads can take as long as an hour.

There are a couple of ways you could go about installing GIMP:

• Install: this is the recommended option for most people. It installs everything you need to use GIMP
• Customize: this is for users that want to set up specific features and settings

Before downloading GIMP, it’s a good idea to check that you meet all of the requirements. The download requires about 64 MB of RAM and about 20 MB of memory. This is, however, microscopic compared to Photoshop’s requirements.

Learning to Use GIMP With Online Help

The simplest approach to get started with GIMP is to jump into the program and familiarize yourself with some of the functions.

GIMP offers some tutorials that users can go through to learn some of the basic and advanced tools and techniques. These tutorials are community managed and are a great way to learn from users who are actively working with the program.

However, this does require an internet connection. While the program can be used offline, if you may want to stay connected if you are just starting out. 

What Are Online Tool Tips?

Tool tips, also known as the help system, are tips and trick that occasionally appear in the form of a pop-up when the cursor hovers over an element.

When GIMP is installed, the help options are set to online by default. For those who wish to use the help dialogue offline, the settings will need to be adjusted manually.

Instructions on how to changes these settings can be found here.

Using GIMP and Other Design Tools Without an Internet Connection

GIMP boasts its flexibility in easily integrating with other digital design software such as Scribus, Krita, SwatchBooker, and Inkscape. After all, those who work in design know that you rarely stick with one software.

These free software programs can be downloaded to your computer as well, so you can continue working, even if you’re in a situation where you’ve lost internet connection.

However, this doesn’t apply to all design tools. Programs like Placeit and Canva are web browser-based and do require an internet connection to work. So, if you find yourself offline at any point, this may cause an issue if you are switching between tools.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how you can use GIMP on the go. GIMP is a great program for those looking to get started in graphic design. While it can be used offline, there are going to be scenarios when you will want a solid internet connection.

GIMP has a library of great tools comparable to Photoshop and Illustrator that you can use for image manipulation or retouching. Like with any design application, your most used tool will be your brushes. They are the basis for your design realization, so it’s crucial that you have access to all the brushes you have available in your tool panel.

One of the key elements of GIMP is the ability to edit your brushes to your personal preference. On occasion, there are times when the brush editor is greyed out and locked. There could be several reasons for this, but the most important information isn’t why but how to fix this problem. Keep reading for ways to fix the brush editor in GIMP.

3 Fixes for GIMP Brush Editor Greyed out and Locked

The brush editor in GIMP not only lets you see the parameters of the 56 existing brushes in GIMP, but it allows you to create custom brushes with your own parameters or manipulate brushes using several functions.

GIMP doesn’t allow you to use the brush editor on pre-installed/default brushes, but you should be able to use it on brushes you’ve installed or created. Attempting to edit the pre-installed brushes is one of the reasons you’ll see the brush editor greyed out and locked. There is a workaround for editing these brushes if you have your heart set on one of the default brushes.

1. Re-save Pre-installed Brushes

Despite the fact that the brush editor doesn’t work on the pre-installed/default brushes, there is a loophole for this problem. Since you can use the editor on brushes you’ve created and installed, simply copy the default brush, edit, and save it under a different name (.gbr). The application won’t recognize it as a pre-installed/default brush, and you’ll be able to edit it to your heart’s content.

2. Edit As Image

There are several types of brushes in GIMP. The most common of those brushes are bitmap and parametric. Bitmap brushes are ones created as images and exported as GBR. They can have any shape/color but cannot be scaled indefinitely. Parametric brushes are described a bit like vectors/paths. They only come in a few simple shapes but can be scaled at will, unlike bitmap.

GIMP’s brush editor only works for parametric brushes, so if you are trying to edit a bitmap brush, you will encounter the editor being greyed out and locked. If that is the case, you can just edit this brush like a regular bitmap image and export it in the appropriate format.

3. Revert to Older Version

Users of GIMP who had experienced brush editor controls being locked when trying to edit or resize standard brushes have found that the easiest solution was to revert to an older version of the application. In particular, version 2.8.22 seems to allow the editing of standard brushes without issue. Depending on how long you’ve had GIMP, you may have had this version at one point and would be able to revert to it.

There are still ways to access older versions online if you got GIMP after this version or newly downloaded the application. Uptodown has all previous versions of GIMP available to download virus-free and free.

How to Resize a Brush in GIMP

When creating a new brush, the brush editor will allow you to edit the size of your new brush and select the other parameters for your custom brush. Due to this, there is a common misconception that you can resize a brush through the brush editor, but this is not the case.

