Trying Gimp after Photoshop Elements

[dougsmit]

I just downloaded Gimp 2.10 after years of working with Photoshop, Elements and Paint Shop Pro.  Is there a resource that I can read that will point out the primary differences that might keep me from working in Gimp because I am assuming something that is completely different?  So far I have failed miserably with the first task I want to do.  I collect ancient coins.  I want to assemble a single image made from two or more photos of coins - usually just the two sides but sometimes quite a few.  In other programs you can click on images and drag them around the canvas but I have not figured out how to do this on Gimp.  Below is a sample assembled image of one coin on a plain black background.  I know Gimp can do this but I can not.  

Thanks,

[Blighty]

For the example image:
You should have 4 layers. One for the black background and one for each portion of the coin.

Then select the Move tool. In the Tool Options, set "Pick a layer or a guide". Now click on a coin and move it.

Alternatively: In the Tool Options, set "Move the active layer". The layer that has been selected in the Layers Dialogue will be moved.

[rich2005]

As Blighty describes, use the move tool. A few hints with screenshots

All sorts of ways to get your required result. This is one way.

1. Individual photographs can be cropped (1) to size if required. This might make the assembled image easier to manipulate.

2. Make a new blank canvas large enough to accommodate the assembled images. I would advise one of the presets (2) and set to either portrait or landscape as required.

screenshots of that: https://i.imgur.com/UpQrpa0.jpg

3. You can copy/paste and move floating layers / anchor. Newcomers to Gimp tend to be baffled by this. An easy way, needs a little practice is drag the coin tab into the background tab and onward into the now active image. (4) You can do the same with image layers, drag from one to another, just experiment.

4. These can now be moved around using the move tool (5) If you have problems then use the move active layer toggle in the tools dialogue.

screenshots: https://i.imgur.com/SFAEAPh.jpg

5. When in position, always a good idea to preserve the intermediate stages. Use Layer -> New from Visible (6) rather than merging layers. Save your work as a Gimp .xcf and all layers are retained.

6. Then you can work on that layer, crop to size etc and if required give it a new background (but that is a whole topic on its own)

screenshots: https://i.imgur.com/j9u5lFB.jpg