The Perspective Tool

The Perspective Tool (also known as the Transform Tool), is located in the Gimp Toolbox. This Tool allows users to click and drag on the Layer, Selection, or Path to make a 3-D looking image. This tool presents the image from a different point of view. In the Perspective Options Box, there are a few options that may be edited.. First, choose whether or not to transform a Layer, Selection, or Path. Here, once again,the example shows the selection of a complete layer.

In the Transform Direction section in the options box, users may transform forward or backward. If the Perspective Tool is used to transform backward, then the final image after the function will be exactly opposite of what was performed.

Grid lines appear on the image as soon as the shearing begins. At this point the number of grid lines can be controlled in the options box.

After the Perspective Tool is selected in the Gimp Toolbox, click and drag on the Layer, Selection, or Path that is being used.

As soon as the click is made on the image, Gimp prompts the Perspective Transform Information Box to appear.

The transformation of this tool is all based on the concept of matrices.

The Perspective Transform Information Box displays the dimensions of the Matrix that the user is working with.

As seen in the example, the matrix is three by three. With these dimensions on the image, the final result will be a flat, slanted lying image. Finally, when satisfied with the dimensions of the matrix, click the “Transform” button.

In the example photograph, the image has been transformed to look like the viewer is looking at a picture from a different angle.

Also, notice that the image doesn't blur or loose any of it's clarity with this tool.

Remember that this is the “Layer” option that was chosen in the Perspective Options Box. If selection were chosen, then the only perspective that would change would be the region on the image that had been previously selected.