GIMP Version: 2.10.38
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

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EDIT: Fuzzy Select mode got knocked from Additive to Subtractive. Oops.

Fuzzy Select worked yesterday.

Today, any time I try to select an area, all I get is the message "Cannot subtract from an empty selection." But the area isn't empty. These areas are full of garbage I'm trying to clear out.

These are JPG scans with colors in some areas between black outlines; I'm clearing out the colored spaces to leave only the outlines. There is only a single layer to these images. The problem is not confined to a single JPG. I'm not able to use Fuzzy Select on any space in any JPG without getting the same error message.

Hi there. Perhaps you could share an image you are trying to edit? Maybe someone could help you quicker.

You can't subtract from nothing. If there is no selection already, subtract mode won't work. Make sure it is in add or replace mode before selecting an area.

In GIMP 3, I'm having the same "cannot subtract from empty selection" message when even the 'Move' tool recognises that the "selection" is NOT empty.

I'm not tryinmg to subtract anything from the image.

I simply want the apply Tools/Transform Tools/ Unified Transport'option to achieve oblique slant of that section of image.

To exacerbate frustration, the file is a GIMP .xcf file ???

Make sure if you just want to make a first selection or extra that you have the correct icons selected in the tool options dialog. not this one
There are four icons. The last one here is when you want to subtract from selection