GIMP Version: 2.6.11
Operating System: Windows
OS Version: XP - SP3
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

List any ERROR messages you received:
Desaturate does only operate on RGB layers

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I have been using tutorial I found to learn how to use the mask and working with grayscale. I was trying to turn a color picture into a black & white with a splash of color using the mask. I used several of my own pictures (I didn't save any of my work as it was just for learning) and I also used one that the person giving the tutorial was using.
Now when I hit desaturate on the grayscale image, I get the error "Desaturate does only operate on RGB layers" I have tried several different photos and I get the same thing.
What am I doing wrong?
I hope this makes sense to someone

You go to Image > Mode > click RGB

In order for you to add color on an image mask, the image needs to be in color, therefore be in RGB mode before you can actually desaturate and mask an area on the image. Hope this makes sense.

RGB is selected in mode and the pictures are in color. I get the same message on every picture.
This is the tutorial I am following
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/gimp/s ... lcolor.htm

You said grayscale image. A grayscale image is essentially already desaturated. On an RGB image it should work fine.

You might be clicked on the wrong layer. If you are using a layer mask, you have the source, and the mask. Click on the source then do your filter operations on this layer. You can then click on the mask layer to do selective masking in order to pass what you have on your base layer (assuming that's your setup).

From the tutorial "With the grayscale layer selected, go to the Colors menu and choose Desaturate. The remove colors dialog offers three ways of converting to grayscale."
Ok, maybe I am missing something or not explaining properly. Or the tutorial is in correct?
I took a screen shot of what I am working on but I don't know how to post it here.

Give me a few minutes to pull up the tutorial and I'll post a screenshot for you, Sher.

Update:

Ok, what I see is that they are referring to the grayscale layer by definition, not action. First question, is that layer a duplicate color copy of the original? Or is it already grayscale?

When you are composing a post, click below where it says full editor. You will see a square with two green computer screens and a red squiggly line, click that, you will see a dialog box, click browse, find you file and click on it, then click add file, in a few seconds you will see where it says upload, then click that and you will see the link, then click okay, I don't have it open in front of me but thats how you upload a file in this forum.

It's still processing, so give it a few minutes... (watch in full screen for best view)

It's a duplicate of the colored copy.

Thank you so much Mahvin!!! You ROCK!!! I get it now!

So Lyle is right, you were probably clicking on the layer mask and trying to desaturate it. Those two little boxes in the layer mask dialog are two separate entities. You can click the left box, and work on the image, click the right box and work on the mask.

I added the mask first, then tried to desaturate. Is that the same thing you are saying?
I am sorry if I appear confused, I am still learning technical terms.

It's pretty easy to do after your help

When you add a layer mask to a layer, you'll see two windows (boxes) in the layer. The left one is the image, the right one is the mask. Those boxes are clickable. Had you clicked the left box and tried to desaturate the layer it should have worked. However, when adding a layer mask to any layer, it automatically defaults you to the mask itself (selects it for you).

Looks great Sher. You win the too adorable award for the day too I might add.

LoL Thank you Lylejk! I knew I would like it here!
I appreciate the help from everyone.

Lol she is too adorable for words! The pic turned out great!

Thank you 2-ton. She is my Grand daughter. And of course, one of my favorite people to photograph.