GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Windows
OS Version: 7
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

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I am trying to change the image to a different color but what happens is it gets a bit pixelated because of the outer pixels as shown in the attachment.

I am not sure how to make it look smooth.

I am sure it could be a simple job for more advanced users.

Can you post your xcf so we can look at what you did so far? That way we can see the layer or layers.

That is the original .png

There is no .xcf as I am trying to edit the image and change the color. I've realised after removing the lines and using the fuzzy select tool to select the heart, If I then apply the color I want with a low opacity it looks OK (not perfect but might do)

Are you not editing the image with Gimp?

lock the alpha channel before painting/filling to preserve the semi transparent pixels.

I tried one here.

Have you tried using color>map>gradient_map

That works quite well, Never knew about it!

Getting some good results with that!

What about using Colors/Colorize or Colors/Colorify?

That is what I used for mine.

The attached file I tried doing the map gradient on this and it comes out pixelated a bit. Is there another option? I tried to make it black with a transparent background.

Like this?
Something happened in the upload, its spotty.

I tried it by selecting by color then painting in black then went color to alpha and got rid of the white bg.

Thats what I did too, it uploaded with freckles.

I previously got SystemX's result but that one seems a lot closer!

This was the original image might just be a poor image.

SELECT the background color.
Invert with ctrl I
make the fore ground color (The sector in your toolbox) Black.
click on the black box and drag it to the NEW LAYER icon . Its at the bottom left of the layers dialog.
oh and when done, SHIFT+LEFTclick on the new layer.

I tried, selecting colour>to path>stroking path with same colour as selected area but it was not a smooth stroke....very uneven.

To smooth the edges, try
select the background
SELECT>SHRINK by 3
CTRL+I
EDIT>STROKE-SELECTION
choose stroke with paint tool and select the smudge tool.

Would you advise doing that on Molly's result? OR doing it before anything else?