Photo to outline to size of fingernail

joanie · **Joined:** Nov 08, 2018 **Posts:** 4

GIMP Version:
Operating System: Mac OS
GIMP Experience: Experienced User

I can't seem to accomplish turning a photograph into an outline (no shading) and resize to the size of your fingernail.I loose my image when I shrink. Please any help is appreciated..ps I'm computer stupid..so step by step instructions would be awsome..THANKS

Wallace · **Posted:** Fri Nov 16, 2018 1:46 pm **(#2)**

joanie wrote:

GIMP Version:
Operating System: Mac OS
GIMP Experience: Experienced User

I can't seem to accomplish turning a photograph into an outline (no shading) and resize to the size of your fingernail.I loose my image when I shrink. Please any help is appreciated..ps I'm computer stupid..so step by step instructions would be awsome..THANKS

The best way to accomplish this,
would be to use images,
which are exactly or close to the actual size required.
This is done,
to limit the amount of scaling/resizing,
that the image would need.
Scaling the image down,
instead of up.
Is also much more favorable,
when it comes to keeping the image from becoming blurry or pixilated.

joanie · **Joined:** Nov 08, 2018 **Posts:** 4

How do scale to under 600x600 resolution..and turn to vector image

Wallace · **Posted:** Fri Nov 16, 2018 2:18 pm **(#4)**

joanie wrote:

How do scale to under 600x600 resolution..and turn to vector image

It's more about the size of the original image,
that makes a difference when scaling.
It's always best to scale images down.
With GIMP you are scaling raster images,
which don't scale very well.
Raster images have a dot matrix type of data structure,
that represents a generally rectangular grid of pixels.
Which does not lend itself to scaling well.

To turn an image into a vector image with paths.
Would require dedicated vector software,
such as Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.
Or knowledge of how to use GIMP's path tool.
In order to create vector/SVG files,
which are known as Scalable Vector Graphic images.
Vector or SVG image can be scaled.
There are also limits,
which any image can be scaled.
This depends on the detail or amount of paths contained in the vector or SVG file.
The more detail the image has.
Will limit how much it can be scaled down.
Most vector images can be scaled up to a greater extent then can be scaled down.
Depending on the image detail.

joanie · **Joined:** Nov 08, 2018 **Posts:** 4

Thanks again for reply..Lil over my head, but will try. Of course using gimp is way over my head. lol

Wallace · **Posted:** Fri Nov 16, 2018 2:58 pm **(#6)**

joanie wrote:

Thanks again for reply..Lil over my head, but will try. Of course using gimp is way over my head. lol

We're talking about very small images.
Which would be used as a graphic on fingernails,
correct?

If so...
You seem to need icon size images.
For instance, a 1 inch square image.
Would be 72x72 pixels at a DPI (Dots Per Inch) of 72 and 300x300 pixels at a DPI of 300.
A DPI of 300 would be optimal for printing.
It also depends on the size of the largest fingernail of the hand.

Images of this size,
tend to have very little detail.
You might want to have a look at the website,
Icon Archive.
To give you an idea of the size and detail,
that images of this size might have.
You may even find images there,
that you can use for your designs.

joanie · **Joined:** Nov 08, 2018 **Posts:** 4

Again thanks..I'm trying to put photos on dog tags..with inscriptions..I got the inscription part down.. can I send you a photo some how

Wallace · **Posted:** Fri Nov 16, 2018 3:15 pm **(#8)**

joanie wrote:

Again thanks..I'm trying to put photos on dog tags..with inscriptions..I got the inscription part down..

Actual Dog Tag size images, or real Dog Tags?