Pointers and Paint Tools

Pointer mode

This option has no effect unless Show pointer for paint tools is checked. If it is, you have three choices: Tool icon, which causes a small iconic representation of the currently active tool to be shown beside the cursor; Tool icon with crosshair, which shows the icon as well as a crosshair indicating the center of the cursor; or Crosshair only.

Pointer handedness

This option decides the direction of the pointer. The default is Right-handed. When Left-handed is chosen, the pointer is flipped horizontally.

Show brush outline

If this option is checked, then when you use a paint tool, the outline of the brush will be shown on the image as you move the pointer around. On slow systems, if the brush is very large, this could occasionally cause some lag in GIMP's ability to follow your movements: if so, switching this off might help. Otherwise, you will probably find it quite useful.

Snap brush outline to stroke

This requires Show brush outline to be enabled. When this setting is also enabled, the brush outline will snap to individual dabs when painting. The dabs are where the brush paints on the canvas.

Show pointer for paint tools

If this is checked, a cursor will be shown. This is in addition to the brush outline, if the brush outline is being shown. The type of cursor is determined by the next option.

Extended Input Devices

Pointer Input API

This setting is only present on Windows. On Windows, when you use a touch screen, or a pen to draw on a tablet, there are two ways for GIMP to interact with it. This settings lets you choose which one to use.

In general for newer drawing devices, Windows Ink is the preferred way. If that doesn't work for you, try the older Wintab API.

Share tool and tool options between input devices

When enabled, the same tool and tool options will be used for all input devices. No tool switching will occur when the input device changes.

Configure Extended Input Devices

This button opens a dialog that allows you to configure the input devices associated with your computer: tablet, MIDI keyboard, etc. If you have a tablet, you will see a dialog like this:

Figure 15.96. Preferences for a tablet

Save input device settings on exit

When you check this box, GIMP remembers the tool, color, pattern, and brush you were using the last time you quit.

Save Input Device Settings Now

This immediately saves the current input device settings.

Reset Saved Input Device Settings to Default Values

Delete your settings and restore default settings.