How to Make Frames on Photos in GIMP

By Seamus Islwyn

Frame your digital photos for display in a Web album.
i PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

The free, open-source GNU Image Manipulation Program graphics software uses filters to alter the appearance of images. The program's scripting language allows you to apply multiple filters to an image using a single command. Use the Add Border script in GIMP to make frames for your digital photos. The Add Border script allows you to customize the thickness and color of the virtual photo frame, then apply a three-dimensional beveling effect, if desired.

Launch GIMP. Click "File" and "Open" and then double-click the photo to which you want to add the frame.

Open the "Filters" menu. Hover the mouse over "Decor" and then select "Add Border" in the fly-out menu that opens. The Add Border pop-up box opens.

Type the desired width of the frame, in pixels, into the "Border X Size" text box. Enter the same value into the "Border Y Size" text box.

Click the "Border Color" box to open the Color Selection window. Drag the sliders in the Color Selection window to set the color of the frame. Click "OK."

Type the desired level of three-dimensionality into the "Delta Value on Color" text field. The higher this number, the more of a 3-D effect GIMP applies to the frame. For a flat frame, set this value to "1."

Click "OK" to create the frame for the photo.

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