Some Points to Consider When Choosing Image Editing Software
Some Points to Consider When Choosing Image Editing Software
There are many image editing software programs, and features and functions vary greatly depending on the type of software. Therefore, when you touch image editing software for the first time, you may need to know what kind of software to choose.
The image editing software you can choose depends on your company’s image editing needs and computer environment, so you need to make a careful decision.
Features of image editing software
You can easily process beautiful images for homepages and photos for posters by yourself. However, you need to be careful because there are things that image editing software can and cannot do. Also, if you assume the famous software “Photoshop,” etc., there are many things you can do, but the functions may be difficult, and you may get frustrated.
First of all, I will explain the features of the image editing software and the functions that can be used. What you can do differs depending on the image editing software, but let’s deepen your understanding of the basic functions.
Converting Image Format
To enhance low-quality images, you can use image editing software like Canva, they have a Webp to JPG converter that will allow you to enhance your image. The image format is important because some devices might not be compatible with your file.
Can crop images
One of image editing software’s most valuable and well-known features is the image cropping function. You can extract or erase parts of the image. It is possible to create an image that conveys only the necessary information by clearing out a photo that contains unnecessary people or objects.
You can remove only the scenery from an image of scenery and people, place the person in another background, or remove electric wires and telephone poles from a landscape photo to make it look neater.
The general usage is to trace the outline of the image you want to cut with the mouse or pen tool to create a selection area and cut it out.
Images can be corrected
As a function of image editing software, there is also a function that allows various corrections to the image. This is a function that corrects problems other than composition and design, such as low image quality of images prepared as materials and poor skin quality.
Types of correction include exposure correction, skin correction, saturation and contrast, noise reduction, and resolution enhancement. This is a convenient function for changing the image of the original image. You can also work to change a cloudy sky into a blue sky. However, not all image editing software has all functions.
Images can be colored and processed.
With image editing software, you can also add coloring to the image and change the tone of the image. In addition, there are functions such as changing the color of a colored image and reversing the color of an image. This is convenient when you want to change the impression of a logo mark or icon that was originally created, or when you want to print a color logo on black and white paper.
In addition, with processing that changes the touch of an image, the same illustration can be made into images with different touches, such as Impressionist, Pop Art, and Van Gogh styles. It is possible to create an image with a completely different impression just by tweaking an existing landscape photo.
Free materials can be used freely
Some image editing software can use free images and decorative text materials. Free images include illustrations, landscape photos, and portraits, and you can create stylish images just by combining them. In addition, since there is a function to easily create simple shapes such as rectangles and circles, it is also possible to create images that combine them.
Preparing the original image is necessary
Some software can use simple materials, but basically, you need to prepare the original image yourself. The main purpose of image editing software is to process the original image, and the original use was to add various corrections and processes based on the material.
It is possible to use existing images and illustrations, but if you are aiming for an original design that does not overlap with other companies’ designs, it is better to prepare the base image yourself.
Online and offline
There are two types of image editing software, one for online use and the other for offline use after installation.
The online type is also called a browser type and can be used from anywhere as long as the Internet is connected. After launching the browser and registering as a member, you can log in and use it anytime. Also, by using the sharing function, images can be shared from other devices and edited by multiple people. It can also be shared with remote locations, which is convenient for remote work. The online version is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, allows for easy sharing and remote collaboration, which is ideal for creating collaborative projects like a photobook or a canvas print.
There is no need for initial settings on a personal computer, and if anything, there will be many that are low-cost and easy to use without specialized knowledge. Offline, installable software is complete on a single computer and can be used without an internet connection, but it cannot be shared. Initial settings and usage may require specialized knowledge, and the initial cost tends to be high because it is a one-time purchase. However, security and support are excellent.
Types of editing functions
Image editing software includes those that are good at image correction and those that are good at creating illustrations. Whether you want to correct the image or create an original illustration, you need to choose according to your purpose.
In image correction, emphasis is placed on functions such as adjusting the brightness and color of a photograph, cutting out the necessary parts, and combining it with another image. On the other hand, illustration-oriented software has only basic correction functions and a full range of functions for drawing illustrations and logos.
Free/price plans
Image editing software has a free version, free software, and paid software. There are many free software that can perform basic functions, and it is possible to choose according to usability, purpose of use, and frequency of use. Even with the same image editing software, there may be a mixture of paid plans that can be used for free.
In the case of a paid service, there are billing plans such as a one-time purchase or a monthly system (subscription service). In the case of a one-time purchase, the initial cost will be incurred, but the running cost will be suppressed, and the cost performance will be high if you use it for a long time. The monthly system is suitable for those who do not want to incur initial costs and for short-term use.
Compatible models
Some image editing software cannot be used depending on the compatible model. There is no particular problem with online software that can be used directly from a browser, but with software that requires installation, it is essential to check the compatible model.
Software that is written for Mac or Windows can only be used on each OS (operating system).
Designers are often compared to Macs and office systems are often compared to Windows, but image editing software can be used on Windows as well. Also, the selection of compatible models is part of the software, and many software can be compatible with most models.
By using image editing software, you will be able to create images for your website in-house, expanding the range of advertising materials that you can create in-house. However, some image editing software is difficult to use, so it is important to choose the one with specifications that match the skill of the person in charge. Also, the range of free usage varies depending on the software, which affects convenience, so if there is a cost limit, be careful at the selection stage.
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