choosing between different ways - which is the most appropiate here...

[rich2005]

(08-06-2026, 07:35 PM)saint_m Wrote: well here i am back again - with some hmmm - lets say "beginner-question"... -

i need to colorize some dots in a file  (in a network visualization) using GIMP as the tool

well how to start: 

see the attached image:  would you do this with the Bucket Fill approach[/b][/size] or (alternatively) with the Colorize layer.

Wel to be frank with the second idea -( and method ) is not so familiar:  I honestly do not have so much experience with the work with layers. 
Guess that this method isolates specific nodes without altering the background or connecting... 

Ok, for beginners:  Always, wherever possible use layers, in particular transparent layers where it is easier to correct mistakes, without affecting the base image.

Unselecting small elements such as the connecting lines.  An old Gimp trick.

   

(1) A colour select selects dots and connecting lines. (using the draw mask option for visibility)
(2) Shrinking the selection a small amount often eliminates the small elements.
(3) Growing the same small amount puts what remains back to original size.

That leaves just the dots selected. A Gimp selection is not confined to just one layer, so make that new layer.

   

(4) Paint in individual dots with the paint tool
(5) For a group of dots use the free select tool in Intersect mode. That closes selections outside the intersect boundary. Bucket fill the remaining selection.
-------
However, about time you got out of beginner mode and looked at ways of saving your work, Selections can be saved as channels. Alpha lock stops painting in transparency. Layer masks are non-destructive.  Aways Save as a Gimp xcf which keeps these properties.