Create Speech Bubbles in GIMP

Creating Speech Bubbles in GIMP for Screenshots

We’ve previously explored various GIMP tutorials, catering to both beginners and experienced users, demonstrating its capability for remarkable artwork. GIMP, particularly when combined with other open-source tools, can achieve impressive results. Examples include tutorials on cartoonifying photos, creating image maps, and implementing zoom effects on screenshots.

Learning Through Practice

As a dedicated GIMP user, my learning process involves repeatedly following online tutorials until the steps become intuitive. This approach enabled me to master the zoom/magnifier effect, a feature I required for enhancing my screenshots. This tutorial addresses a similar need – creating speech bubbles for annotating specific areas within screenshots, a common requirement for bloggers.

Inspiration and Alternatives

The design of these speech bubbles draws inspiration from the annotation features found in Screenpresso. If a quicker solution is desired, downloading and utilizing Screenpresso is recommended. However, to avoid software duplication – as I already favor FastStone Screen Capture v. 5.3 – I opted to construct the speech bubbles directly within GIMP. The following steps outline my efficient workflow.

Begin by opening GIMP and either launching an existing screenshot, pasting one from the clipboard (using PrintScreen), or creating a new screenshot via File > Create > Screenshot.
Employ the Text tool to generate the annotation text, selecting your preferred size and font.
Before proceeding, ensure the text layout is finalized, including any desired gradients or effects. Once enclosed within the bubble, further text adjustments will be difficult. Create a new layer, designate it as 'bubble', and under Layer Fill Type, choose Transparency, then click OK.
Select the Rectangle Select tool. In the Tool Options dialog, verify that the mode is set to 'Replace the current selection'. Draw a rectangle encompassing your text. For a refined appearance, activate the 'Rounded corners' option within Tool Options. A radius of 11.6 is suggested, but adjust to your preference.

Creating the Bubble Tail

To construct the speech bubble's tail, which will point to the annotated section of the screenshot, utilize the Free Select tool. Under Tool Options, select 'Add to selection' instead of the default setting.
Click on three distinct points, striving for straight lines, before returning to the initial point to complete the triangular tail shape. The first and last points should reside within the bubble itself.

Should you wish to undo these lines, simply press the Escape key.

Adding Color and Shadow

Utilize the Bucket Fill tool. Set the opacity to 35 under Tool Options and fill the bubble with a vibrant color (e.g., #f41010) that doesn't already appear in the screenshot, ensuring immediate visibility.

Enhance the bubble with a drop shadow. Navigate to Filters > Light and Shadow > Drop Shadow.

Set both Offset X and Offset Y to 0. Leave the Blur radius at its default value of 15. Increase the Opacity to 100 and uncheck the Allow resizing box before clicking OK.

Creating the Glow Effect

To create the bubble's glow, establish a new layer with transparency, mirroring the process used for the bubble itself, but name it "glow". Maintain the selection from the previous drop shadow step.
Proceed to Select > To Path to preserve this outline.
Employ the Rectangle Select tool. Under Tool Options, ensure the mode is set to 'Subtract from the current selection'. Create a rectangle over the portion of the bubble opposite the tail – in my case, the upper section.

Utilize the Blend/Gradient tool. Press X to switch the white background color to the foreground color. Set the opacity to 80 under Tool Options. Select 'FG to Transparent' in the Gradient field. Choose Linear in the Shape field, if it isn't already selected.
Stroke from the tail towards the side opposite the tail.

Refining the Outline

For a subtle, glowy outline, navigate to Select > From Path. Then, go to Select again > Shrink. Set the shrink size to 1 pixel (or the current value if it's already set) and press OK.

Again, go to Select > Border. Enter 1 pixel as the border selection size and press OK.

The changes may be subtle, requiring you to zoom in – either by pressing + (Shift and the = key), navigating to View > Zoom (100%) > Zoom In, or using the zoom menu on the status bar – until you reach 300% to fully appreciate the effect.

Re-select the Blend/Gradient tool. With white still as the foreground color and the gradient set to 'FG to Transparent', choose Radial instead of Linear from the drop-down menu in the Shape field.

Stroke outward from the middle of the top portion (or the side opposite the tail) of the bubble selection.

This second stroke can be applied to any corner of the bubble, provided it's on the side opposite the tail. To revert to the normal view, press 1, use the zoom menu on the status bar, or go to View > Zoom (300%) > 1:1 (100%). Then, go to Select > None.
Reposition the text layer by dragging and dropping it to the top of the layer stack. You can merge layers down to adjust their order.