GIMP is a graphic design program that you can use to create and edit images on your computer. It is free to download and use, providing an economical alternative to retail graphic design programs. “Unknown File Type” is the error that GIMP displays when you attempt to open a file that it can’t read. You will receive this error when you attempt to open a Script-Fu file in the GIMP program.
About Script-Fu
- Script-Fu is the name for GIMP’s image filters, which allow you to alter the way an image looks and use special effects. The advantage of Script-Fu is that each script can execute a number of effects at the same time and allow you to control the intensity of the effect. Many Script-Fu effects are created by members of the GIMP community and offered as free downloads from the GIMP Plugin Registry.
Error Cause
- Script-Fu scripts are text files with a .scm file extension. When you attempt to open a Script-Fu file from the GIMP File menu, the program can’t read the .scm file and reports that you are attempting to open an “Unknown File Type.” This is because GIMP can only open image file types from the File menu. If you want to launch a Script-Fu file, you must install the script in the proper location on your computer, rather than open it from the GIMP File menu.
Installing Script-Fus
- Locate the GIMP script folder, by clicking “Preferences,” then “Folders” and “Scripts.” The folder path displayed there will show you where to store your Script-Fu files. Right-click your script file and select “Copy,” and navigate to the Scripts folder. Right-click inside the folder and select “Paste” to install the Script-Fu script. Click the “Filters” menu in GIMP, click “Script-Fu” and select “Refresh Scripts” to allow GIMP to detect your Script-Fu.
Using Script-Fu
- The method used to activate a Script-Fu depends on the kind of Script-Fu you installed. To use stand-alone ScriptFu, such as buttons, logos or patterns, click the “File” menu, then click “Create” and select the type of Script-Fu you want to use from the menu. To use image-dependent Script-Fu, you must locate the script under the filter category. You can find these Script-Fus under the “Colors” menu, the “Filters” menu and the “Script-Fu” menu.
