Visual Storytelling: The Backbone of Effective Wayfinding

People are inherently visual creatures: we process more than 80% of information from the outer world with our eyes. Besides, we process images way faster than text. Visual information could convey complex information in a very fast way — just one glance will allow you to grasp the whole idea of the message without the need to read the entire page of text. In the context of wayfinding, clear, transparent and well-designed images help decrease the cognitive overload with information and possible confusion. In general, they act as bridges that help users find the way from their current destination to the desired destination.

Obtaining High-Quality Images

The basis for the effective visuals is the high quality of original images. High-resolution photos could offer more data to process during the editing procedures, which results in more transparent and detailed imagery. For the ultimate quality of your images, we recommend you use special professional equipment, ensure optimal lighting conditions and take photos from multiple angles.

Cropping Techniques for Clarity

With cropping, you can remove obsolete or unnecessary elements from the picture in order to concentrate the viewer’s attention on more critical information. You can also use the Rule of Thirds to place important elements along the grid lines to make the image more balanced and visually attractive to the users. Make sure to pay attention to preserving consistency across images to ensure uniformity within the software interface.

Balancing Brightness and Contrast

Appropriate brightness and contrast configurations are vital in order to ensure easy interpretation for imagery creation. Increased levels of brightness can help reveal details that could be otherwise hidden in the shadows. Adding more contrast can make the distinctions between certain elements and make some of them more conspicuous. With the histogram instrument, it becomes possible to balance the tonal range and ensure that no details would be lost in the dark or extremely bright areas. 

Saturation and Tone

With colors playing a significant role in the users’ perception, designers should not overlook the saturation and tone techniques. If you correct the white balance, it would ensure that the colors in your images would appear more natural-looking and realistic. Thanks to the adjustment of saturation and vibrance, you can make the colors more vivid and not oversaturate them in an unnatural way. Maintaining a consistency of the color palette across all images would help ensure a cohesive visual experience.

Methods for Image Sharpness

With sharpening, you can bring out details and textures that are vital for smooth navigation. If you use unsharp masking, you would increase the contrast along the edges within the picture, which would make it even sharper. The special clarity slider is a tool, with which you could enhance mid tone contrasts, adding depth to the imagery. Just do not forget that excessive sharpening could add extra noise which may disorient and distract users from what really matters.

Mastering Layers and Masks

For non-destructive edits, you can separate adjustments into layers and tweak individual elements without affecting the entire image. Utilizing masks would allow you to introduce adjustments in a selective way, targeting specific areas that require additional enhancement. You can also experiment with blending modes for such effects as soft light or overlay, which can upgrade the presentation of textures and depth.

Eliminating Visual Clutter

When the imagery is cluttered, it poses certain dangers — users will be overwhelmed with too much information to digest, and it may result in severe confusion and loss of their way. To prevent this, make sure you clean up your pictures and leave present only the relevant information that makes a difference. For this purpose, cover all the unwanted images like signs, people, or obstructions. Use a healing brush to remove small imperfections or distractions. In some cases, AI-based tools could be of great help and intelligently remove unnecessary objects and fill in the background seamlessly.

Adding Helpful Annotations

Sometimes, you can enhance an image by adding some new elements rather than removing the already present ones. For such purposes, you can use directional arrows to indicate movement or direction, use shapes or shading to draw attention to specific areas, like entrances or exits, or even add concise text labels to provide additional context or instructions for readers.

Techniques in Perspective Adjustment

When you take images at angles, they could distort the perception of space and mislead users. To solve this issue, we recommend you use perspective correction tools in order to guarantee that lines that should be vertical or horizontal appear as such. Other useful methodologies include lens distortion correction and keystone adjustment, which correct the convergence of lines in images taken from a low or high angle.

The post Navigating the Basics: Photo Editing Techniques for Creating Effective Wayfinding Software Visuals appeared first on Littlevgl.

Despite the crucial nature of their tech aspects, the visual design of these edifices plays an equally if not more important role in the UX. For this task, these organizations utilize the services of professional photo editors who transform usual imagery into powerful visually appealing aids that help improve usability and navigation.

From Sight to Site: The Role of Visual Cues

As you may know, the very concept of wayfinding denotes much more than just providing directions — it’s all about building an intuitive journey for all the users on this quest. Visually appealing cues are fundamental for guiding individuals through unknown obscure spaces.

The imagery, enhanced by HD graphics, can make a difference between the seamless navigation and a possibly frustrating and devastating experience for users. Comprehensive photo editing can elevate the quality of these visuals, which ensures they are clear, transparent and could engage new visitors.

Clear Images, Clear Directions

Among the most important challenges of the wayfinding software you can find such factors as processing the complex information and trying to present it in an easily digestible format. Raw photographs often contain obsolete details or insufficient lighting conditions that can lead to the confusion of users. The photo editing can allow designers to improve the clarity by adjusting the levels of brightness, contrast, and sharpness. 

