Free – Selection Tool – Stopping the String

eagertolearn · **Joined:** Feb 26, 2014 **Posts:** 248

GIMP Version: 2.8.14
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: New User

List any relevant plug-ins or scripts:
python - heal selection

I like using the Heal Selection tool to cover up objects with colors around the objects in a photo.

I’ve been avoiding the Free (drawing) in the Tool>Selection as the free tool NEVER stops. That string just keeps following the mouse cursor like Spiderman no matter what I try with the mouse. I left click, right click the mouse, use the wheel – it just sticks to the mouse and won’t let go.

I've watched videos to learn how to stop the stringing but the string keeps following the mouse. Is there any "setting" I need to set for the mouse (ala Windows' ribbons)?

I want to draw from point A to point B and then stop it and have it anchored in that other spot. It never does.

This makes Heal Selection very tough to use when you’re just trying to camouflage objects in the background with color.

Any GIMP newbies who’ve solved this dilemma?

Thanks.

david · **Joined:** Nov 15, 2014 **Posts:** 875

The Free-Select tool will draw a line, following the mouse, until it creates a closed loop - that is until you reach the starting point. Hitting return will then set the selection.
You can use the Free-Select tool in one of two ways either: keeping the left mouse button depressed it will create a line wherever you move the mouse or, you can click once and it will create a straight line to wherever you next click. You can continue with straight lines until you click on your starting point. A return will again create your selection.

david.

rich2005 · **Joined:** Mar 04, 2011 **Posts:** 2604

Make sure you are using the free-select tool - seem to recall some difficulties in the past.

Then it is as david describes

click -> click -> click -> click -> ENTER

Attachment:

make-selection.gif [ 170.23 KiB | Viewed 7439 times ]

Remember, there is no neutral pointer in GIMP. When finished with the free-select tool choose one of the others, otherwise you will start another selection.

ofnuts · **Joined:** Oct 25, 2010 **Posts:** 4812

rich2005 wrote:

click -> click -> click -> click -> ENTER

click -> click -> click -> click -> clickclick to automatically close the selection between where you are and the first point. [Enter] still necessary to "commit" the selection.

Tas_mania · **Joined:** Nov 04, 2015 **Posts:** 1454

I often hold down the 'Ctrl' key when I'm tracing an outline with mouse clicks. Seems to work.