Pro Editing with Pixlr X: High-Quality Tips & Techniques
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 9 min read

Contents

  1. Get to know Pixlr X
  2. How to crop and resize images
  3. How to adjust color and lighting
  4. How to use layers and masks
  5. How to use the clone stamp tool
  6. How to create custom brushes
  7. How to edit text and shapes
  8. How to save and export your work
  9. How to use Pixlr X for mobile editing
  10. Bonus tips and techniques for Pixlr X

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient way to edit photos online, Pixlr X should be at the top of your list. This powerful online photo editing tool offers an array of features that make it possible for anyone, from beginners to professionals, to transform ordinary photos into stunning images. With Pixlr X, you can crop, adjust color and lighting, use layers and masks, clone stamp, create custom brushes, edit text and shapes, and so much more. Best of all, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home—or anywhere else you happen to be! So, let's dive into the world of Pixlr X and discover how you can edit photos online with this fantastic tool.

Get to Know Pixlr X

Before we start tinkering with images, let's familiarize ourselves with the Pixlr X interface. Once you open the website, you'll see a clean, intuitive interface that's easy to navigate. Here's a brief overview of the key areas:

  • Menu Bar: Located at the top, the menu bar offers options like File, Edit, Image, Layer, and View. This is where you'll find options to open an image, save your work, and adjust various aspects of your image.
  • Tool Panel: On the left side, you'll see the tool panel. Here, you'll find tools to edit photos online with Pixlr X, such as the crop, resize, brush, and text tools.
  • Properties Panel: On the right side, there's the properties panel. This is where you adjust the properties of the tool you're using or the layer you've selected.
  • Layers Panel: Below the properties panel, you'll find the layers panel. This is the place where you manage the layers of your image—adding, deleting, duplicating, and rearranging as needed.

Now that we've covered the basics, you're well on your way to edit photos online with Pixlr X like a pro. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

How to Crop and Resize Images

One of the initial steps to edit photos online with Pixlr X often involves cropping and resizing images. Whether you're trying to get rid of a distracting background or resize an image to fit a specific format, these tools are super handy. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

  1. Select the Crop Tool: Locate this tool on the left-hand side of your screen. It looks like two intersecting right angles. Click on it.
  2. Define Crop Area: Click and drag your mouse across the part of the image you want to keep. You'll see a box form around this area.
  3. Adjust Crop Area: If you need to adjust the area, just drag the corners or sides of the box until you're happy with it.
  4. Apply the Crop: Once you're satisfied, click the "Apply" button in the right properties panel to make the change.

Now, let's move onto resizing:

  1. Open the Image Menu: Go to the top menu and click on "Image". A dropdown menu will appear.
  2. Select "Image Size": From the dropdown menu, select "Image Size". A new window will open.
  3. Enter New Dimensions: In this new window, you'll see two boxes: one for width and one for height. Enter your desired dimensions here.
  4. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" to resize your image. It's as easy as that!

Just like that, you've mastered two of the most used tools to edit photos online with Pixlr X. Ready to explore more? Let's keep going!

How to Adjust Color and Lighting

Adjusting the color and lighting of an image can make a world of difference. It's like adding a dash of salt to your food—it enhances the flavor, or in this case, the visual appeal. Let's learn how to edit photos online with Pixlr X by adjusting color and lighting.

  1. Select the Adjust Tool: On the left-hand side, you'll find a tool that looks like a half-filled circle. That's the Adjust tool. Click on it.
  2. Play with Brightness and Contrast: In the properties panel on the right, you'll find options for brightness and contrast. Sliding these bars can lighten or darken your image, and adjust the difference between the light and dark areas.
  3. Adjust Colors: Still in the properties panel, you'll find sliders for hue, saturation, and lightness. Hue changes the overall color theme, saturation changes the intensity of colors, and lightness can make colors either darker or lighter.
  4. Apply Changes: Don't forget to hit "Apply" to save the changes you've made.

And voila! With just a few simple steps, you've fine-tuned the color and lighting of your image. But we're not done yet. There are still more tools and techniques to discover in our journey to edit photos online with Pixlr X. Shall we continue?

How to Use Layers and Masks

Once you've nailed color and lighting, it's time to talk about layers and masks. Think of layers as sheets of glass stacked on top of each other. You can paint on each sheet without affecting the others. Masks, on the other hand, are like stencils that control where your edits show up. Let's dive into how to edit photos online with Pixlr X using layers and masks.

  1. Add a New Layer: In the layers panel (bottom right), click on the plus sign. This will add a new layer on top of the existing one.
  2. Get Creative: Select the layer you just created. Now, you can draw, erase, or add effects on this layer without altering the base image.
  3. Use the Mask: Click on the mask icon (it's a rectangle with a circle inside) in the layers panel. Now, any edits you make will only appear in the areas you've masked.
  4. Apply Changes: Don't forget to hit "Apply" to save your changes.

See, isn't that fun? With layers and masks, you can make complex edits with ease and precision. Remember, practice is key when you're learning to edit photos online with Pixlr X. So, why not start experimenting with these tools right away?

How to Use the Clone Stamp Tool

Let's move on to another handy feature in Pixlr X — the clone stamp tool. Ever wished you could duplicate a certain part of your image or erase an unwanted object? Well, with the clone stamp tool, you can do just that. Here's how to use this tool to edit photos online with Pixlr X.

