Editing Photos Online: 5 Practical Pixlr Tips

Daisie Team -

Contents

  1. Use layers for complex edits
  2. Adjust exposure and color balance
  3. Apply blur and sharpen effects
  4. Resize and crop images
  5. Save and export images in different formats

Editing photos online has never been easier, especially when you're using Pixlr. This handy tool has an array of features that can help you edit photos like a pro, right from your web browser. Today, we're going to explore 5 practical tips to help you edit photos online with Pixlr.

Use layers for complex edits

When you're working on a complex project, layers can be your best friend. Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of an image—you can add, remove or edit these without affecting the original image below. Let's talk about how you can use layers to edit photos online with Pixlr.

Creating a new layer

Creating a new layer in Pixlr is as simple as clicking on the "+" icon at the bottom of the layer panel. This creates an empty layer above your current one, ready for you to start your edits.

  • Tip: Naming your layers can help you stay organized, especially when you're working with multiple layers.

Layer Opacity

Once you've added a layer, you might want to adjust its opacity. This control allows you to make a layer more transparent or opaque, great for adding effects or blending images. You can adjust the opacity by moving the slider in the layers panel.

  • Remember: The lower the percentage, the more see-through your layer will be. This can be a fun way to experiment with different looks and effects.

Reordering and deleting layers

As you add more layers, you might need to rearrange them. You can simply drag and drop layers in the layers panel to change their order. Deleting a layer is also straightforward—click on the trash can icon at the bottom of the panel.

  • Note: The order of layers matters! Layers at the top of the stack will appear over those below.

So, there you have it. A simple guide to using layers to edit photos online with Pixlr. With a bit of practice, you'll be layering like a pro in no time. Next, let's take a look at how to adjust exposure and color balance. Stay tuned for more practical Pixlr tips!

Adjust exposure and color balance

Getting the right exposure and color balance can make a world of difference to your photos. It can take a dull, lifeless image and turn it into a vibrant, engaging masterpiece. Let's see how you can do this when you edit photos online with Pixlr.

Adjusting Exposure

The exposure of an image refers to the amount of light in the photo. Too much light, and your image can look washed out. Too little, and it may seem too dark. Adjusting exposure in Pixlr is a breeze.

  1. Select the 'Adjustment' menu from the toolbar.
  2. Click on 'Brightness & Contrast'.
  3. Use the sliders to get the desired effect. Remember, subtlety is key here.

Pro Tip: If your image is too bright, try reducing the brightness and increasing the contrast a little. If it's too dark, do the opposite.

Adjusting Color Balance

Color balance can help bring out the true colors in your image or create an entirely new mood. Think warm, sunny days or cool, blue evenings. Here's how you can adjust color balance in Pixlr.

  1. From the 'Adjustment' menu, select 'Color Balance'.
  2. Slide the 'Cyan-Red', 'Magenta-Green', and 'Yellow-Blue' sliders to alter the color balance of your image.

Remember: The changes you make should enhance the image, not overpower it. Less is often more when it comes to color balance.

By adjusting exposure and color balance, you can make your photos pop. Experiment with these settings next time you edit photos online with Pixlr and see the difference it can make. Let's move on to our next tip: applying blur and sharpen effects. Exciting stuff, isn't it?

Apply blur and sharpen effects

Blur and sharpen effects are like the salt and pepper of photo editing. They add that extra bit of flavor that can take your images from good to great. Let's see how you can use these tools effectively when you edit photos online with Pixlr.

Applying Blur Effects

Blur effects can help you draw attention to specific elements in your photo by blurring out the less important areas. Or, you can use them to create a dreamy, soft focus effect. Here's how to do it:

  1. Select the 'Filter' menu from the toolbar.
  2. Click on 'Blur'.
  3. Choose the type of blur effect you want to apply.
  4. Adjust the strength of the blur using the slider.

Pro Tip: If you only want to blur a specific area of your photo, use the 'Lasso' tool to select that area before you apply the blur.

Applying Sharpen Effects

On the flip side, sharpen effects can help bring out the details in your photo. They're great for making text more readable or enhancing the texture of objects. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Select the 'Filter' menu from the toolbar.
  2. Click on 'Sharpen'.
  3. Adjust the strength of the sharpen effect using the slider.

Remember: Be careful not to overdo it. Too much sharpening can make your photo look unnatural.

So, we've covered blur and sharpen effects. With these tools in your arsenal, you're well on your way to becoming a Pixlr pro. Next up, let's talk about resizing and cropping images. Ready to learn more?

Resize and crop images

Resizing and cropping are two basic but powerful tools in any photo editor's toolkit, and Pixlr is no different. These tools allow you to remove unwanted elements from your photo, focus on the important parts, and make your images the right size for their intended use. Let's dive into how to resize and crop images when you edit photos online with Pixlr.

Resizing Your Images

Resizing your image is as easy as pie with Pixlr. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the 'Image' menu from the toolbar.
  2. Click on 'Image Size'.
  3. Enter your desired width and height.
  4. Click on 'Apply'.

Note: Make sure to keep the 'Constrain Proportions' box checked if you want to maintain your image's aspect ratio.

Cropping Your Images

Cropping is just as simple and can help you remove unwanted elements from your photo or change its composition. Here's how:

  1. Select the 'Crop' tool from the toolbar.
  2. Drag the corners of the crop box to select the part of the image you want to keep.
  3. Click on 'Apply' to finish the cropping process.

Pro Tip: Think about the rule of thirds when you're cropping your photo. This can help you create a more balanced and engaging composition.

Now that you've mastered resizing and cropping, you're all set to take your Pixlr editing skills to the next level. Up next, let's explore how to save and export images in different formats. Are you excited to continue your Pixlr journey?

Save and export images in different formats

So, you've made your edits and you're ready to show off your masterpiece. But wait! Before you do, you need to save and export your image. Don't worry though, Pixlr makes this as easy as one, two, three. Let's take a look at how you can save and export images in different formats when you edit photos online with Pixlr.

Saving Your Masterpiece

When you're done editing, it's always a great idea to save your work. That way, you can come back and make more edits later if you want to. Here's how to save:

  1. Click on 'File' in the toolbar.
  2. Select 'Save' from the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose 'Pixlr' as your format to keep all your layers and edits intact.
  4. Click on 'OK' to save your image.

Note: Remember to name your file something that makes sense to you. "MyAmazingPhoto" is a lot easier to find later than "Untitled-1"!

Exporting Your Image

Once you're happy with your edits, you're ready to export your image. Pixlr allows you to export in several popular formats, including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. Here's how:

  1. Click on 'File' in the toolbar.
  2. Select 'Export' from the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose your desired format from the options available.
  4. Click on 'OK' to export your image.

Tip: If you're not sure which format to choose, JPEG is a good all-around choice for most images. PNG is great for images with transparent backgrounds, and TIFF is commonly used for high-quality prints.

And there you have it! You're now a pro at saving and exporting your images in Pixlr. What's next on your photo editing journey? Whatever it is, you're ready to tackle it head-on. Happy editing!

If you enjoyed learning about editing photos online and want to explore more digital art techniques, check out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using popular design tools, further enhancing your digital art skills.