How to Create a Vignette in GIMP with GEGL

Adding a vignette to an image is an effective way to frame your subject and draw the viewer's eye toward the center of the frame. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to use the built-in GEGL Vignette filter in GIMP. You will learn how to locate the tool, adjust its key parameters—such as radius, softness, shape, and color—and apply the effect seamlessly to your photos.

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch GIMP and load the image you want to edit by going to File > Open, selecting your file, and clicking Open.

Before applying any filter, duplicate your base layer so you can edit non-destructively:

  1. Go to the Layers panel on the right.
  2. Right-click your image layer and select Duplicate Layer (or press Shift + Ctrl + D / Shift + Cmd + D).
  3. Ensure the duplicated layer is selected.

Step 3: Open the GEGL Vignette Filter

Navigate to the top menu and select Filters > Light and Shadow > Vignette...

This opens the Vignette dialog box powered by GEGL, complete with an interactive on-canvas preview.

Step 4: Adjust the Vignette Parameters

Fine-tune the vignette effect using the sliders in the dialog box:

  • Shape: Choose the geometry of the vignette (e.g., Circle, Square, Diamond, or Horizontal/Vertical). Circle is the most common for standard photography.
  • Color: Click the color swatch to choose the vignette tone. Black creates a classic darkening effect, while white creates a high-key, vintage look.
  • Radius: Controls the size of the clear area in the center before the vignette begins to fade in.
  • Softness: Adjusts the feathering or smoothness of the gradient transition between the center and the edges.
  • Gamma: Modifies the falloff curve of the darkness.
  • Proportion: Changes the aspect ratio of the vignette shape to match widescreen or portrait images.
  • Squeeze: Modulates the compression along the X or Y axis to create elliptical shapes.
  • Center X / Center Y: Repositions the center of the vignette if your subject is off-center. You can also drag the on-canvas center point directly with your mouse.

Step 5: Apply the Filter

Once you are satisfied with the real-time preview on your canvas, click OK to render the effect onto your selected layer.

Step 6: Fine-Tune and Export

  • Opacity Adjustment: If the effect is too intense, lower the Opacity slider in the Layers panel on your duplicated layer to blend it naturally with the original image.
  • Export: Go to File > Export As..., choose your desired file format (such as JPEG or PNG), and click Export.