How do I crop bottom layer around top layer? - SOLVED

[enxio27]

Is there a way that I can crop a bottom layer (for instance, a photo) by using the outer edge (but not any inner edges) of a non-rectangular top layer (for instance, a frame) as the cropping template? I'm sure I'm overlooking something simple, but I'm not seeing it. Stated another way, I have two layers, a frame (layer 1) and a photo (layer 2). I positioned the frame over the photo, and now I want to crop the photo around the outside of the frame (while keeping the frame itself). The frame is not completely rectangular (it has a "ripped paper" edge), so I can't simply crop the photo to the dimensions of the frame.

[Krikor]

I don't know if I understood.
If you use the fuzzy select tool to select the interior of the frame, in layer 1. Then invert the selection and select the photo layer to delete the selection. Does it work?

Krikor - Crop Photo in frame

cropphot.png (197.16 KiB) Viewed 4018 times

[rich2005]

...I positioned the frame over the photo, and now I want to crop the photo around the outside of the frame (while keeping the frame itself). The frame is not completely rectangular (it has a "ripped paper" edge), so I can't simply crop the photo to the dimensions of the frame....

Something like this: a frame with a deckled edge, sort of old fashioned photo look.



You can do a fuzzy selection on transparency same as colour, but you might need some adjustments.

This is one one way. There are others. All standard Gimp tools, all good practice.

https://youtu.be/G8W1dRk2sEs duration 1 min 23 secs.

I finished this procedure by trimming the canvas down to size but this sort of border works well with a drop shadow. You might want to consider that.
An alternative way is using layermasks but a subject on its own

[enxio27]

@Krikor @rich2005 I combined instructions from both of you, and it worked like a charm! I got the best results by fuzzy selecting the inside of the frame, inverting it, and then making my cut. When I tried it by selecting the outside of the frame, I got a 1-pixel remnant of the photo around the outside of the frame and couldn't figure out how to get rid of it. Many thanks to you both!

[rich2005]

...When I tried it by selecting the outside of the frame, I got a 1-pixel remnant of the photo around the outside of the frame and couldn't figure out how to get rid of it.

That often happens when selecting a background for example, the common solution is grow the selection by a pixel or two.

[enxio27]

...When I tried it by selecting the outside of the frame, I got a 1-pixel remnant of the photo around the outside of the frame and couldn't figure out how to get rid of it.

That often happens when selecting a background for example, the common solution is grow the selection by a pixel or two.

I tried to grow it after the fact, but it didn't work very well. Didn't think of trying to grow it beforehand.

[enxio27]

Here is the result. I thought y'all might like to see it.

Bluebonnets ripped frame.png (1.25 MiB) Viewed 3901 times