  1. Choose the Clone Stamp Tool: On the left-hand toolbar, look for an icon that resembles a stamp. Click on it to select the clone stamp tool.
  2. Set Your Source: Hold down the Alt key and click on the part of the image you want to copy. This sets your source point.
  3. Start Cloning: Release the Alt key and start painting over the area you want to clone. The tool will duplicate your source point onto wherever you paint.
  4. Save Your Work: Click "Apply" to save your changes.

And voila! You've just mastered the clone stamp tool. With this tool, you can create duplicates, hide imperfections, and even create some fun, mind-bending images. So go ahead, give it a try and add another tool to your Pixlr X skill set.

How to Create Custom Brushes

One of the coolest features of Pixlr X is its ability to let you create custom brushes. Custom brushes can help you add a personal touch to your images. It’s like having a signature style that sets your images apart. Here’s how you can create custom brushes while you edit photos online with Pixlr X:

  1. Select the Brush Tool: On the left toolbar, click on the brush icon. This activates the brush tool.
  2. Customize Your Brush: At the top bar, you will find different settings for the brush tool. Here, you can adjust the brush size, hardness, and spacing. Plus, you can also choose a blend mode for your brush.
  3. Create Your Brush: After you set your preferences, start painting on your image. You'll see that your brush strokes now have your custom settings.
  4. Save Your Custom Brush: To use the same brush in the future, click on the “Add to My Brushes” button at the bottom of the toolbar. This saves your custom brush for later use.

And there you go, you've just made a custom brush in Pixlr X! Custom brushes are not just fun to use, they also save a lot of time when you're working on large projects. So create your own set of brushes and see how it can boost your creativity.

How to Edit Text and Shapes

Let's move on to another neat feature of Pixlr X — editing text and shapes. When you edit photos online with Pixlr X, you have a wide range of options to add and modify text and shapes. Here's a simple guide to help you out:

  1. Adding Text: Click on the 'T' icon on the left toolbar to add text. Type in your desired text in the text box that appears on your image. You can adjust the font, size, color, and alignment of the text using the options at the top.
  2. Editing Text: To edit your text, click on the text box and make your changes. You can even rotate, resize, or move the text box around.
  3. Adding Shapes: On the left toolbar, you'll find the 'Shape' tool. Click on it and choose from the variety of shapes available. Once you've chosen a shape, click and drag on your image to create it.
  4. Editing Shapes: To edit your shape, click on it. You can change its color, size, and rotation using the options at the top. To move the shape, simply click and drag it to your preferred location.

Editing text and shapes in Pixlr X is as simple as that. It’s a great way to make your photos more meaningful and engaging. Remember, the key is to experiment and have fun with it!

How to Save and Export Your Work

So, you've put in the time and effort to edit photos online with Pixlr X, now it's time to save and share your masterpiece with the world. Here's how to do it:

  1. Saving Your Work: To save your work, look for the 'Save' button at the top right of your screen. You'll be given several options for format and quality. Saving in 'PXZ' format will let you edit your work later with all the layers and changes intact.
  2. Exporting Your Work: If you're ready to share your work, you can export it. Click on the 'File' menu and select 'Export'. You can choose the file format, such as JPG, PNG, or TIFF. Consider the end-use of the image when selecting the format. For example, if you're planning to print the image, TIFF is a good option as it retains high quality.

Remember, when you edit photos online with Pixlr X, always save your work regularly to avoid losing any of your changes. Happy editing!

How to Use Pixlr X for Mobile Editing

Now, what if you're on the move and still want to keep editing those stunning photos? Don't worry, you can edit photos online with Pixlr X right from your mobile device. Here's how:

  1. Getting the App: First things first, you need to download the Pixlr app from your device's app store. It's free and compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
  2. Opening an Image: Once you have the app, open it and select the '+' button to add an image from your device's gallery. Or, you can take a new photo directly through the app.
  3. Using the Tools: The mobile version of Pixlr X is user-friendly and intuitive. You can find all the tools at the bottom of the screen. Just like the desktop version, you can crop, resize, adjust colors, add layers, and more.
  4. Saving and Sharing: After making all the edits, don't forget to save your work. Tap on the 'Done' button and choose 'Save Image'. You can also directly share your edited image on social media platforms.

Mobile editing with Pixlr X is a great way to keep your photo editing game strong, even when you're on the go. Give it a try, and you might find it's even more fun to edit photos online with Pixlr X from your phone!

Bonus Tips and Techniques for Pixlr X

Ready to level up your Pixlr X skills? Here are a few bonus tips and techniques that can help you edit photos online with Pixlr X like a pro.

  1. Use Shortcuts: If you're using the desktop version, familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts. They will make your editing process faster and more efficient.
  2. Master the Undo Function: Made a mistake? No problem. The 'Undo' button is your best friend. It's located at the top of the screen and will take you one step back in your editing process.
  3. Experiment with Filters: Filters can add a unique touch to your photos. Pixlr X offers an array of filters. Don't be afraid to experiment and see which ones suit your style.
  4. Adjust Opacity: When working with layers and effects, adjust the opacity for a more subtle impact. It can dramatically change the look and feel of your photo.
  5. Save in Different Formats: Pixlr X allows you to save your work in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PXD (Pixlr's own format). PXD allows you to save your layers and edit them later.

With these extra tips and techniques, your ability to edit photos online with Pixlr X can reach new heights. Remember, the key to mastering any tool is practice. So, why not start experimenting with these techniques right now?

If you enjoyed learning about editing with Pixlr X and want to expand your skillset, check out 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' workshop by Nyanza. Although focused on animation, this workshop will provide you with valuable insights on using Photoshop, a powerful tool that can be used alongside Pixlr X to enhance your editing capabilities and create stunning visuals.