To clone from one layer to another in GIMP, you need to activate the desired source layer and use the Clone tool while holding the Ctrl key to select your source.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Select the Clone Tool: In the Toolbox, choose the Clone tool (it looks like a rubber stamp).
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Choose your brush: In the Tool Options dock, select your desired brush, size, hardness, and other options. A softer edge brush is often better for blending.
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Select the source layer: In the Layers dialog, click on the layer you want to clone from to make it active. This is important.
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Define the Source Point: This is the crucial step. Hold down the Ctrl key and click on the area of the active source layer that you want to clone. This sets the source point for the cloning.
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Select the destination layer: In the Layers dialog, click on the layer you want to clone to. This is the layer where the cloned pixels will appear.
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Clone: Click and drag on the destination layer to start cloning. The area around your source point will be copied onto the destination layer. As you move your brush on the destination layer, the source point will move relative to your brush position on the source layer.
Important Considerations:
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Source Layer Visibility: The source layer needs to be visible when defining the source point (holding Ctrl and clicking). However, it can be hidden once you start painting on the destination layer if you don't need to see it.
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Layer Modes and Opacity: The layer mode and opacity of both the source and destination layers will affect the final result. Experiment with different modes like "Multiply" or "Overlay" for interesting effects.
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Alignment: The Clone tool has various alignment options (None, Aligned, Registered, Fixed). "Aligned" is the most common and means that the source point remains relative to the brush position. "None" resets the source point each time you click.
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Cloning from Patterns: If you choose a pattern as the source (in the Clone Tool's options), the Ctrl key is not used to define the source. The pattern is tiled across the image, and you simply start painting on the destination layer.
Example:
Let's say you have two layers: "Layer 1" with a photo of a cat, and "Layer 2" which is currently blank.
- Select the Clone Tool.
- Select "Layer 1" in the Layers dialog.
- Hold Ctrl and click on the cat's nose on "Layer 1".
- Select "Layer 2" in the Layers dialog.
- Click and drag on "Layer 2". You'll now be painting a copy of the cat's nose onto "Layer 2".