If you want to change the brush size of an existing brush in GIMP, the fastest way is through a keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Shift key while pressing either square bracket, and the size will multiply by ten at a time. The other way to resize a brush is through the tool panel– it will be the first option under “Brush.”

There is a way to change your keyboard shortcuts if you’re not satisfied with them currently. Go to Edit> Keyboard Shortcuts, then search for “Size.” Once you hit the middle “Shortcut” column, you can change the command and save.

Conclusion

Not being able to use your brush editor in your image editor can be frustrating, but one of these fixes should address the issue.

GIMP is a very popular photo and graphic manipulation tool. It’s completely free, open-source, and is constantly being updated to add new features. However, many people report issues with changing the order of their image’s layers while using GIMP.

Generally, issues changing your image’s layer order in GIMP stem from a glitch or bug in the software, an outdated version of the program, or other applications that are running in the background. Reinstalling or updating can help, as can closing any other programs while you’re using GIMP.

Below, we’ll discuss some common reasons why users have trouble changing their layer order in GIMP, as well as some ways to fix the issue. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Can’t I Change My Layer Order in GIMP?

There are a couple of reasons why you may not be able to change the layer of your orders in GIMP. These include:

• A glitch or bug
• Outdated software
• A program running in the background

Let’s discuss how each of these problems can affect the functionality of your layers.

A Glitch or Bug

Sometimes, you won’t be able to change the order of your layers simply because of a glitch or bug within your GIMP software. If this is the case, the best course of action is to simply uninstall and reinstall the program.

Errors sometimes occur during installation, which can affect the functionality of the program when you begin using it. Save any projects you’re currently working on, then uninstall GIMP from your computer. Download a new version of the software from the GIMP website, then reinstall it with no other programs running in the background.

Outdated Software

There are a lot of problems that can come along with using an outdated version of any software. The developers at GIMP release updates frequently, adding new features and targeting problems within previous versions. If you used to be able to move layers easily but are now having problems doing so, visit the GIMP website to see if there’s a new version available for download.

A Program Running in the Background

One of the most common problems GIMP users note is an inability to use the program’s convenient “drag and drop” feature to change the order of their layers. They select their layer, drag to move it to the preferred spot, but then the layer snaps right back to where it was before.

Usually, the cause of this problem relates to some program that’s running in the background. Antivirus software and screen recording software are common culprits, along with any other program that uses an invisible full-screen window or watches activity within other applications. Some programs that are known to cause this problem include:

• Skype
• SnagIt
• Overwolf
• Camtasia
• CamStudio

If you’re having issues using the drag and drop feature to change the order of your layers in GIMP, try closing your other programs and see if the problem resolves itself.

Other Ways to Change Your Layer Order in GIMP

Most GIMP users prefer to use the drag and drop method to change their layer order because it’s simple, intuitive, and quick. However, there are other ways to do so if you can’t seem to get the drag and drop feature to work correctly.

Use the Layer Panel Arrows

At the bottom of your layer panel, you should see one arrow pointing up and one arrow pointing down. Instead of dragging and dropping your layers, you can select the layer you want to move, then click either the up or down arrow to move it to your desired position. If you want to move the layer all the way to the top or bottom of the image, hold down the Shift key as you click the corresponding arrow.

Use the Layer Menu

Another way to change the order of your layers is through GIMP’s layer menu. At the top of the program window, you should see a menu bar. One of these menus will say “Layer.” Click this menu, then select “Stack.” From the Stack menu, you can choose “Raise Layer” or “Lower Layer” to move it up or down. If you want to move the layer to the top, you can also choose “Layer to top.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re having problems changing the order of your layers in GIMP, you’re not alone. Many people have had this issue in the past, and fortunately, there are a few ways to fix it. Try reinstalling or updating your program, or check if any background programs are interfering with GIMP’s functionality.

If you’re trying to print a PNG file, you may need to know the DPI or dots-per-inch of the image. A printer uses millions of dots of ink to compile your print. The DPI tells the printer how many dots need to go in a given square inch, so if you have a 300dpi—there will be 300 dots of ink per square inch. Not all image files have the same properties, so do PNG files have a DPI?

PNG files do have DPI, and there are several ways you can find the DPI of a PNG file. You can use a program, which depends on your computer system. You can also find your answer in the image metadata, but it requires some conversion.

Depending on the resolution and size you want, the dpi may need to change. For instructions on finding the dpi of your PNG file and how to change it, keep reading.

3 Ways to Find the DPI of Your PNG File

Getting into the logistics of the dpi of a PNG image can be confusing when correlating that to the size and resolution you need for your print. Before you can change anything, you need a base number to start. Then you can see how changing these variables will affect the overall print, referring to size and image quality. There are several ways to find the dpi of your PNG file.

