Adjust GIMP Brush Spacing for Separated Stamps

In GIMP, you can transform a continuous brush stroke into a sequence of distinct, individual stamps simply by increasing the Spacing slider in the brush settings. By default, GIMP overlaps brush impressions closely to create a smooth, solid line. Increasing the spacing value past 100% forces the software to leave gaps between each stamp, allowing you to draw dotted paths, repeated patterns, or spaced-out shapes with a single stroke.

Step 1: Select Your Painting Tool

Choose a brush-based tool from the Toolbox on the left. The Paintbrush Tool (shortcut P), Pencil Tool (N), or Airbrush Tool (A) all utilize the same spacing mechanics.

Step 2: Open the Tool Options Panel

Locate the Tool Options dockable dialog, which usually sits directly beneath the main toolbox. If it is closed, restore it by navigating to:

  • Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Tool Options

Step 3: Choose Your Brush

Click the brush preview icon in the Tool Options dialog to open the brush picker. Select the brush shape or custom graphic you want to use as your stamp.

Step 4: Adjust the Spacing Slider

Scroll down the Tool Options panel to find the Spacing slider:

  1. Note the current value. Most default brushes sit between 10.0 and 20.0, creating a continuous line.
  2. Click and drag the Spacing slider to the right, or click the numerical field to type a specific value.
  3. Set the spacing to 100.0 or higher:
    • 100.0%: The edge of each stamp touches the edge of the next without overlapping.
    • 150.0% to 200.0%+: Leaves clear, visible gaps between each individual stamp.

Step 5: Test and Paint

Click and drag your cursor across the canvas. Instead of drawing a solid ribbon of paint, GIMP will drop individual, separated impressions of the brush along your stroke path. If the stamps are still overlapping, increase the slider further until the desired distance is achieved.