Pixlr Photo Editing - Pixlr E Tutorial for Beginners

MKs Software House
14 May 202308:57

TLDRThis tutorial introduces beginners to Pixlr E, a photo editing tool. It covers the interface layout, starting with templates or creating a new image, and managing history. The video demonstrates how to open and resize images, unlock layers for editing, and navigate through various tools. It focuses on common tools for daily use, such as selection tools including the Lasso and Magnetic Lasso for complex selections. The tutorial also shows how to remove backgrounds, work with text tools, change fonts and sizes, and apply effects like outlines and shadows. It guides viewers on layer manipulation, including copying, pasting, and repositioning, as well as adjusting layer properties like opacity and blend modes. The video concludes with adding blur and gradient effects, using the 'Free Transform' tool for precise adjustments, and saving the final image or animation in various formats. The presenter encourages viewers to reach out for help and ends with a reminder to save their project.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“‚ Start with Pixlr E's interface, which offers templates and the ability to create a new image with various sizes.
  • πŸ” Unlock layers by clicking the lock icon to edit them and use tools like rotate, flip, and animate available under the 'Arrange' tool.
  • βœ‚οΈ Use selection tools such as Rectangle, Circle, Lasso, and Magnetic Lasso to make precise selections for editing.
  • πŸ—œοΈ Resize images with suggested sizes or custom dimensions and unlock the layer before making edits.
  • πŸ”“ To remove a background, use the 'Select Subject' feature or manually with the Polygon tool, then copy and paste the selection onto a new layer.
  • 🎨 Experiment with the Text tool to add and style text, including font, size, outline, and shadow effects.
  • πŸŒ„ Add and manipulate background layers, adjusting opacity and blend modes to achieve the desired effect.
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Apply effects like blur and gradient to enhance the visual appeal of the image.
  • πŸ”€ Reorder layers by dragging them up or down in the layers panel to manage which elements appear on top.
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilize the 'Free Transform' tool for making precise adjustments to layer size and position.
  • πŸ“Ή Explore the animation panel to add animations to the entire image or individual layers, and export as a video or image file.

Q & A

  • What is the first step to start editing in Pixlr E?

    -The first step is to open the Pixlr E interface, where you can choose a template to start editing or create a new image with a specific size and resolution.

  • How can you open an image in Pixlr E?

    -You can open an image by going to the 'File' menu and selecting 'Open Image.'

  • What is the purpose of the 'Unlock' option when working with an image in Pixlr E?

    -The 'Unlock' option allows you to modify the layer of the image. If the layer is locked, you won't be able to make changes to it.

  • How do you create a selection in Pixlr E?

    -You can create a selection using the selection tool, which allows you to create rectangle and circle selections. For more complex selections, you can use the Lasso tool or the Magnetic Lasso tool.

  • What is the 'Select Subject' feature in Pixlr E?

    -The 'Select Subject' feature is an option under the 'Select' menu that automatically selects the main subject of the image, which can be useful for removing the background.

  • How can you change the font and size of the text in Pixlr E?

    -After enabling the Text tool and typing your text, you can change the font and size by using the text options available at the top of the interface.

  • What does the 'Blur' tool in Pixlr E do?

    -The 'Blur' tool allows you to add blurriness to a selected part of the image or the entire layer by adjusting the size and strength of the blur.

  • How do you add a gradient effect to the background in Pixlr E?

    -You can add a gradient effect by selecting the gradient tool, choosing a gradient combination, and dragging the mouse from one end of the canvas to the other. You can then adjust the opacity of the gradient layer for a subtle effect.

  • What is the 'Drop Shadow' filter in Pixlr E?

    -The 'Drop Shadow' filter is used to add a shadow effect to a layer or subject in the image. You can choose the color of the shadow and adjust its settings to control the appearance of the shadow.

  • How can you resize the entire image in Pixlr E?

    -To resize the entire image, go to the 'Page' menu and select the desired resize option. Pixlr provides built-in ratios for resizing or you can enter a custom size.

  • What is the process to save an image or video in Pixlr E?

    -To save an image or video, go to the 'File' menu and select 'Save.' You can choose to download the project as a video (MP4) or as an image without animations in various formats like PNG.

  • How can you animate a single layer in Pixlr E?

    -To animate a single layer, go to the 'Animation' tab, select the layer, and choose one of the available animations. You can also adjust the animation speed using the icons provided in the panel.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ–ΌοΈ Introduction to Pixlr E: Interface and Basic Tools

This paragraph introduces viewers to Pixlr E, an online photo editing tool. It explains the opening interface, which includes templates for quick editing and a history feature that saves temporarily. Users can open an image or create a new one with various sizes, including custom sizes, and set a resolution and background color. The main editing interface is described with its tools, menu items, and navigation on the left, top, and right sides, respectively. Smart resize and animations are mentioned as features to be covered later. Instructions are given on how to open an image, resize it if necessary, and unlock layers for editing. The paragraph also covers basic tools such as selection tools, the Lasso tool for advanced selections, and the Magnetic Lasso tool for simple images. It concludes with how to remove an image's background using either manual selection or Pixlr's automatic 'Select Subject' feature.