1. Open Your PNG File in a Photo Viewer

Depending on the computer system you are operating on, you will either use Paint for Windows or Preview for Mac. Open your image in either of these programs and navigate to the image properties or dimensions.

In Preview, you will go to Tools>Adjust Size. A dialogue box will appear to show you several bits of information about the image, including the “Resolution.” The resolution is shown in pixels/inch— that is your dpi. In Paint, you will go to File>Properties, and a dialogue box will appear, and the dpi will be shown under File Attributes>Resolution.

1. Open Your PNG File in a Design Program

If you would rather use a design program to view the dpi of your PNG file, in case you want to change it, you can use a design program like Photoshop. Once you’ve opened your image in Photoshop, go to Image>Image Size, and you will see your dpi under “Resolution.”

If you want to change the dpi of your PNG file, you will need to uncheck “Resample “Image” as it will attempt to upscale your image, affecting the quality. When you change the resolution, you will notice that the height and width will change. You can always opt to change these dimensions in inches and centimeters instead. If you do, just keep an eye on the dpi. You don’t want it to drop too low; otherwise, the quality will be adversely affected.

1. Look at the Metadata of Your PNG File

Locating the metadata of your PNG file may be the most obscure of the suggestions, but when all else fails, you have a backup option. In the PNG file, two 4-byte numbers give the height and width of the image in pixels/meter. In order to convert this to dpi, you will need to multiply those numbers by 0.0254 meters/inch.

How to Change the DPI of Your PNG File

There has already been one suggestion on changing the dpi of your PNG file in this article via Photoshop. The same action can be done in Paint (Windows) and Preview (Mac). If you need more options, there are some alternatives. You can use an image editor to change the dpi, like GIMP, a cross-platform free software for editing images. In GIMP, you would go to Image>Print Size and make your adjustments.

You can also use an online converter for free. It will allow you to select the dpi you want; typical dpi choices are 72, 150, 200, 300, up to 600+. After selecting, you’ll upload your image, and the converter will do the rest.

If you’re unsure of the dimensions or resolution, you will need to print marketing material like posters, business cards, or flyers; Placeit.net has a great guide for print sizes.

Conclusion

No matter the image, there is a way to get just the right harmony between print size and resolution, so you’re getting the print you want without sacrificing the quality. It may be a delicate balance, but it’s one worth playing around with to see what works best for you.

SVG or scalable vector graphics is a standard XML-based vector graphics file type for two-dimensional images on the web. When using SVG graphics on your web page or digital marketing material, it’s critical to know the size of the image to ensure it will be supported and fit appropriately on the display with the other web elements. You can find image dimensions in the image properties of most images, but does SVG function the same?

Not all SVG have fixed dimensions and those that do give a height and width ratio that can be in any number of units. Luckily, there is a way to convert the specified units to pixels so that it can be of more help to you.

There are different types of SVG images when it comes to size. If you have any SVG files that you’re working with and need to know the dimensions, there are ways to figure it out. Please keep reading to find out the types of SVG image sizes and how to find them.

The Different SVG Image Sizes

Since you know that most SVG images aren’t going to have the size information so readily available, you need to figure out what kind of SVG image file it is, in terms of size, before you can figure out how to obtain the dimensions. Each of these types will have helpful information to assist you in figuring out how your SVG image file will fit into your project.

There are three SVG Image File Sizes. Each of these can be known through the web browser Chrome:

• No dimensions: This is an SVG image file with no width, height, or view box. Viewbox is an attribute that defines the dimension and position of an SVG file in the user’s space. When there are no dimensions, Chrome and most other browsers will automatically set the image to a default size of 300×150.
• Proportional Dimensions: This is an SVG image file with a viewbox attribute. Chrome will show the size of the image maximized to 300×150. For example, an aspect ratio of 16:9 would equal 1920x1080px or 1280x720px.
• Fixed Dimensions: This is an SVG image file that gives the width and height. Chrome can show these dimensions and convert the specified units into pixels.

Now that we know what different SVG image files we may come across, let’s look at other ways you can find the SVG image file size. SVG files can be quite complicated, especially if you need clear dimensions; you can opt for keeping it simple and using a design website like Placeit.net.

Ways to Find the Size of an SVG Image File

The SVG image file is so ambiguous when it comes to dimensions because it’s not just an image file– it’s also a document. When working with strictly image files like PNG, JPEG, and GIF, you can expect clearly defined sizes, which can easily be found in the properties of the image.

This article has already laid out two ways to find the size of an SVG image file through Chrome and the viewbox attribute. Another way to find the size is by parsing through the XML file code. Below is a snippet of what that code could look like in a text editor.

