Pixlr E Tutorial 1 - Getting Started
TLDRThis tutorial introduces viewers to Pixlr E, a versatile graphic design tool. The instructor emphasizes the importance of experimentation in design and provides various methods to import images into Pixlr E, including opening from a computer, using a camera, or sourcing from online. The video also demonstrates how to access Pixlr's built-in stock library, create a new blank canvas, and use templates for specific design projects. The instructor highlights the navigation and editing tools available in Pixlr E, such as the layers and history panels, and encourages learning from the ground up rather than relying on pre-made templates. The summary of the video aims to equip beginners with the necessary skills to start their graphic design journey using Pixlr E.
Takeaways
- ๐จ **Pixlr E Introduction**: The tutorial series aims to teach users how to use Pixlr E, a program for graphic design and arts appreciation.
- ๐ **Learning Tool**: Video tutorials allow users to pause and experiment with the tools at their own pace, promoting learning through exploration.
- ๐ผ๏ธ **Image Import**: Pixlr E offers multiple methods to import images, including from local storage, online URLs, and directly from a camera.
- ๐ **Online Image Access**: Users can search for and import images directly within Pixlr E using its built-in library or by pasting an image URL.
- ๐ฑ **Stock Library**: Pixlr E provides a stock library of high-resolution images that users can search and use in their projects.
- ๐ **Canvas Customization**: Users can create a new blank canvas with pre-sized options for various purposes or customize the canvas size as needed.
- ๐ญ **Transparent Background**: The option to have a transparent background is available, useful for designs that will be layered over other elements.
- ๐๏ธ **Direct Canvas Editing**: Pixlr E allows for direct brushing onto the canvas without importing an image, offering flexibility in design creation.
- ๐ **Templates**: Built-in templates are available for specific design projects like flyers or posters, providing a head start for users.
- ๐ **Navigation and Panels**: The interface includes tools for editing, panels for layers and history, and a navigation panel for zooming in and out.
- โฎ๏ธ **History Feature**: The history panel tracks all edits, allowing users to revert or modify previous changes as needed.
- ๐ง **Tool Controls**: Each tool in Pixlr E has additional controls that appear once selected, offering more options for customization.
Q & A
What is the purpose of the video series?
-The purpose of the video series is to teach viewers how to use Pixlr E for graphic design and arts appreciation, with the goal of helping them learn the tools that can be translated into using more advanced software like Photoshop in the future.
Why are video tutorials preferred over other forms of instruction?
-Video tutorials are preferred because they allow learners to pause and experiment with the software at their own pace, which is essential for graphic design where exploration and trying new things are crucial.
How can you open an existing image in Pixlr E?
-You can open an existing image in Pixlr E by clicking 'Open Image' and navigating to the location of the photo on your computer, or by connecting a camera via USB and selecting the photo from the device.
What are the different ways to bring an online image into Pixlr E?
-You can bring an online image into Pixlr E by copying the image URL and pasting it in the 'Load URL' option, or by copying the image itself and pasting it into Pixlr E using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V.
How does Pixlr E's built-in stock library help users?
-Pixlr E's built-in stock library allows users to search for and use high-resolution images without needing to have a specific image in mind, which can be helpful for projects where you need a starting point.
What is the advantage of starting a project with a blank canvas in Pixlr E?
-Starting with a blank canvas in Pixlr E allows users to create a project from scratch, which is useful for those who want to bring in multiple image layers or use brushes directly on the canvas.
How can you create a new blank canvas in Pixlr E?
-You can create a new blank canvas in Pixlr E by clicking 'Create New' and selecting a pre-sized canvas from the menu or customizing the size as per your needs.
What is the significance of the 'Layers' panel in Pixlr E?
-The 'Layers' panel in Pixlr E is crucial for managing different elements of a project. It allows users to add, organize, and edit layers, which is a fundamental aspect of working with images in graphic design.
