Use GIMP to resize image in one layer only

Question

This is my set up. I have 2 layers with transparency (I don't know if transparency matters here). Layers are the same size, 5x7 inches. Each layer has their image (say I draw a square on it and a circle on the other).

I want to resize ONLY the square.

The problem is when I scale the square I end up either scaling both, the circle AND the square, equally and they retain their layer size, or BOTH layers are rezise and no longer 5x7 inches. I've tried 'Tools-Transform-Scale' and 'Image-Resize canvas or image', but I can't find the tool to just resize ONE of the images.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks

Answer 1

What you want is the Scale tool, and it will resize only the active layer if it is in Scale: layer mode (you seem to have it in Scale: image mode)(*).

Otherwise, to clear up things:

• Image > Canvas size changes the size of the canvas, but nothing is stretched/compressed, the layers retain their size or are extended with transparency or white.

• Image > Scale image scales everything in the image (layers, channels, paths...)

(*) Also,if what you apply a transform such as Scale to an item that has the chainlink, the same transform will be applied to all other chainlinked items (other layers, but also paths).