GIMP/Caption a Picture

This effect will create a text caption with an outline effect. Firstly, use the text tool to write your caption. A contrasting caption would typically be black text with a white border; the border will be coloured later, so use black text. On the text layer, use <Image> Layer > Discard Text Information <Image> Layer > Layer to Image Size <Image> Layer > Mask > Add Layer Mask Choose "Transfer layer's alpha channel" as initial mask thumb|The layer dialogue box, showing the two layers, Duplicate the text layer ( in Layers dialogue or <Image> Layer > Duplicate Layer) Select the lower layer's content, and fill it in white. Switch to the layer's mask, and use <Image> Filters > Generic > Erode, this should expand the lower layer and give the text a border. This may need to be repeated several times ( Ctrl+F ) Different fills and gradients can be applied to the two layers for a range of effects. Additionally, if a layer's mask is copied into a new, hidden layer, this can be used to apply a bump map via <Image> Filters > Map > Bump Map. A method that may be easier to follow is documented here with step-by-step photos. Removal of Unwanted Elements in the Image Add a Shine to Buttons