When photographers highlight the major vital elements and minimize distractions, users can concentrate on other critical aspects of the entire environment. For example, when you increase the level of brightness in the dimly lit hallways and passages, photos could unveil the exit signs and directional arrows that could otherwise stay unnoticed. If you adjust the sharpness, it would help ensure that the text on signs is legible, which is vital for the users who are accustomed to making quick decisions on the go.

Brand Harmony and Aesthetics

For high cohesiveness of user experience, organizations should strive to ensure consistency of all visual components. Consistency in visual elements is key to a cohesive user experience. If images are not properly aligned, it could potentially disorient users, and it would be harder for them to navigate the software, and subsequently the relevant building.

With photo editing tools, you can experiment and try to vary and then unify the color grading, lighting, and styling across all images within the apps. Besides, consistency in the visuals can help reinforce branding. When you apply a specific color palette or the definite corporate style preferred by the company, the software becomes not just a mere app, but an extension of the brand, which enhances recognition and trust of the current and potential clientele.

Eye-Catching Essentials

When we speak about all kinds of navigation tools, it comes as no surprise that certain information is often more important than other information. The precious photo editing skills help designers to emphasize critical elements within imagery and highlight what’s important.

There are even special editing techniques like saturation, when you can increase the intensity of the coloring of the critical elements within images. You can saturate such areas as emergency exits or information desks to draw the user’s eye to important features.

Besides, there is a blurring option as well, which helps to focus attention by softening less important areas, and afterwards the primary subject can stand out much more prominently. It becomes especially beneficial for crowded environments where visual clutter can overwhelm the users and distract them from what really matters.

Navigating the Maze

Large facilities are often perceived as mazes, where it is difficult to find the way to your destination. With photo editing skills, you can simplify their representation in the app and remove all the unnecessary details, highlighting the key pathways. Designers could also crop the images and focus on essential areas in the building, which reduces cognitive load on the app user and makes navigation more intuitive. 

You can also use such features as panoramic stitching in order to combine multiple images into a single, comprehensive view of the space. This technique offers a much broader context to the viewers and assists them with understanding of different areas and their interconnection.

Incorporating Interactivity

Contemporary wayfinding solutions could include interactive functionalities such as touchpoints or augmented reality overlays. Proper photo editing skills are required for seamless integration of these components into visuals. Photo editors and designers could build hotspots within the imagery that would offer extra data or recommendations of directions, when tapped or clicked.

When organizations enhance their apps with such interactive components, users could experience a much more engaging and informative user journey. The key to this aim is ensuring that these components are intuitive enough and could enhance and not disrupt the process of navigation.

The post From Snapshots to Signage: How Photo Editing Skills Enhance Wayfinding Software Design appeared first on Littlevgl.

Crop and Resize

The first and most basic feature that every beginner’s photo editor app should have is the ability to crop and resize images. This feature allows users to adjust the size and aspect ratio of their photos to fit specific requirements or use cases.

Color Adjustments

Color adjustments are essential for enhancing the color balance and saturation of photos. A beginner’s photo editor app should have the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and other color parameters to improve the overall look of the photo.

Filters

Filters are a popular feature in photo editor apps that allow users to enhance or modify the overall look of their photos. Beginner’s photo editor apps should have a variety of filters to choose from, including vintage, black and white, and other creative filters.

Text and Stickers

Adding text and stickers to photos is a popular trend in social media and photo sharing platforms. Beginner’s photo editor apps should include a variety of fonts, colors, and sticker packs that users can use to add text and visual elements to their photos.

Frames and Borders

Frames and borders are another popular feature that can add a finishing touch to photos. A beginner’s photo editor app should include a variety of frames and borders that users can choose from to complement their photos.

Undo and Redo

Mistakes are inevitable, especially for beginners. That’s why it’s important for a beginner’s photo editor app to have an undo and redo feature, allowing users to easily revert changes and try different options.

Easy Navigation and User Interface

A beginner’s photo editor app should have a simple and intuitive user interface, with easy navigation and clear labels for each feature. The app should be easy to use for beginners without overwhelming them with too many options.

Share and Save Options

Sharing and saving options are important for any photo editor app. A beginner’s photo editor app should have the ability to save photos to the device’s camera roll and share them on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

User Feedback

As a beginner, it’s important to get feedback on your photo editing skills. A beginner’s photo editor app should have a user feedback feature that allows users to get feedback from other users or from the app itself.

Help and Tutorials

Last but not least, a beginner’s photo editor app should have a help and tutorial section that provides guidance and tips on how to use the app effectively. This section should be easily accessible and include step-by-step instructions on how to use each feature.

Tips for Designing an Intuitive and User-Friendly Photo Editor App

Now that we have discussed the key features that a photo editor app should have, let’s explore some tips for designing an intuitive and user-friendly app. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when designing your photo editor app:

Keep the User Interface Simple and Intuitive

A photo editor app should have a simple and intuitive user interface that allows users to quickly and easily edit their photos. Avoid cluttering the app with too many features or tools, as this can make the app overwhelming and difficult to use. Instead, focus on the most important editing tools and features and make them easily accessible.