            $xml = ‘

<svg width=”500″ height=”300″ version=”1.1″

As you can see, there are figures for the width and height of the SVG. What is unclear in this example is the unit of size, but that may not be the case when you check out the XML file.

How to Scale SVG Image Files

SVG images can be drawn at any pixel size, so they don’t need clearly defined dimensions or aspect ratios. With other image files, you can set scaling to fit the container by forcing the browser to draw the image at a different size than the intrinsic height and width, keeping the aspect ratio constant to prevent distortion. SVG image files don’t work this way; no matter the size of the canvas, the image will remain the size specified in the code.

If you want the image to scale, you will have to provide that information explicitly. The wonderful thing about SVG images is that they look great at any scale without image distortion. You can compress and stretch the graphic as needed without compromising image quality.

Scaling SVG Files Through Illustrator

Let’s say you created your SVG via Adobe Illustrator, and you want to set your image to specified dimensions; there is a workaround to accomplish this task. Remember that SVG files are “responsive” by default, meaning they do not inherently have height and width attributes, i.e. dimensions.

Once you have your Illustrator artboard up with an SVG file, you will first set your artboard to the specific dimensions you want. You can find the width and height on the top right-hand side. Now go to the menu on the top of the screen and select Object> Artboards> Fit to Selected Art. This process will scale down the artboard to the logo or graphic and remove unnecessary space. Finally, save your image as an SVG, and you’re done.

Scaling SVG Files Through Text Editor

Another way to size the SVG image file is by opening the .svg in a text editor. Locate the height and width attributes in the code and then erase them. The defaults are 100%, so it will stretch to fit the container. If you’re looking for a specific height and width for the image, you can replace those attributes with the figures you desire.

Many find it helpful to add viewbox and preserveAspectRatio attributes to the SVG. Using these attributes, you can set your height and width by percent values, followed by the aspect ratio figures.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out the duality of SVG files being both image and document can come with a bit of a learning curve, but with this guide, you’re on your way to understanding how SVG image files work and how to make them work for you.

Instagram stories are an amazing way to let people into your daily life without having to spam your feed over and over again. They can simply choose to watch it, or not, giving everyone the choice to participate and ignore things with no hassle. 

However, for content creators, or those who simply love letting others in on their daily life, uploading issues can cause frustrations and problems with storytelling or online communication. The great thing is, that Instagram and other users are fantastic at figuring out the issue and coming up with easy solutions. 

Ways To Fix Instagram Story Upload Issues From Gallery

Now, the most common issue is Instagram not being able to upload stories from the phone gallery. While it’s the most common way people upload things onto Instagram, it still has its very common issue. But, no worries, there are also plenty of fixes as well. 

1. See If Instagram Is Having Issues

One of the most common issues that result in people not being able to upload their gallery photos to their stories is an issue with Instagram itself. If Instagram servers are overloaded or have gone down, chances are you won’t be able to use Instagram at all, especially if you try uploading images. 

The best thing you can do is contact Instagram to see if they are currently having issues or find a website such as Down Detector that can easily tell you what the issues are currently with Instagram and their servers. 

fIf Instagram is having issues, the only thing you can really do is sit and wait for things to come back online. Once everything is fixed and managed, you should be able to easily upload your photos from your gallery. 

2. Check For An Update To Your Phones Gallery

Even if your gallery came preloaded on your phone, chances are it will require an update every so often just like every other app on your phone. If the apps aren’t updated regularly, they won’t be able to effectively communicate with other apps, therefore causing problems. 

If you go to your app store on your phone, you should be able to find a place for updates. Once there, you can scroll through your apps until you find “gallery” and if there is an update, you can update the app and wait until the process is finished. 

Once the app is updated you should be able to seamlessly upload your photos to your stories, however, if you are still having issues, you may have a separate issue altogether. 

3. Restart Your Internet Router Or Connect To Another Internet

Another common issue that pops up when people have problems uploading their gallery photos to their stories is an internet issue. If you are having issues with your photos being uploaded, you can try to restart your router or try connecting to a different internet. 

Either of these options should let you see if it’s an internet problem or if you need to look for another solution. If it is an internet problem, chances are resetting your router or your phone can fix any issues that aren’t related to a server or the app being down. 

4. Check For An Instagram Update

As you know, apps on the phones often need updates for things such as:

• Bug fixes
• Improvements
• Patches
• Updates to keep up with operating software

This means you should be checking for updates about once a week on your phone if you already don’t have auto-update enabled. If you haven’t checked for updates recently and you are having issues uploading your photos, go into your play store and check for updates to the Instagram app. 

