Image Editing
Editing images effectively is a really key ICT skill for the 21st Century. We put more and more images on the web and use them in the way we present ideas and work now.
So, let's get good at it!
A couple of useful online tools for image editing are Pixlr
and Sumo Paint (uses Flash so won't work on an iPad). Both have some nice touches to them and are easy to use (a Year 3 child told me about Sumo Paint...). Sometimes Big Huge Labs does just the think you need it to do as well.
Resizing
Get your images the right size. Crop them in an image editor (like Paint) and then save them. They take up less space and make documents easier to use.
If you do just insert images into files then learn how to compact your images to reduce your file size.
How to resize images - right click and Save As
Using Fireworks
Fireworks is a pretty powerful piece of software. It's handy for all sorts of image jobs if you want to get beyond using Paint.
Fireworks basics - a simple guide
Transparent Images
Sometimes you just need to be able to make the background of an image transparent. It just makes your life so much easier and your product so much better.
The key thing to know is that the file must end up being saved as a PNG file. In Fireworks, as a Fireworks PNG. If it doesn't work then this is probably where you've made the mistake!
You can do this on the web using Pixlr which is a really nice editing tool - a bit like a cut down (and free) version of Photoshop. You can also do it in school using Fireworks.
Transparent images with Pixlr - right click and Save As
Transparent images with Fireworks - right click and Save As
The Fireworks method is probably easier, but it's expensive software so you might not have it at home. In that case, use the Pixlr approach!
Another cool, online free tool is Big Huge Labs. Use this for adding speech bubbles or creating motivational posters.
Animated Logos
These are cool to do - using Fireworks again. But can be tricky.
How to make an Animated Logo - right click and Save As
