How to Use the Heal Tool in GIMP (Similar to a Patch Tool)

Using the "patch tool" in GIMP typically refers to using the Heal Tool, as GIMP doesn't have a tool explicitly named "Patch Tool" like some other software. The Heal Tool is excellent for fixing small imperfections and blemishes by blending textures from one area into another.

Here's how to use the GIMP Heal Tool:

The Heal Tool works by sampling pixels from a source area you define and intelligently blending them into a destination area where you paint. It's similar to the Clone Tool but attempts to match the texture, lighting, and shading of the surrounding area for a more seamless repair.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the Heal Tool: Find the Heal Tool icon in the GIMP Toolbox. It often looks like a band-aid. You can also select it from the menu via Tools > Paint Tools > Heal.
2. Choose a Source Area: This is the crucial first step. You need to tell GIMP where to get the good texture from.
   • Hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
   • While holding Ctrl, click on an area of the image that you want to use as the source – the area you're grabbing pixels from. This sets the starting point for cloning and healing.
3. Heal the Destination Area: Now, release the Ctrl key.
   • Paint over the area you want to fix (the destination). As you paint, GIMP will sample from the source area you defined in step 2 and blend it into the area you're painting over.
   • Move your brush over the imperfection you wish to remove. GIMP will automatically blend the sampled texture based on the surrounding pixels.

Tips for Effective Healing

• Brush Size: Adjust the brush size ([ ] keys are shortcuts) to be slightly larger than the imperfection you're trying to fix.
• Soft Brush: Use a soft-edged brush for better blending.
• Resample Source: For larger or complex areas, you may need to re-sample the source area frequently by holding Ctrl and clicking a new spot.
• Layers: Work on a duplicate layer or a transparent layer with the "Sample Merged" option checked in the tool settings for non-destructive editing.

In essence, as seen in resources like the linked video snippet, you use the Ctrl key to grab a source area and then paint on the destination area to heal it.

While GIMP doesn't have a tool explicitly called "Patch Tool", the Heal Tool is the closest equivalent for many tasks, particularly removing blemishes or small unwanted objects by blending textures. The Clone Tool (C key) is another related tool, which directly copies pixels from the source to the destination without the automatic blending capabilities of the Heal Tool.