Once the update is completed, your stores should upload with no issues, unless your gallery also needs updating or you have another issue altogether. 

5. Make Sure Your Photo Isn’t Saved On The Cloud

While there isn’t always an issue with photos being saved on the cloud, every now and then Instagram has issues uploading photos that are saved in the cloud. Whether it takes too long for them to upload, or Instagram just doesn’t connect well with the cloud, it usually stalls out or sends an error message. 

You can usually remedy this by saving the photo to your phone, even if it is also saved to the cloud, and uploading your photo then. While it may seem frustrating, it may be best to regularly save photos to both your phone and the cloud until this problem fully disappears. 

6. Check For An Operating System Update

So, your apps need updating regularly, but so does your operating system. Now, your operating system is the basis for everything that makes your phone work so if it is out of date, you are likely to experience a lot of issues. 

You can go into your settings and find your “about phone” menu, from there you should be able to find your software update option and check for an update. Once you start the update, you may not be able to use your phone until everything is completed, but after it is finished, you should have no issues uploading photos anymore.

7. Delete Your Current Stories

For some reason, there are a few issues Instagram runs into with uploading several Instagram stories in a row.  If you have consistently been uploading stories and randomly you aren’t able to, try deleting your last story and uploading everything again. 

While users aren’t quite sure why it works, it does usually fix the issue. Instagram is working to fix the bug that causes this to happen and while it can take an update or two to fully fix the issue, it should get gradually easier and easier to navigate this issue. 

Final Thoughts

Instagram has become the standard place for content creators, family and friend connections as well as small and large businesses. When story upload issues happen, it affects people, but also income and revenue on a large scale. 

Thankfully many users have figured out solutions and shared them online as well as on Instagram laying out common troubleshooting walkthroughs.

If you are a Microsoft OneNote user, then you know how helpful the tool can be for taking notes, organizing your calendar, and capturing ideas. You may have seen it used with touchscreen devices to create sketches and handwritten notes. But can you use a Wacom tablet with OneNote?

Pairing a Wacom tablet with Microsoft OneNote is a great way to enhance the functionality of the application. With the pen, users can create hand drawn sketches, diagrams, and formulas for better notetaking.

Creating customized and detailed notes is the most appealing aspect of OneNote for many. Below, you will find out exactly how much you can do with OneNote on a Wacom tablet, and why you should use the two together.

Can a Wacom Tablet Be Used With OneNote?

With all the hustle and bustle of living in a digital age, many of us are often looking for a way to keep our thoughts and tasks organized. The problem here is that every mind works differently, so finding a system that works for you can often be a challenge.

OneNote allows users to not only jot things down, but customize and manage their notes across different devices, including a Wacom tablet. In fact, Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 is extremely pen-centered, and has been designed for easy use on devices like the Wacom tablet.

Because OneNote is highly customizable, it works with a variety of notetaking and task management styles. On top of that, the handwritten element of using a Wacom tablet makes this digital application feel more tangible.

But it doesn’t just stop there. Whether you are using OneNote for work, school, or in the home, paring the application with a Wacom tablet can unleash a world of possibilities.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Wacom Tablet with OneNote?

If you have a Wacom tablet and you aren’t using it for notetaking, you might be missing out.

Taking notes by hand has the ability to improve productivity and increase comprehension. In fact, countless research shows that handwriting notes while someone is speaking, as opposed to typing on a laptop or tablet,  increases recall and recognition. This was not only found among students learning multiple subjects, but also with journalists, lawyers, and various other professionals.

But carrying around all the tools and notebooks you may need for accurate notetaking isn’t always feasible. However, with OneNote and a Wacom tablet, you can have access to all your notes, documents, and planners, as well as an array of tools for creating detailed notes, illustrations, diagrams, and more.

Tips for Notetaking with a Wacom Tablet

Taking good meeting and lecture notes is an important skill to have regardless of your profession. While there are a variety of notetaking methods to choose from, the important thing is that you find one that works best for you.

