### 6.24. Input Devices

Figure 15.96. Input Devices Preferences

#### 6.24.1. Activating the Dialog

The preferences dialog can be accessed from the main menu, through Edit → Preferences.

#### 6.24.2. Options

Pointers and Paint Tools

Pointer mode

  This option has no effect unless Show pointer for paint tools is checked. If it is, you have three choices: Tool icon, which causes a small iconic representation of the currently active tool to be shown beside the cursor; Tool icon with crosshair, which shows the icon as well as a crosshair indicating the center of the cursor; or Crosshair only.

Pointer handedness

  This option decides the direction of the pointer. The default is Right-handed. When Left-handed is chosen, the pointer is flipped horizontally.

Show brush outline

  If this option is checked, then when you use a paint tool, the outline of the brush will be shown on the image as you move the pointer around. On slow systems, if the brush is very large, this could occasionally cause some lag in GIMP's ability to follow your movements: if so, switching this off might help. Otherwise, you will probably find it quite useful.

Snap brush outline to stroke

  This requires Show brush outline to be enabled. When this setting is also enabled, the brush outline will snap to individual dabs when painting. The dabs are where the brush paints on the canvas.

Show pointer for paint tools

  If this is checked, a cursor will be shown. This is in addition to the brush outline, if the brush outline is being shown. The type of cursor is determined by the next option.

Extended Input Devices

Pointer Input API

  This setting is only present on Windows. On Windows, when you use a touch screen, or a pen to draw on a tablet, there are two ways for GIMP to interact with it. This setting lets you choose which one to use.

  In general for newer drawing devices, Windows Ink is the preferred way. If that doesn't work for you, try the older Wintab API.

Share tool and tool options between input devices

  When enabled, the same tool and tool options will be used for all input devices. No tool switching will occur when the input device changes.

Configure Extended Input Devices

  This button opens a dialog that allows you to configure the input devices associated with your computer: tablet, MIDI keyboard, etc. If you have a tablet, you will see a dialog like this:

  Figure 15.97. Preferences for a tablet

  For each of the input devices you can set its Mode. This decides how GIMP translates the input from the device to your screen. For a mouse this is usually set to disabled and for other devices to Screen.

  The only other choice for mode is Window. Currently there don't seem to be any differences with Screen. Unless you know what you are doing, this is better left alone.

Save input device settings on exit

  When you check this box, GIMP remembers the tool, color, pattern, and brush you were using the last time you quit.

Save Input Device Settings Now

  This immediately saves the current input device settings.

Reset Saved Input Device Settings to Default Values

  Delete your settings and restore default settings.

6.23. Image Title and Statusbar Format |  | 6.25. Input Controllers

Report a bug in GIMP Report a documentation error