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This GIMP (GNU) tutorial demonstrates how to create abstract, scratchy text.
Notes
You can quickly Undo a step at any time by pressing Ctrl then Z. Alternatively, click a previous Undo History snapshot - Windows then Dockable Dialogues then click Undo History. In addition, to Zoom in (or Zoom out) of your image; from the top menu, choose View then select a Zoom Tool from the subsequent drop-down list.
Note
Ensure the Layers and the Undo History Palettes are visible, and then drag them into position over your workspace - (Windows then Dockable Dialogues - then click Layers and Undo History).
Launch GIMP & Organise Its Workspace & Palettes
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Create a New (Transparent) Image, and set the following Width and Height and Fill with Transparency attributes. (Alternatively, select Image settings of your choice).
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Now, from the left-side Toolbox, activate the Text Tool.
Note
The Text’s Size is determined by the Image’s Resolution (Size), and the look you are seeking.
Text Colour Choice
For the purpose of this tutorial, I have set the Foreground to Solid Black. This produces Solid Black Text. However, set the Foreground Colour to a colour you would like your text to be.
Then from the left-side Tool Options Box, enter Text Attributes (the Size, Colour and Font), of your choice.
Comprehensive Text Tool Tutorial - Please Click Here
Then left-click over your canvas and type in either a one-lined, or a multiple-lined text string of your choice.
(GIMP gives Text its own Layer - as illustrated below).
Enlarge Text (GIMP 2.8)
To enlarge your applied text, first highlight it, and then gradually increase the text size by clicking the tiny chevrons, highlighted below.
3/
From the left-side Toolbox, activate the Move Tool.
Then, still working on the Text Layer, left-click over your Workspace’s Text: and drag your Text to a central position - as illustrated below.
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Now, from the top menu, choose Filters then choose Distorts and then choose Shift. And from the subsequent Shift dialogue box, experiment with the Shift Horizontal, Shift Vertically and Shift Amount settings to discover a scratchy look you like, and then click OK.
Duplicate Text Layer Tip
You can deepen the effect by Duplicating the Text Layer. To do so, right-click over the Text Layer, and from the subsequent drop-down list, choose Duplicate Layer.
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From the left-side Toolbox, activate the Crop Tool.
And then Crop away any unwanted transparent canvas - Crop Tool Tutorial For Beginners.
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Now, from the top menu, choose Image and then choose Merge Visible Layers.
 
Transparent GIF Tip
Link Here to learn how to save your Transparent Image as a Transparent GIF.
Fill Layer Tip
My Tutorial Here demonstrates how to create a Fill Layer and Fill it with either a Solid Colour, Pattern or a Gradient.
Drop Shadow Tip
To apply a Drop Shadow to the text (working on the Text Layer); from the top menu, choose Filters then choose Light and Shadow and then choose Drop Shadow. Now, enter Drop Shadow settings of your choice, and then click OK.
Soften Edges Tip
If you notice ragged text edges, you can smooth them using GIMP’s Blur/Sharpen Tool.
When using the Blur/Sharpen Tool to smooth edges, it’s important to set the Tool to Blur. Now, set a very low Opacity - and then build up the blurring effect, slowly.
Sharpen Tip
To create extra impact, apply a Sharpening Filter of your choice - Filters then Enhance.
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Congratulations, your Abstract Scratchy Text is complete and it’s ready to save.
Now you are familiar with this technique, you can have lots of fun creating abstract, scratchy text effects.
Wendi E. M. Scarth. Top of Page.
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