Wacom and OneNote are as versatile as a pen a paper, making tying out different methods a breeze. Here are some of the of the most popular methods and notetaking elements you could include in your notes:

• Outlining: This is a quick notetaking method that works for many. Simply list out key points that are discussed, and take notes in a bullet form under each point.
• Mind mapping:  Instead of writing out detailed notes, try creating a mind map on your Wacom tablet. This is a more visual method of notetaking that is ideal for outlining and structuring thoughts and ideas.
• Quadrant method: Draw a cross across your paper to create four equal quadrants. Label each quadrant accordingly and jot down important points in each section.
• Shorthand: Learning classic shorthand or creating your own variation is a great way to jot down notes during a fast-paced meeting or lecture. You will be able to record as much information as possible, without missing out on what is being discussed.
• Diagrams: Using the pen to draw out various diagrams can add a visual element to your notes. This can provide clarity to written text and data.
• Sketches and formulas: Mathematical equations are easier to understand with explanatory sketches and illustrated formulas. While this may be hard to do on a laptop, this can easily be achieved on a Wacom tablet.
• Graphs: This is another great visual tool that can easily be achieved using a Wacom tablet with OneNote.
• Annotation: Annotating a PDF in OneNote is a great way to make sure that you understand what the text says after you’ve read it. Even illustrated annotations have been shown to increase comprehension. With Wacom, you can easily write in the margins and underline passages of importance.
• Meeting Minutes: This is a formal notetaking format this is typically used in meetings to record information such as the time and date, participants, topics discussed, key points, and action items.

This list is just a starting point. If none of these elements appeal to you, then don’t put them to use. The good thing about OneNote is that you can organize it in a way that meets your needs.

Journaling with OneNote on a Wacom Tablet

OneNote isn’t only suitable for business and learning. Many users have switched to using OneNote as a digital journal and planner.

Not only do you always have access to your journal, but tools such as color pens and digital stickers make getting creative a breeze. You can even insert photos from your digital library and treat your journal as a scrapbook.

Doodles and handwriting are also made easier when paired with a Wacom tablet.

Final Thoughts

You should now have a clearer understanding of how to use a Wacom tablet with OneNote. Not only can they be used together, but they really are the perfect pair.

The ability to take notes and organize your ideas is a powerful skill. With tools like OneNote and Wacom, notetaking, planning, and journaling can easily be customized to match each user’s needs. The more you play around with the application, the more you will discover all that you can do.

Your iPhone stores your photos in the HIEC image format. This format has numerous advantages over other image formats, but not every graphics editor supports it. In your attempts to find a suitable app, you may have heard about GIMP and wondered if it will work.

GIMP can open HIEC files but does not support all features. The number of supported features will vary between versions. For instance, all versions of GIMP will convert your HEIC files into JPEG while only the most recent ones can edit them.

 If you need more HEIF functionality than what GIMP provides, you need another third-party solution. By reading further, you will learn which graphics editor can open HEIF files and their restrictions.

How to Open HEIC Files in GIMP

Developed by the Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG), the High-Efficiency Image Coder (HEIC) format is Apple’s native graphics container format. Introduced with iOS 11, it serves as the default format for all photos taken on iPhones and iPads. Also known as the High-Efficiency Image Format (HEIF), HEIC provides numerous benefits such as:

• Half the size of a similar quality JPG
• Transparency
• Multiple images in a single file
• 16-bit color
• Image edits versioning including cropping and rotations

Because it is an Apple format, only Apple devices fully support the format. Windows, Android, and Linux users must seek third-party solutions to open the files in any capacity. Luckily, a few of them are readily available such as GIMP.

GIMP Can Open HEIC Files

GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is a freely distributed graphics editor. As the main open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop, you can use it to edit, retouch, and convert your photos, illustrations, and other artwork. It supports hundreds of image formats that can be augmented through plugins. These features include HEIC support as of Version 2.10.22, which added support for AVIF as well among others.

Converting HEIC to JPG

While Version 2.10.22 added formal support, GIMP could open HEIC files since its inception. However, the app only allowed you to convert the files to something else. You could edit the images as much as you want, but you could never revert them to HEIC.

Conversion is still the most popular use for HEIC files in GIMP. It is as easy as selecting “Export As” from the “File” menu. You can then choose your desired format from the “Select File Type” option.

Importing and Saving Images as HEIC in GIMP

The latest versions of GIMP added support for exporting files to HEIC. You just select “HEIF/AVIF” or “HEIF/HEIC” from the “Select File Type” option of the “Export As” tool. From there, clicking the “Export” button brings up the export configuration page. Just follow the prompts to save your files as HEIC.

Other Ways to Open HEIC Files in Windows

While current versions of GIMP can open and work with HEIC files, the functionality is still new, limited, and prone to artificing. Fortunately, you can use other graphics tools to get around this limitation.

Windows Photos Viewer

Windows 10 and Windows 11 can open HEIC files with a few clicks. However, you might need to install a HEIF Image Extension from the Microsoft Store before you can do anything with it. Just note that while the extension is free, some installations will require the HEVC Video Extensions package which is not free.

Adobe Photoshop

Like GIMP, the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop can also open and manipulate HEIC files with the same restrictions. Luckily, you can find countless HEIC plugins that will add full support to the graphics editing suite. From there, you can use Photoshop’s impressive customizable and flexible work environment to edit your HEIC files as much as you want.

