Dialog windows are one of the most common ways that work gets done in GIMP. There are two basic kinds of dialog windows in GIMP, individual dialogs and "dock" dialogs.

Individual dialogs are used for a single type of activity, such as the Navigation Dialog, the Tools Dialog, or the Brushes Dialog.

Dialogs can also be grouped in what is called a "dock" dialog. A classic example of a dock dialog is the way in which GIMP combines the Layers Dialog, Channels Dialog, Paths Dialog and Undo History Dialog into a single "Layers, Channels, & Paths" dock Dialog. Individual dialogs are accessed as tabs within the dock dialog.

The "Layers, Channels, & Paths" dock dialog is the most important of all the GIMP dialogs and should be visible at all times. If missing, it can always be made visible by selecting File --> Dialogs --> Create New Dock --> Layers, Channels & Paths.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING:
Download the GIMP Splash screen file provided. See the effects that various dialog settings have on the graphic. Attempt to modify the graphic in different ways with various dialogs.