Cut out an object with GIMP - it's that easy

With the Gimp opensource tool, you can easily cut objects from your images. You can then insert them into other recordings or change them further. We'll show you how to do it the fastest.

Quickly remove monochrome objects in Gimp

The easiest way to cut out monochrome objects. For this, Gimp has a "magic tool" that marks the entire object.

1. In the Gimp toolbox, select the "magic wand" as the editing tool (number 1 in the screenshot). Then click on the object you want to cut (number 2).
2. Gimp now marks all elements of the object that have the same color. If some pixels are not automatically selected, all you have to do is increase the threshold (number 3). Now click the key combination [Ctrl] + [X].
3. The object is now cut out and is in the clipboard. With [Ctrl] + [V] you can insert the image section again in other programs or photos.

Cut out any picture objects with Gimp

With more complex objects you will not get further with the "magic wand". But here the "Lasso" helps - another practical tool for cutting out.

1. Activate the "Lasso" in the tool window of Gimp (see screenshot). Then click on the edge of the object to be cut. A small circle appears.
2. This time click a little offset on the edge of the image section. A second point appears, which connects with the first. Gimp later cuts out the object along this line.
3. Repeat step 2 until you have completely surrounded the picture object. In the last step, select the first circle again. Gimp now marks the framed part of the picture. It can be cut with [Ctrl] + [X] and pasted into other photos.
4. Tip: Zoom in on the desired object by turning the mouse wheel. In this way you can determine the image section more precisely.

With Gimp you can also do more complex image editing. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to retouch portraits with Gimp.

This article is based on Gimp 2.10. However, the functions have existed since earlier versions, but some of them can be found elsewhere.