Is it possible to make a new path from the visible?

skoochee · **Joined:** May 07, 2021 **Posts:** 3

GIMP Version: 2.10.24
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

I am pretty new to GIMP and am still learning how it works. I need help to find out if there is an easier way to do this:

I need to make a path from a layer. The layer is multiple separate shapes; imagine the dots on a monarch butterfly's wings.

Is it possible to:

1. Select from visible without having to trace each area?
2. Even better, select to path

Thanks for any advice. :-)

:tyspin

Blighty II · **Joined:** Sep 23, 2016 **Posts:** 316

You can use the "Select by Color" or "Fuzzy Select" to select colors. In the tool options set the threshold as required. Maybe set Mode to Add or Subtract if needed.

Then use "Select > To Path"

skoochee · **Joined:** May 07, 2021 **Posts:** 3

Blighty II wrote:

You can use the "Select by Color" or "Fuzzy Select" to select colors. In the tool options set the threshold as required. Maybe set Mode to Add or Subtract if needed.

Then use "Select > To Path"

Thanks Blightly II!
The dots are a gradient, so the Select By Color option is not working. Do you have any other ideas?

sallyanne · **Posted:** Fri May 07, 2021 10:12 pm **(#4)**

skoochee wrote:

GIMP Version: 2.10.24
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

I am pretty new to GIMP and am still learning how it works. I need help to find out if there is an easier way to do this:

I need to make a path from a layer. The layer is multiple separate shapes; imagine the dots on a monarch butterfly's wings.

Is it possible to:

1. Select from visible without having to trace each area?
2. Even better, select to path

Thanks for any advice. :-)

:tyspin

Apart from what Blighty suggested I don't know how you would make one in the first place. You can once you get a selection do a select to path.
If you already have the path and want to make another, there is duplicate path. Right click on your path and click on duplicate in the menu that comes up or highlight the path you want to duplicate and there should be a duplicate icon at the bottom of the path dialogue.

skoochee · **Joined:** May 07, 2021 **Posts:** 3

sallyanne wrote:

skoochee wrote:

GIMP Version: 2.10.24
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

I am pretty new to GIMP and am still learning how it works. I need help to find out if there is an easier way to do this:

I need to make a path from a layer. The layer is multiple separate shapes; imagine the dots on a monarch butterfly's wings.

Is it possible to:

1. Select from visible without having to trace each area?
2. Even better, select to path

Thanks for any advice. :-)

:tyspin

Apart from what Blighty suggested I don't know how you would make one in the first place. You can once you get a selection do a select to path.
If you already have the path and want to make another, there is duplicate path. Right click on your path and click on duplicate in the menu that comes up or highlight the path you want to duplicate and there should be a duplicate icon at the bottom of the path dialogue.
[ Image ]

I don't have the original path unfortunately. :bawl

ofnuts · **Joined:** Oct 25, 2010 **Posts:** 4752

If the layer is transparent between the shapes, then "Layer>Alpha to selection" and then "Select>To Path".

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