GIMP: design 3D logo

With the image editing program Gimp you can create a chic 3D logo, even though it is actually a 2D graphics program. We show you how it works.

3D design with Gimp: the preparatory work

Of course you have to decide how your logo should look like. We show you how to edit your picture in Gimp to achieve the desired 3D effect for your design. In our example we chose a circle as the starting form. An illustrated step-by-step description can be found in the picture gallery.

Open a new image in the gimp and create a new layer.
Create an object that will later become your logo. We chose a circle as the simple form. Fill the circle with any color.
Next, the circle is modeled. To do this, select a circle or an ellipsis again and place it anywhere on the circle. In the menu go to "Edit" -> "Delete". Repeat the process at another point on the circle.
Since the resulting object is too angular, create round edges now. To do this, go to "Blur" in the "Filters" menu and there to "Gaussian blur". The setting should be 50 px horizontally and vertically.
To get sharpness again, click on "Colors" in the menu and then on "Curves". Set the channel to "Alpha" in the popup and drag the lower point towards the center. The top point too, but it should be a little bit to the right of the bottom point.
Now your logo should be finished in 2D.

The design for the 3D effect

You have created the basic structure, now it is important to achieve a 3D effect with the image processing program Gimp. To do this, proceed as follows.

Copy the layer with your logo five times. To do this, click the duplicate icon in the layer window.
Change the brightness of the object in the upper level and rename it "Top". It remains unaffected by the following steps.
Select the layer below and move it down one point. It is best to use the arrow keys on your keyboard.
Do the same with the second layer, except that it is shifted down two points. Repeat this step for the ones below, but always move one point more than the previous one.
If you have shifted all levels accordingly, connect them to the one below. To do this, right-click on the layer in the layer window and select "Merge down". Make sure that you do not combine the "Top" level, this remains unaffected.
Now duplicate the newly created layer and move the lower layer down with the arrow keys. If you have moved too much, you can see this by a small white border within the graphic.
Repeat this step often until you have enough "depth" for your 3D logo.
To achieve a realistic 3D effect, give the depth a gradient. To do this, go to the remaining level below "Top" and mark the object with the magic wand. Pick two colors and use the Gradient Tool in the toolbar.

Optional design work

Your logo should now have the chic 3D effect. If you want a little more, continue editing. For example, you can rotate the object or distort it in perspective. A text always looks good with a logo. Let your imagination run wild.

If you want to add a spatial effect to your photos, read another practical tip on how to create a 3D effect with Gimp.