Re: [Gimp-developer] something's starting, it is the text tool

[Thorsten Wilms <t_w_ freenet de>]

On 01/26/2012 12:03 PM, peter sikking wrote:

> ‘text never is the main purpose in GIMP work (like it is in scribus
> or libreOffice writer), it only plays a supporting role within
> a graphical work’

I could see myself using text in GIMP for
- text in mockups
- annotations
- as integral part of ... poster design

For mockups, I prefer Inkscape, these days. GIMP only wins for some 
modifications of screenshots.

With annotations I mean simple text placed on images. Usually small and 
without any effect or only effects like drop shadow or blurring the 
background for better legibility. This is all about convenience: to not 
have an additional export/import/export with another application involved.

For text as integral part of a poster (or similar setting), it's hard to 
compete with the flexibility and rich functionality of vector graphics 
applications like Inkscape. Reasons to use GIMP could be a need for 
tricky blending and pixel-based effects like grungy edges.

That would be text that is primarily an element of a graphical 
composition, then. In contrast to text where its exact shape and 
placement are secondary. I would not speak of a supporting role, as the 
text might well take center stage and/or be the backbone of the work.

Such text, that is all about explicit shapes and exact/direct placement, 
is the opposite to the result of some raw string of text with a set of 
formatting rules applied to it.


--
Thorsten Wilms

thorwil's design for free software:
http://thorwil.wordpress.com/