File Viewer Plus

File Viewer Plus fully supports the HEIC format, letting you alter, open, convert, and spare your image files. You can even edit your HEIC files in batches.

Google Photos

Google Photos will let you open and view HEIC files. You can also save your iPhone and iPad to Google Photos if your device is synced up with your Google account.

Other Internet Apps

Numerous online apps will let you convert and view HEIF files. Some of them such as Placeit.net even give you editing options. You can then import your finished edits into GIMP for further processing.

Conclusion

While Apple made the HEIC popular, other graphics applications can handle it as well. GIMP is one of these applications. However, the support is limited to conversion to and from the format.

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular photo and image manipulation programs out there. But, the high cost of this product can make it prohibitive to people on a budget. GIMP is a popular free alternative to Photoshop, but many people wonder: can GIMP do everything that Photoshop can?

GIMP offers many of the same features that Photoshop does. Both are incredibly useful for professional photographers and graphic designers alike. However, Photoshop is compatible with a wider range of file formats and color profiles, has more precise tools, and uses non-destructive editing.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the similarities and differences between GIMP and Photoshop. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to decide which program is best for you.

Can GIMP Do Everything That Photoshop Can?

GIMP is a free, open-source program available for all computer platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s similar to Photoshop in many ways, making it a popular alternative to the Adobe product for graphic designers and photographers on a budget.

Generally, GIMP is a sufficient alternative to Photoshop. Both programs offer a wide range of tools, and both are relatively user-friendly and easy to learn. In addition to this, GIMP and Photoshop are both updated on a regular basis, constantly improving over time.

Adobe recommends that you have at least 4 GB of available space on your hard drive before you install Photoshop. GIMP, on the other hand, requires as little as 200 MB, as long as you don’t have any additional plugins installed. For this reason, people who don’t have the most powerful computers or little space to spare on their hard drive tend to turn to GIMP.

GIMP is usually best for beginners or those on a budget. While it does work similarly to Photoshop, it can’t do everything that Photoshop can do. Both have their advantages, but as a rule of thumb, paid software will always offer more than free programs.

Where Photoshop Has the Edge

While Photoshop and GIMP offer many of the same features, there are a few things that Photoshop can do that GIMP does not currently offer. Some of the areas where Photoshop has the edge over GIMP include:

• Better tools
• CMYK color mode
• RAW file compatibility
• Non-destructive editing

Below, we’ll discuss these four components more in detail. Then, you can decide if it’s worth it for you to choose a paid option like Photoshop over a free program like GIMP.

It Offers Better Tools

One of the main reasons that people use GIMP as an alternative to Photoshop is because both programs offer similar tools. You can add layers, sharpen or blur certain parts of an image, and add different masks to your photos. While both programs generally offer the same basic functions, Photoshop’s are much more powerful.

GIMP is best used when you’re editing images as a whole. But, if you want to manipulate individual pixels, Photoshop is best. Many of Photoshop’s tools come with an array of settings and options that determine precisely how they’ll work with your image, and GIMP’s tools are much more limited in comparison.

It Features CMYK Color Mode

If you’ll be using GIMP or Photoshop to create images or graphics that you’ll later print for physical uses, you might be curious about the different color modes that both programs offer. While GIMP only supports RGB (red, green, blue) color mode, Photoshop supports both RGB and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color modes.

CMYK color mode displays colors more accurately and in-depth. It’s the most often-used color profile for professional photographers to print high-quality photos for commercial use. While there is a way to use CMYK color mode in GIMP, it’s more complicated and requires you to download a separate plugin. If you’re a professional photographer or in any other professional field that requires you to print your work, using Photoshop is probably the better option.

It’s Compatible with RAW Files

Most professional-quality cameras shoot in RAW format. When you have to convert these files into JPEG, PNG, or any other format before opening them in your editing software, it lowers the quality of the image.

One of the best things about Photoshop is that it’s completely compatible with RAW files. This allows you to keep the same amount of information within the file as the original shot, greatly improving the image’s quality even after you finish editing. If you want to edit RAW format images in GIMP, you’ll need a separate plugin, and even then, the image quality usually is not as high.

It Uses Non-Destructive Editing

In the image manipulation world, there are two types of edits you can make: destructive edits and non-destructive edits. Destructive editing means that, once you save an image after making your edits, you completely rewrite the original and there’s no way to revert the changes.

Non-destructive editing, on the other hand, allows you to go back and revert any changes you make to an image, regardless of whether you’ve saved the new file or not.

