Here’s how to use GIMP for 3D results.
The first step is to select an appropriate photograph.
The best option has the main subject popping from the background and has good, clean lines.
Richard Drury / Getty Images
A solid or fairly uncluttered background works well, especially the first time you try this technique.
You’ll remove unwanted portions of the image during the course of the transformation.
Create a new blank image of the same size as the photo you plan to work with.
Then open your original photograph as a new layer in your new blank image.
You’ll now have two layers.
Add another new layer with transparency, which will hold the frame for your 3D photo.
pick the transparent frame top layer.
This frame is the equivalent of the white border around a printed photograph.
Fill the selection with white.
Reduce the selection by 20-50 pixels with theSelect > Shrinkcommand.
Experiment to get a frame width you like.
Cut out the center of the frame by pressingDelete.
opt for middle layer of your image (the original photo image) and right-click it.
From the menu, selectAdd layer mask.
In the resulting layer mask dialog, double-check to selectWhite (full opacity).
Depending on your image, you have a few options.
double-check you have the image icon selected and not the solid white mask icon in your layers dialog.
When all else fails, you could manually erase the background portion of the image using thePaintbrushtool.
Now pick the frame layer.
Zoom in if necessary.
Using theErasertool, erase the part of the frame that is cutting in front of your subject.
You won’t be damaging the underlying layers when you erase the frame.
Reset the opacity of the layer back to 100 percent when you’re done.
Zoom back out to take a look at your results.
There’s a good chance that your positioning is off and the middle layer isn’t exactly sized right.
choose the Crop Tool, and confirm the option to cropCurrent layer onlyis checked.
Link the middle layer to the frame, and you might reposition them together wherever you choose.
Now, save or export the image however you like.
Richard Drury / Getty Images
