What are the functions of the two elements in pencil's clipboard?

imager · **Joined:** Jul 26, 2025 **Posts:** 9

GIMP Version: 3.0.4
Operating System: Linux
OS Version: Debian 12 + Lxde (desktop)
GIMP Experience: New User

What are the functions of the first two elements in pencil's clipboard?

I make a blue check mark in the first two elements.

Wallace · **Posted:** Fri Aug 01, 2025 12:33 am **(#2)**

One is a clipboard image.
This is the actual content you've copied.
It acts as a temporary brush.
You can paint or stamp it's content using the Pencil,
Paintbrush, or other paint tools.

The other is a clipboard mask (if present).
This sometimes appears as a second element,
especially if the copied content included transparency or came from a masked layer.

rich2005 · **Joined:** Mar 04, 2011 **Posts:** 2610

Just to add to Wallace's post, they are temporary brushes.

First is a straight copy of the selection.
Second is equivalent to a Gimp greyscale brush and uses the FG colour.

Attachment:

temp-brush.jpg [ 56.57 KiB | Viewed 1390 times ]