Web page layouts with the GIMP
PAINTING YOUR SITE
Good homepage design is a question of the layout. Sometimes the best option is to use a graphics program to design the page, then translate the result into HTML code. The versatile image manipulation program GIMP can help.
Some purists believe they must compose HTML code line by line in a text editor to achieve clean results, but other developers are occasionally willing to consider alternatives. One little known alternative is the option of creating a graphics file in GIMP and then converting the file directly to HTML. GIMP version 2 (www.gimp.org) or newer includes the Py-Slice plug-in, which converts the image into a collection of tiles, and then creates an HTML table that organizes the tiles into an image that looks like the original. The results can easily be used for homepages with attractive graphics, like the example shown in Figure 1. Most current distributions give you GIMP version 2.2; we will be using this version for the remainder of this article. Suse users will need to add the Python extension and the Py-Slice plug-in manually [2]. After doing so, launch GIMP and create a new image (File | New). Then select the 800x600 entry in the Templates drop down. This is the resolution we will be using for the homepage. Then enter a name for the file; you will be storing the file under this name later. Make sure you use GIMP’s native .xcf format to have access to all of GIMP’s features.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
AlmaLinux Now Supports Raspberry Pi 5
If you're looking to create with the Raspberry Pi 5 and want to use AlmaLinux as your OS, you're in luck because it's now possible.
-
Kubuntu Focus Releases New Iterations of Ir14 and Ir16 Laptops
If you're a fan of the Kubuntu Focus laptops or have been waiting for the right time to purchase one, that time might be now.
-
NixOS 24.05 Is Ready for Prime Time
The latest release of NixOS (Uakari) has arrived and offers its usual reproducible, declarative, and reliable goodness.
-
Linux Lite 7.0 Officially Released
Based on Ubuntu 24.04 and kernel 6.8, Linux Lite version 7 now offers more options than ever.
-
KaOS Linux 2024.05 Adds Bcachfs Support and More
With updates all around, KaOS Linux now includes support for the bcachefs file system.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils New Iteration of the Stellaris Laptop Line
The Stellaris Slim 15 is the 6th generation and includes either an AMD or Intel CPU
-
KDE Releases Plasma 6.0.5
The latest release of the Plasma desktop has arrived with several improvements and the usual bug fixes.
-
Gnome OS Adopting systemd-sysupdate
Gnome OS is about to undergo a major under-the-hood change that promises enhanced security.
-
Endless OS 6 Now Available
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.