How to Use Scissors in Gimp

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Last Updated: June 7, 2023

GIMP is a free photo editing software that can be downloaded at gimp.org. The intelligent scissors in GIMP are used as a select tool that is faster than using the paths tool. The lines will curve to create a selection.

Steps

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They look like a pair of scissors.
To do this, simply click on that layer in the layers and channels box.

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Click around the object you want to select. Notice that the lines curve and zigzag sometimes to get the correct selection.
An infinity sign should come up (looks like a sideways "eight"). Click on this point to complete the selection.
An image of a dotted circle should show up. Click inside the circle to create the selection.

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Where is the 'Delete' button?

Community Answer

Usually you'll find one on your keyboard, above the backspace key. You can also do CTRL-X to cut the selected area, effectively removing it from the image.

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Why is the Scissors Select Tool important?

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The Scissors Select Tool is important because it allows you to make precise selections of objects with defined edges in image editing. It is useful for cutting out objects from backgrounds, creating smooth selections, and refining edits without affecting surrounding areas, by detecting edges of an object for easier selection of complex shapes. Whether you're editing photos, designing graphics, or creating digital art, it helps improve accuracy and efficiency.

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Is there an automated version of the scissors tool in image editing software?

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Yes, many image editing software offer automated versions of the scissors tool, typically called the "Magic Wand" or "Quick Selection" tool. These tools automatically select areas of similar color or texture, making it easier to cut out objects from the background. You can use the "Magic Wand" tool to select and cut out areas based on color similarity by selecting the tool, clicking on the area you want to select, and adjusting the tolerance level to refine the selection.

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Tips

You can save your scissor selection as a path by going to the paths tab in the layers/channels/paths box and clicking on the "selection to path" tool, which looks like a red oval with black dots around it (roughly accurate).

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If you notice the intelligent scissors have incorrectly guessed where the selection is, drag the line to the correct place. It will create another point and hopefully correct the mistake.

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Clicking outside the image will include up the border of the image in your selection.

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