Clipping masks is one of the many ways you can personalize your digital scrapbook. Incorporating different prints and images into one layout is as limitless as it can be. Now, clippings masks in GIMP has never been easier. Here are simple steps to do it for digital scrapbooks.

Clipping Masks in GIMP

Open the patterns you would like to use for your layout. Then open the image or text you would like to use as your mask. Here, I used digital papers and elements from the Renew Your Spirit kit from Digidesignresort.

You can increase each image by clicking on it so you can easily see all settings used.

Arrange the layers based on which pattern you would like to use for your mask and which one will be cut. Here, I used a text layer.

Make the top layer invisible. Right-click on the text layer and click on Alpha to Selection.

Make the top layer visible. This is how it should look now.

If you want the top layer to be the pattern for the text, just press the Delete button on your keyboard.

If you want the layer below the text layer to be the pattern for the text, after clicking on Alpha to Selection, go to Select > Invert, then press the Delete button on your keyboard.

Aside from a text layer, you can also use an image and any paintbrush. With the image open, open a new transparent layer and put it above the image layer.

Using any grunge or splatter paintbrush, outline the part of the image you want to retain. Make sure that the Foreground color for the paintbrush us black.

Still on the transparent layer, fill in the outline and make sure that the middle part is pure black, leaving the edges rough.

Right-click on the top layer and click on Alpha to Selection.

Now position the pattern layer below the image layer. Click on the image layer to make it active and press the Delete button on your keyboard.

Hide the top layer. This is how your image would look now.