To resize a layer group in GIMP, you use the Scale Tool, which applies the scaling transformation to all layers contained within the selected group.
Resizing a layer group in GIMP is a common task, allowing you to uniformly scale multiple design elements together. The primary method involves using the Scale Tool, available directly from GIMP's toolbox.
Using the Scale Tool on a Layer Group
The Scale Tool, found in the tool box (Shift-S), is designed for resizing layers, selections, or paths. When you select a layer group in the Layers panel and then activate the Scale tool, it treats the entire group as a single entity for the scaling operation.
Here's how it works:
- Select the Tool: Choose the Scale Tool from the GIMP toolbox or press Shift-S on your keyboard.
- Click on the Canvas: Click directly on the canvas area where the content of your layer group is displayed. This will bring up scaling handles and a Scale dialogue box. The reference states: "Click in the layer...". When you select a layer group, you are effectively clicking on the content belonging to that selected group.
- Resize: Drag the handles that appear around the content. You can "drag to size" visually on the canvas.
- Use Dialogue: Alternatively, you can "use the dialogue" box that appears to enter precise width and height values numerically.
- Reposition: While the tool is active, you can "Drag around to reposition" the layer group's content on the canvas before finalizing the scale.
- Confirm: Once you are satisfied with the size and position, click the "Scale" button in the dialogue box or press Enter to "OK to fix" the transformation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resizing a Layer Group
Follow these steps to easily resize your layer group in GIMP:
- Open your GIMP project.
- Locate the Layer Group: In the Layers panel (usually on the right side), find the layer group you wish to resize.
- Select the Group: Click on the name of the layer group in the Layers panel to select it. Make sure the group folder icon is highlighted, not just one of the layers inside it.
- Activate the Scale Tool: Go to the Tools menu -> Transform Tools -> Scale, or click the Scale tool icon in the Toolbox, or simply press Shift-S.
- Click on the Canvas: Click anywhere on the image canvas where the content of your selected layer group is visible. A grid and handles will appear around the group's content.
- Resize:
- Click and drag the handles (squares) around the border of the content on the canvas.
- To maintain aspect ratio (prevent stretching or squashing), hold down the Ctrl key while dragging a corner handle, or click the chain icon in the Scale dialogue box to link width and height.
- Alternatively, enter precise Width and Height values in the Scale dialogue box that appears.
- Reposition (Optional): Click and drag inside the bounding box (but not on a handle) to move the entire layer group content to a new position on the canvas. The reference notes you can "Drag around to reposition".
- Finalize the Scale: Once the size and position are correct, click the Scale button in the Scale dialogue box, or press Enter. The changes will be applied to all layers within the group.
Quick Reference: Scale Tool
| Action | Method(s) | Reference Detail Included |
|---|---|---|
| Select Tool | Toolbox Icon, Shift-S, Tools > Transform > Scale | "The scale tool in the tool box (shift-S)" |
| Initiate Scale | Click on canvas area of selected group | "Click in the layer" (applied to selected group's content) |
| Resize Visually | Drag handles | "drag to size" |
| Resize Precisely | Use Dialogue Box | "use the dialogue" |
| Reposition Content | Drag inside bounding box | "Drag around to reposition" |
| Apply Scale | Click 'Scale' in dialogue or press Enter | "OK to fix" |
Using the Scale Tool on a selected layer group provides a straightforward way to adjust the size of multiple related layers simultaneously, ensuring consistent scaling across the entire group.
