How to Create Clouds Using GIMP

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Approved

Clouds are a fairly easy and relaxing way to get to know how to use Gimp. This article will show you how to do it using a few of the tools available in Gimp.

Steps

1
Create an image. The one used for this tutorial will be 640 X 400. Fill it with a blue shade the color of the sky.
2
Make a gradient. You can do that 'by hand' or using the gradient tool.

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3
Using the dodge tool, make a 'cloud-like' shape.
4
Select the smudge icon and begin smudging the cloud. You will be working on making it puffy.
5
Using the dodge tool with the same settings as before, create another cloud shape inside the part of the cloud you have already started.
6
Smudge it again. Be sure to stay within the edges created by your first dodge and smudge. This will help create a distinctive look. Be sure not to do this too much.
7
With a slightly larger brush, smudge the cloud again.
8
Do it again. You are giving your cloud depth by doing this.
9
Be careful, when you smudge, that your brush isn't too large. Otherwise, everything will blur together completely.
10
Continue doing this until your cloud is complete.

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Community Q&A

Question

Does GIMP work with mobile?

Community Answer

No, it does not.
Question

Which software is better for photo editing and making icons: GIMP or Adobe Illustrator?

Community Answer

GIMP is a raster graphics editor, while Illustrator is a vector graphics editor. GIMP is good for editing images to the pixel, and Illustrator is good for making icons. GIMP is a good free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, and Inkscape is a good free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.