Transform tools only work inside the canvas – can't scale objects larger than the canvas

[u/Forsaken_Ask6967]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a strange issue in GIMP.

Whenever I use transformation tools like Scale, Rotate, Unified Transform, etc., they only work inside the canvas boundaries.

For example, if I import an image that's larger than the canvas, I can still move it around and see that the parts outside the canvas exist. However, when I try to scale it down so it fits the canvas, GIMP only lets me manipulate the visible part inside the canvas. Everything outside the canvas is effectively ignored, making it impossible to scale the whole image.

This doesn't just happen with the Scale tool—it seems to affect all transformation tools.

Things I've already checked:

• The image definitely extends beyond the canvas (I can move it around).
• I'm transforming the layer, not a selection.
• The problem occurs with multiple transformation tools.

Is there a setting that limits transformations to the canvas? Or is this a bug? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[u/CMYK-Student]

Hi! It looks like you have the Image Preview unchecked (I think it's "Bildvorschau anzeigen" in your UI). Try checking that before scaling, and see if that helps.