Photoshop, in conjunction with Adobe Lightroom, works through non-destructive editing. You can go back and undo any changes you make, no matter how long ago the changes were made. GIMP, on the other hand, uses destructive editing. As soon as you save the edited image, there’s no going back.

GIMP or Photoshop: Which is the Best Choice?

While GIMP does not have the exact same capabilities as Adobe Photoshop, it does offer many of the same tools and functions. Photoshop’s tools are better for making small, incredibly specific edits, while GIMP’s are better suited for whole-image manipulation.

While GIMP only offers RGB color mode, Photoshop includes CMYK color mode for higher-quality prints. Photoshop is also compatible with a wider range of file formats, and best of all, it features non-destructive editing. Overall, it’s up to you to decide which program is your best fit. Consider your budget, the type of editing you do, and the space you have available on your computer before making the final decision.

Wacom tablets are some of the most popular graphic design and drawing tools. The pens that come with the tablets are prone to breaking or malfunctioning, and finding replacements can be difficult. Budget-conscious users and those looking for a quick fix will want to use any brand of stylus to get back to creating, but can you use any stylus with a Wacom Intuos tablet?

Unfortunately, you cannot use any brand of stylus on your Wacom tablet. Only Wacom styluses work with Wacom tablets. Every tablet and stylus have slight design differences. So, it makes sense that you cannot just use any stylus you want.

Having the correct stylus for you can make your creative time more effective and efficient. So, read on to find out more about Wacom styluses and tablets,

Can You Choose Any Stylus to Use with the Wacom Intuos?

When it comes to finding a stylus to use with your Wacom Intuos tablet, you cannot use any pen you want. Wacom recommends that you use the stylus made for your specific tablet model, but you can use different kinds of Wacom brand styluses as well.

The reason why you cannot just use any brand of stylus on your Wacom Intuos tablet is that each brand of stylus is made differently. They all have different technology inside and work with different sensors. So, a specific sensor has to be designed for the stylus to be able to work and allow you to perform tasks.

Wacom styluses work using EMR (electromagnetic resonance), a small wire coil inside the pen picks up electromagnetic fields from the tablet and turns them into energy to allow you to write and draw. The pens are extremely sensitive to pressure which affects the thickness of lines, and they use point and click technology as well

Because the Wacom technology is so specific, the styluses are either device-specific or forwards compatible, meaning that you can use newer versions of Wacom pens than the model of tablet you have, but you cannot use Wacom pens that are older than your current tablet model.

What Wacom Pens Are Compatible with the Wacom Intuos?

Since a common rule of thumb when designing and purchasing tablet pens is to be forward but not backward compatible, these are the Wacom pens that currently work with Intuos model tablets.

Wacom Grip Pen

This stylus has a rubber grip area on it to reduce grip power and reduce pressure placed on the hand and wrist bones and muscles when drawing. It also has balance and tilt recognition so that you can make very precise works. The Wacom Grip Pen is compatible with old models of the Intuos as well and the Intuos4 and Intuos5

Wacom Classic Pen

The Wacom Classic Pen is a slim, sleek drawing companion designed to be easier for your hand to hold so that you can accomplish more and work longer. It has an eraser, tilt recognition, advanced pressure sensitivity, and classic Wacom pen technology in a cordless and battery-less package. The classic pen is compatible with the Wacom Intuous Pro

Wacom Art Pen

This pen is a digital version of a felt-tip marker, complete with a broad angled tip that can be rotated around to create thick or thin lines. It also functions as a calligraphy pen so you can write in fancy script. The art pen is compatible with the Wacom Intuos Pro.

Wacom Airbrush Pen

The Wacom Airbrush pen is a digital airbrush with all the features you need to create and edit art. The realistic simulation of ink and spray distance allows you to have the classic airbrushing experience without the work. The pen can hold the paint’s place so that you can spray it on continuously. The airbrush pen is compatible with the Wacom Intuos Pro.

Wacom Pro Pen

The Wacom Pro Pen is an ultra lightweight, battery and cord-free stylus that is pressure sensitive to give you the best possible digital pen experience. The tracking on the pen is almost completely lag-free, which provides a smoother and more effective stroke when creating. With the tilt response, you can hold the stylus comfortably. The pro pen is compatible with the Wacom Intuos Pro.

Now that you know which pens are compatible with Wacom Intuos, you can save time on your pen search and get back to drawing faster. News to any artist’s ears!

Conclusion

You cannot use any brand of stylus with the Wacom Intuos tablet, it has to be a Wacom stylus due to the patented technology within. The Wacom stylus’ that are compatible with Intuos is the grip pen, the classic pen, the art pen, the airbrush pen, and the pro pen.