Tutorial: Creating a Chrome Ball with GIMP 3.2

Since I wrote the original tutorial, GIMP has evolved, so I've created an updated version that makes use of the new features.

The most important new features are that you can now use linked layers, layer groups and non-destructive effects.

This tutorial discripes how to create this chrome ball with GIMP. First of all you need a equirectangular panorama. If you don't have one you can get one from HDRI Haven. For this tutorial I took this one:
https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?h=bell_park_pier

This time I chose the 2k version because it is faster to process. Of cause you can use other resolutions if you like.

Now create a new image with 2048x1024px and delete the background layer:

 

Then open the image in GIMP with "File -> Open as Link Layer..." and duplicate the layer. The "Open as Link Layer" gives you the possibillity to change the image later.

 

This is the background layer on which the chrome ball sits. We now need a second layer for the ball itself. To create this, simply duplicate the layer.

 

Flip the new layer vertical with the flip tool. You can switch from horizontal to vertical in the tool options or by pressing the Control key.

 After that scale the layer with the scale tool down to ~129 pixel height.

 

Because reflection is never 100 percent lets darkens the image a little bit with Colors->Exposure...

Now we will create the shadow. For the shadow we need to add new layer with transparent background.

Make sure your foreground color is black. Then select the gradient tool and select the "FG to Transparent" gradient. The shape must be "Linear".

Drag the gradient from the button up, a little bit higher then the top layer. Then move the middle point of the gradient up and change the color of the middle point to FG (black).

Select the top layer and press the right mouse button. Select "New from Visible". This merges our three layers and creates a new one. This step is optional. You can even map all three layers separate. This would allow you to move the ball or the shadow later.

Now I create a new layer groupe and move all the layers into it. This allows me to transform all three layers at the same time.

 

 

 

The last step is now to select the group layer and then go to "Filters->Map->Panorama Projection..."

Change "Tilt to" 90 to look straight down to the button.

This is how the final image should look like.