How to Create a Logo in GIMP

GIMP is not a vector editor, so it is not the ideal tool for logos that need to scale to any size - That is what Inkscape is for. But for web logos, social media icons, and personal projects where you know your output size in advance, GIMP handles logo creation well and the result looks sharp at the size you build it.

This guide walks you through building a simple but clean logo from start to finish.

Step 1 - Set Up Your Canvas

Start with a size that is larger than your final output. Working big and scaling down always gives sharper results than working small and scaling up.

1. 1
   Go to File - New
2. 2
   Set the size to 1000 x 1000 px (square works well for most logos). Set resolution to 300 PPI if you may print it.
3. 3
   Under Advanced Options, set Fill to Transparency. This gives you a transparent background so the logo will not have a white box behind it.
4. 4
   Click OK.

Step 2 - Add a Background Shape

Most logos have a shape element - A circle, a rounded rectangle, or a custom form. Here is how to create a filled circle as a base:

1. 1
   Create a new layer (Layer - New Layer, fill with Transparency). Name it "Shape".
2. 2
   Press E for the Ellipse Select tool. Hold Shift and drag a circle in the centre of the canvas.
3. 3
   Set your foreground colour by clicking the foreground swatch (bottom-left of Toolbox) and pick your brand colour.
4. 4
   Press Shift+B (Bucket Fill) and click inside the selection to fill it with colour.
5. 5
   Deselect with Shift+Ctrl+A.

Step 3 - Add Your Logo Text

1. 1
   Press T for the Text tool. Click on the canvas and type your brand name.
2. 2
   In Tool Options, choose your font, set the size large enough to be readable, and set the colour to white (or whatever contrasts with your shape).
3. 3
   Switch to the Move tool (M) and drag the text over your shape.
4. 4
   To centre it precisely - Select all layers you want to align, then use Image - Align Visible Layers, or use the Align tool (Shift+Q) with "Relative to: Image" and click the horizontal and vertical centre buttons.

Step 4 - Export the Logo

Go to File - Export As, choose PNG, and click Export. Save the XCF separately with File - Save so you can come back and edit it.