Gimp Tutorial : Making a graphic map for PCB or Printed Circuit Board

A simulated Printed Circuit Board maps created using GIMP. In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a PCB map that can be used in any 3D rendering programs. This tutorial uses certain filters within GIMP.

Step 1 Using the fill/bucket tool , fill the selected area within the illustration with the color green. The green is to simulate PCB board. You should get something similar to the image on the right (>>>>).
Step 2 Using the Menu, goto Script-Fu >>> Render Select Circuit See the diagram on the right (>>>>).	I
Step 3 We should get something like the diagram on the right (>>>>).	Image after apply Circuit
Step 4 In the Layer window, make sure that the effect layer is selected or set as current Next, goto Mode >>> lighten only Next, under Opacity, bring the value down. See the diagram on the right >>>
Step 5 The result should like something on the right >>>
Final Look The image on the right is the final look. It was the result of some touching ups which involves filling certain areas with the background color (green). We also filled the borders of the image around with the green colour. This further creates the illusion of the circuitry found on PCBs.
Map put into good use in 3D programs. The image below shows a rendering with the map being used. Blender 3D was used for this rendering. For this particular case, the PCB map that was created in GIMP served both as a color map as well as a bump map. The bump mapping created the illusion of some protusion on the surface of the PCB board. Well, this is the end of the tutorial. Hope that you have enjoy it :)

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