How does the 'History' panel assist users in their work?
-The 'History' panel shows all the edits made to an image, allowing users to revert to previous steps if needed. This feature is helpful for undoing changes or experimenting with different effects without losing track of the original work.
What is the use of the 'Navigate' panel in Pixlr E?
-The 'Navigate' panel allows users to zoom in and out of their project, providing a way to view and work on details at various magnifications.
How can users access templates for specific design projects in Pixlr E?
-Users can access templates by clicking on 'Templates' on the side menu, selecting the purpose of their project, and choosing from the available pre-made templates that come with pre-set layouts and elements.
What is the benefit of using the 'No Layer' bar when selecting a tool in Pixlr E?
-When a tool is selected and the 'No Layer' bar is active, it provides additional controls specific to that tool, allowing for more precise and detailed manipulation of the image.
Outlines
๐จ Introduction to Pixlr E and Graphic Design Basics
This paragraph introduces the audience to a series of video tutorials focused on teaching Pixlr E, a graphic design tool. The speaker expresses their growing admiration for Pixlr E's capabilities, noting that familiarity with its tools will be beneficial for those who advance to using Photoshop. The video tutorials aim to allow learners to pause and experiment at their own pace, emphasizing the importance of hands-on exploration in graphic design. The paragraph outlines various methods to import images into Pixlr E, such as opening from the computer, using a camera connected via USB, or sourcing from online through URL or direct copy-paste. It also mentions Pixlr E's in-built library for high-resolution stock images and the option to start a project with a blank canvas, including customization of canvas size and background.
๐ Customizing Canvas and Exploring Pixlr E's Features
The second paragraph delves into the process of setting up a new project in Pixlr E, including creating a blank canvas with customizable dimensions and the choice of a transparent or colored background. It highlights the option to name the canvas and the flexibility to work with or without a background, catering to different design needs. The paragraph also touches on using pre-made templates for specific design projects like flyers or posters, which come with pre-set layers and layouts. However, the speaker notes that for learning purposes, starting from scratch is preferred to gain a deeper understanding of the design process. The navigation tools within Pixlr E are introduced, including the layers panel, history, and navigation for zooming. The speaker also discusses the tool options that appear when a tool is selected and the ability to restore panels if they are accidentally deleted. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for the next video, which will cover adjustments and filters.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กPixlr E
๐กGraphic Design
๐กExperimentation
๐กImage Manipulation
๐กStock Library
๐กBlank Canvas
๐กLayers
๐กTemplates
๐กNavigation
๐กHistory Panel
๐กAdjustment and Filter
Highlights
Introduction to a series of tutorials on using Pixlr E for graphic design and arts appreciation.
Familiarity with Pixlr E tools can translate well into using Photoshop for advanced graphic design.
Video tutorials allow for pausing and experimenting with graphic design tools at your own pace.
Demonstration of how to navigate Pixlr E and start a project with an image.
Multiple methods to import images into Pixlr E, including from local storage, cameras, and online URLs.
Option to copy an online image's URL and load it directly into Pixlr E.
Using Pixlr E's built-in stock library to find and import high-resolution images.
Creating a new blank canvas in Pixlr E with customizable dimensions and the choice of a transparent or colored background.
Explanation of how to use layers in Pixlr E, which will be covered in more detail in a future tutorial.
Using brushes to create artwork directly on the canvas.
Access to pre-made templates for specific design projects like flyers or posters within Pixlr E.
Emphasis on designing from the ground up rather than relying on templates for learning purposes.
Navigation tools within Pixlr E, including the layers, history, and navigate panels.
The history panel allows users to revisit and undo previous edits.
Customizing the workspace by showing or hiding panels to optimize the design area.
Accessing additional tool controls by clicking on a selected tool.
Returning to the Pixlr homepage and accessing previous projects from the latest projects menu.
Upcoming tutorial on adjustments and filters in Pixlr E.