05:01

πŸ“‹ Advanced Pixlr E Techniques: Text, Layers, and Effects

The second paragraph delves into more advanced features of Pixlr E, starting with the text tool which allows users to add and format text on the canvas. It discusses changing the font, size, and using text styles like outline and shadow for visual enhancement. The process of downloading and incorporating a free background image into the project is detailed, including unlocking layers, adjusting opacity, and reordering layers. The paragraph also covers layer manipulation, such as resizing, repositioning, and using blend options. Techniques for adding blur and gradient effects to the background are explained, along with how to create a new layer for these effects. Adding a drop shadow to the subject for a more realistic look is also described. The 'Free Transform' tool is introduced for making precise adjustments to layers. The paragraph concludes with resizing the entire image using built-in ratios or custom sizes and exploring the animation panel for adding animations to the image or individual layers. It ends with instructions on saving the project in various formats, including as a Pixlr file, an image, or a video.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Pixlr E

Pixlr E is a web-based photo editing software that offers a range of tools for editing and enhancing images. In the video, it is the primary tool used to demonstrate various editing techniques, such as resizing, selection, and text addition. It is significant as it is the software through which all the tutorial's examples are shown.

πŸ’‘Templates

Templates in Pixlr E are pre-designed layouts that users can choose from to start their editing process. They provide a foundational structure to build upon, which can save time and offer inspiration. In the script, the presenter mentions the availability of templates as a starting point for editing.

πŸ’‘Custom-size image

A custom-size image refers to an image that is created with specific dimensions that are not part of the standard sizes offered by the software. This allows for greater flexibility and precision when designing for particular projects or media. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to create a new image with a custom size.

πŸ’‘Selection tools

Selection tools in Pixlr E are used to isolate specific areas of an image for editing. They include the basic selection tool for creating rectangular or circular selections, and the Lasso tool for more complex shapes. These tools are essential for tasks such as moving, copying, or deleting parts of an image, as shown in the tutorial.

πŸ’‘Unlocking layers

In Pixlr E, layers can be locked to prevent accidental changes. Unlocking a layer is necessary to make modifications to it. The script mentions that to work on an image, one must unlock the layer, which is a crucial step in the editing process.

πŸ’‘Text tool

The Text tool in Pixlr E allows users to add text to their images. It includes options for font, size, and style, enabling users to create titles, captions, or other textual elements. The video demonstrates how to use the Text tool to add and format a main title on the image.

πŸ’‘Blur tool

The Blur tool is used to create a blurred effect on an image or a specific part of it. This can be used for various purposes, such as to soften backgrounds or to create a sense of depth. In the tutorial, the presenter uses the Blur tool to add blurriness to the background layer.

πŸ’‘Gradient

A gradient in Pixlr E is a smooth transition between two or more colors. It can be used to create visually appealing backgrounds or to add depth to an image. The script describes how to apply a gradient to a new layer to enhance the background of the image.

πŸ’‘Drop Shadow

The Drop Shadow effect adds a shadow to an object or text, giving it a three-dimensional appearance and making it stand out against the background. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to apply a drop shadow to the subject of the image for added visual interest.

πŸ’‘Free Transform

Free Transform is a feature in Pixlr E that allows users to manipulate layers by resizing, rotating, or skewing them. This tool is useful for making precise adjustments to the position and orientation of elements within an image. The script mentions using Free Transform to make adjustments to the layers.

πŸ’‘Animation

Pixlr E also has the capability to create animations. The animation panel allows users to add movement or effects to their images, which can then be exported as a video file. The video script covers how to use the animation features to animate the entire image or individual layers.

Highlights

Introduction to Pixlr E photo editing software with a focus on beginner-friendly features.

Exploring the opening interface with templates and the option to create a new image with custom sizes.

Understanding the main editing interface layout including tools, menu items, and navigation.

How to open an image and Pixlr's suggestion for resizing if the image is too large.

Unlocking layers for editing and the various layer manipulation options available.

Explanation of the selection tools including Rectangle, Circle, Lasso, and Magnetic Lasso.

Demonstration of how to remove the background from an image using automatic and manual selection methods.

Using the Text tool to add and format text with options for outline, shadow, and font customization.

Adding a background image and adjusting layer order to ensure proper visibility.

Utilizing layer options such as opacity and blend modes for creative effects.

Applying blur and gradient effects to enhance the background and create depth.

Adding a drop shadow to the subject for a more realistic appearance.

Free Transform feature for making precise adjustments to layer positioning and size.

Resizing the entire image using built-in ratios or custom dimensions.

Introduction to the Animation panel for creating animated effects on the whole image or individual layers.

Saving the project in various formats including video (MP4) and image (PNG) options.

The ability to save the project as a Pixlr file for future editing sessions.

Conclusion of the tutorial with an invitation for viewers to seek further assistance if needed.