How to Resize a Layer in GIMP

GIMP works with layers, and sometimes you need to resize just one layer without changing the size of the entire image. Maybe you added a logo that is too big, or you pasted an element and it needs to be scaled down to fit. GIMP gives you two different ways to do this, and they work differently - So it helps to know which one to use.

Two Ways to Resize a Layer

Method 1 - Scale Layer

This physically resizes the content on the layer. Think of it like stretching or shrinking a photo.

1. 1
   In the Layers panel, click on the layer you want to resize to select it
2. 2
   Go to Layer - Scale Layer
3. 3
   Enter the new Width or Height. The chain icon between the two fields keeps them locked to the same proportion - Click the chain to break it if you want to stretch independently
4. 4
   Click Scale to apply

Method 2 - Scale Visually With the Scale Tool

If you would rather drag handles than type numbers, use the Scale tool:

1. 1
   Press Shift+T to activate the Scale tool
2. 2
   Click on the layer in the canvas. A bounding box with corner and edge handles appears
3. 3
   Drag a corner handle to scale. Hold Ctrl to keep proportions locked
4. 4
   Click Scale in the dialog that appears to confirm

Quick Tips

• After scaling a layer, its boundary might not match the canvas. Go to Image - Flatten Image or Layer - Resize to Image Size to align them if needed
• Use Cubic or Sinc (Lanczos3) interpolation in the Scale Layer dialog for the best quality result
• To resize the whole image (all layers at once), use Image - Scale Image instead of Layer - Scale Layer

Layers are one of the most powerful parts of GIMP. Once you are comfortable moving and resizing them, the complete layers guide goes into layer modes, blending, and grouping - Which open up a lot more creative control.