Segmented Example<\/p><\/div>\n

My task was to separate that symbol into three segments, align two segments side by side to create three separate images, each different, for insertion into my manuscript. Here is an example image of one of the three segments I needed to create.<\/p>\n

I must confess that I have no training in the use of any photo-editing program, so the following is all seat-of-the-pants learning. There are probably methods that are easier and more direct than those I enlisted, but here is how I proceeded.<\/p>\n

Creative Commons is a great source for free images. I selected a yin-yang image from CC, divided it into the segments I desired using Windows \u201cInsert\u201d, \u201cShapes\u201d and selecting the line type I needed (straight). That is how I formed the bisected image at the top of this blog.<\/p>\n

Then it was time to use GIMP to segment it. First, I copied the image, and then using \u201cFile\u201d & \u201cCreate\u201d I was able to transfer the image from the clipboard into GIMP. If you play around a bit with GIMP you can teach yourself how to manipulate your images. Under the \u201cImage\u201d tab is \u201cTransform\u201d which enables you to flip and rotate the image. The \u201cTools\u201d tab opens several important options, two of which are \u201cPaint\u201d (which is similar to the paint tool in Windows), and \u201cTransform Tools\u201d which will crop and resize images among other options. Noodle around. GIMP allows you to discard any mistakes and begin again fresh.<\/p>\n

To actually cut the segment you want out of a larger image, select the \u201cTool\u201d option \u201cPaths.\u201d Click on \u201cPaths\u201d to outline the path you want the cursor to take. Then click on the spot where the clipped segment is to begin. That becomes your first \u201canchor point.\u201d Move the\u00a0cursor to your\u00a0next point and you will see\u00a0a straight line trailing from the cursor. Click on your next anchor point. For curved lines, select anchor points close together to draw the curve you want. The more points, the more accurate the curve. When you return your cursor to the starting point to close out your selected area, a small square anchor box will appear to tie it all together. See the example above.<\/p>\n

Now click on \u201cSelect\u201d and \u201cFrom Path.\u201d Follow me closely here<\/strong>. This is not difficult. It just involves a number of steps. Once you have made the \u201cSelect\u201d and \u201cFrom Path\u201d choices, click on \u201cEdit\u201d and then \u201cCopy.\u201d Click \u201cEdit\u201d again & then \u201cPaste As.\u201d Slide over to the option \u201cNew Image\u201d and click on that. Voila! The image you segmented appears on a checkerboard background.<\/p>\n

Now don\u2019t make the same mistake as I did. I assumed that the checkerboard background was transparent. It is not. If you save it as is, you save that background as well.<\/p>\n

So, the next step is to hide that background. To do this you click on \u201cLayer\u201d and then \u201cNew Layer\u201d which presents several options, from naming the layer to various fill types. Since I was inserting my image on a typical white page, I selected \u201cBackground\u201d and hit OK which hid the image I had just created behind a white layer.<\/p>\n

Stay with me<\/strong>. We are almost done and you will be proud of what you have accomplished. Even though there are a number of steps involved here, it is a simple follow-each-step process. I found that I needed to write down each step in this process so I could repeat my actions.<\/p>\n

The next step is to click on \u201cLayer\u201d again and go down to the \u201cStack\u201d option. Of the new options presented, select \u201cLayer to Top.\u201d This will result in the image you desire showing up on a white background. Now you can go to \u201cFile\u201d to \u201cExport To\u201d the image under any name you choose as a PNG file to your Pictures folder.<\/p>\n

I do not pretend to know what each option along this process is able, or not, to do. I used YouTube videos as teaching aids to enable me to accomplish the above. You can do the same, to complete whatever image criteria you desire.<\/p>\n

With the new images I created, I was able to play with them even more, to crop, resize, accent areas, add text, etc. If you do intend to play around, I found that I needed to resize and place the images first before doing any accenting because once accented, if you move the image you lose the accents.<\/p>\n

OK. We now have the images we want. And now the snipping tool!<\/p>\n

Actuate the snipping tool, click on the \u201cNew\u201d and select the \u201cRectangular Snip.\u201d Copy the parts of the image you want to insert into your manuscript, release the mouse button, save your work, and you can now \u201cInsert\u201d your \u201cPicture\u201d wherever you need it to be.<\/p>\n