Smooth Selection Plugin for GIMP 2.10.x

Smooth Selection is a GIMP plugin that allows you to refine and smooth the edges of a selection using various smoothing algorithms. This plugin is particularly useful for cleaning up jagged or noisy selections, making them more visually appealing.

Installation

1. Download the Plugin
   Download the smooth_selection.py file from this repository.

2. Locate Your GIMP Plugins Folder

   • On Windows:
     C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\GIMP\2.10\plug-ins
   • On macOS:
     ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/2.10/plug-ins
   • On Linux:
     ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/plug-ins

3. Copy the Plugin
   Place the smooth_selection.py file into the plug-ins folder.

4. Make the Plugin Executable
   Ensure the file is executable:

   • On Linux/macOS: Run chmod +x smooth_selection.py in the terminal.
   • On Windows: No additional steps are needed.

5. Restart GIMP
   Restart GIMP to load the plugin.

Usage

1. Select an Area
   Use any selection tool in GIMP to define the area you'd like to smooth.

2. Run the Plugin
   Navigate to the menu:
   Select > Smooth Selection...

3. Configure Options

   • Smoothing Iterations (Slider): The number of smoothing passes to apply.
     Example:
     • 1 pass at strength 1 will make minimal changes to the selection.
     • 10 passes at strength 1 will result in a much smoother selection but may significantly alter the shape.
   • Smoothing Strength (Slider): Controls the intensity of each smoothing pass.
     Example:
     • Strength 1 applies subtle smoothing.
     • Strength 10 applies aggressive smoothing, which may distort fine details.

4. Boolean Options

   • Preserve Curves: If enabled, the plugin will attempt to maintain the original curves of the selection.
   • Preserve Path: If enabled, the smoothed path will remain as a vector path in the image for further editing.

5. Choose a Smoothing Method
   The plugin offers several smoothing methods. The most capable modes are:

   • Sanding: Smooths only outward-pointing bumps, preserving detail elsewhere.
   • Inward Pixel Radius: Pulls in bumps while preserving inward details, ideal for high-detail smoothing.

6. Apply and Review
   Click OK to apply the smoothing. The selection will be updated based on the chosen settings.

Example Workflow

1. Select an area with jagged edges using the Lasso Tool.
2. Open Select > Smooth Selection....
3. Choose the Sanding method.
4. Set Smoothing Iterations to 5 and Smoothing Strength to 3.
5. Enable Preserve Curves and disable Preserve Path.
6. Click OK to apply the smoothing.

License

This plugin is licensed under the MIT License.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to open issues or submit pull requests to improve the plugin.