Gimp is an amazing photo editor with loads of features which can be explored to create stunning effects. This tutorial helps in creating realistic ‘screen shot’, with a digital camera like effect, with Gimp. The images created with this technique can be used in blog posts and other articles which will definitely attract the readers.
Note: This post is moved from my site previous site http://31nst31n-in-me.com (decommissioned now) hence the screenshots are also taken from that site.
From this…
To this…
Step 1 – PrintScreen
Capture the required screen. We will be cropping this image at the later steps, so make sure that the region captured is more than what is required.
1. Screen Capture
Step 2 – Arrange the layers
Open this image in Gimp and duplicate the background layer clicking the ‘Duplicate Layer’ at the bottom of the Layers window. Also create a ‘New Layer’ and select ‘White’ in the ‘Layer Fill Type’ options. Order and rearrange the layers as shown below.
2. Arrange Layers
Step 3 – Apply Video Filter
Select the top layer and apply the ‘Video’ effect from [Filters - Distorts - Video]. Select ‘Striped’ in the Video pattern.
3. Apply Video Filter
Step 4 – Change the Perspective
The actual story begins here… Use the ‘Perspective Tool’ (Shift+P) change top layer to a 3D like image. Click the transform button once you are satisfied with the perspective.
4. Change Perspective
Step 5 – Crop the Image
We can notice the background white layer visible beneath the top layer. No crop the image so that most of the white layer portion is removed.
5. Crop Image
Step 6 – Duplicate Layer
We wont be concerned about the top layer in the subsequent steps. Duplicate the top layer and lets us apply some effects on the new top layer.
6. Duplicate Layer
Step 7 – Blur Layer
Apply ‘Gaussian Blur’ from [Filters - Blur- Gaussian] menu and set the blur radius as shown below.
7. Blur Layer
Step 8 – Layer Mask
Add a Layer Mask on the top layer and select ‘White (full opacity’ option as shown below.
8. Add Layer Mask
Step 9 – Gradient Opacity
Select the White Layer Mask found next to the top layer in the Layers window and click the ‘Blend Tool’. Select gradient FG to BG and make sure you have selected the foreground and background colors as white and black. Click and drag your mouse from the bottom left corner to the center of the image as shown.
9. Gradient Blend
Step 10 – Blend Overlay
We are almost done. To make the image look more realistic we have to apply gradient again but on a new layer. Change the opacity of the top layer to about 20%. This will create an ‘shade’ found while clicking pic of the LCD display.
10. Gradient Overlay
Practice with different variations and try adding detail to make more realistic.
And here is the final image…
The Final Screen Capture
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