Overview
Almost every multimedia project includes images, and for the final project to turn out well, the images need to look good. That’s where image creation and editing software comes into play. These powerful tools can both enhance and transform the images that we include in our work and give our project a polished, professional appearance.
Tools
Consider the options on this list to help meet your image creation and editing needs:
- Nimbus Screenshot (Tips): Capture and annotate screenshots.
- Apple Camera: Adjust light and color, apply filters, copy, and straighten your images on iOS devices.
- Chromebook Image Editor: Perform basic editing on a Chromebook (cropping, adjusting brightness and contrast, and rotating images).
- Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is the photo editing tool used by most industry professionals, offering a powerful option if your students have access to this paid tool.
- LunaPic: This website allows you to quickly upload and edit images online. It features borders, filters, effects, art, and animation—making it work for creating GIFs, as well.
- Pixlr (Tips): Not only is the interface strikingly similar to Adobe Photoshop, but it is also free and available online. Pixlr currently offers two versions of its editor: Pixlr X (simple) and Pixlr E (robust).
- remove.bg: This simple website allows users to remove the background from an image, which can be very handy when layering an image over a background.
Disclaimer: This information is not, nor is it intended to be, construed as legal advice. You should consult with a licensed attorney in your state if you have specific questions and for advice regarding your individual situation.
Ways You Might Use Images
- Take your own photos.
- Get permission from the photographer to use a photo.
- Find an image with a Creative Commons license appropriate to your intended use.
- Use a website that offers royalty-free images for public use, like Unsplash or Pixabay.
- Use an image in the public domain.
- Follow fair use guidelines.
Integration Ideas
Here are some creative project ideas that students can produce with images:
- Image Collage
- Memes
- Websites
- Slideshows
- Infographics
- Books
- Posters
- Videos
- Timelines
- Brochures
How can I learn more?
For more information about using images to enhance creativity, explore the AVID Open Access article, Picture This: The Power of Images in Student Creation.