Provide Tutorials and Help Documentation

Even with a simple user interface, some users may still need help using your app. Providing tutorials and help documentation can make it easier for users to understand how to use your app’s features and tools. Consider creating short video tutorials or step-by-step guides that walk users through the editing process.

Use Familiar Icons and Terminology

To make your app more user-friendly, use familiar icons and terminology that users are already familiar with. For example, use a “crop” icon for the crop tool and use terms like “brightness” and “contrast” for editing features. This will make it easier for users to understand what each tool or feature does and how to use it.

Provide Feedback and Confirmation Messages

When users perform an action in your app, provide feedback to confirm that the action has been completed successfully. For example, when a user saves an edited photo, display a confirmation message that the photo has been saved. This will help users feel more confident using your app and prevent them from accidentally losing their edited photos.

Allow Customization and Personalization

To make your app more engaging, consider allowing users to customize and personalize their editing experience. For example, you can allow users to create their own custom filters or allow them to choose from a variety of preset filters. You can also allow users to customize the app’s color scheme or theme to match their preferences.

By following these tips, you can design a photo editor app that is intuitive, user-friendly, and engaging for your target audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing a photo editor app for beginners requires a balance of simplicity, functionality, and creativity. By including key features like basic editing tools, filters, and sharing options, you can create an app that appeals to users who are new to photo editing. Additionally, by keeping the user interface simple and intuitive, providing tutorials and help documentation, using familiar icons and terminology, providing feedback and confirmation messages, and allowing customization and personalization, you can design an app that is user-friendly and engaging for your target audience.

If you’re looking for professional app design services, Orangesoft can help. We provide UI/UX design services to create custom mobile applications that are tailored to your specific business needs. Contact us today to learn more about our app design services and how we can help you create a successful photo editor app.

The post The Top 10 Features to Include in a Beginner’s Photo Editor App appeared first on Littlevgl.

Top 7 Online Photo Editors 

Nowadays, everyone uses the internet and prefers to perform tasks online. You have numerous photo editor sites available if you want to tweak your images. Still, the choice is yours if you want to use websites to edit pictures or application software powered by outstanding web app development. Online editors can make changes to your image straight in the system browser by editing pictures websites. They are pretty easy to use; all required is uploading the photographs from the system and modifying them online. These picture editing sites offer some fundamental functions, including text addition, picture cropping, image resizing, adding filters, AI-powered functions, and more.

How to edit photos free? Well, there are several available websites to edit pictures that you can use to adjust images as per your needs without installing anything else on your computer. With the help of these mentioned tools, you can edit photos before sharing them on social media or make attractive digital collages. But it might be challenging to choose the ideal solution for you, given the wide range of choices.

Pixlr 

Pixlr’s full range of best free photo editor online tools is ideal for people who wish to explore more artistic features or make complicated alterations. Several free online picture editing tools are available through Pixlr. Since it is browser-based, you can use it on any computer, and you can access a mobile version via the browser on your smartphone.

Pixlr could be a better option for you if you’re seeking for an online picture editor that doesn’t require account registration. If you wish to edit your photographs, you’ll probably utilize the Pixlr E editor, which includes various free options. You can quickly and simply resize your photographs while using Pixlr’s free edition. Pixlr is the best way to edit photos; it allows you to change colors where you think it’s essential and eliminate spots and other undesired objects from your photo. It also allows you to blur any desired portions of your image or apply a bokeh effect to your pictures.

Pixlr is the best online image editor for marketers that want a simple editor to create graphics quickly, mainly if you’re producing content for social media.

Inkscape 

Inkscape is a free vector graphics editing software considered a fantastic solution to Adobe Illustrator, With an intuitive UI and a host of helpful features. The UI might appear a little chaotic, but it merely reflects the enormous amount of tools it has. Almost all of the tools you’ll frequently use are located along both sides of Inkscape’s main window. Generating polygons, circles, arches, 3D cubes, ellipses, stars, and swirls is possible by using the vector tool.

Numerous file formats are supported for opening as well as storing. You can work with layers, add a wide variety of filters to a photo, and utilize spell check alongside the text tool, among many other helpful tools. Inkscape is also compatible with numerous extensions, like the majority of photo editor sites. It could be a better option for designers to editing pictures websites.

It is compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems. The most recent update needs Windows 7 to work. A portable edition for Windows users is also available and is ideal for editing directly from a flash drive.

Fotor

Fotor is a free online picture editor for browsers and the best way to edit photos. It’s perfect for those who aren’t accustomed to complex picture editing because of its clear interface and straightforward controls. You can rapidly get up to speed using the best free photo editor online, like Fotor, since they feature helpful wizards that walk you through their primary functions.

You can rapidly get up to speed using Fotor, which includes a helpful wizard that walks you through its essential functions. Fotor’s AI-powered picture editing allows you to perform many modifications. A fantastic option for hardcore users, it offers a subscription tier called Fotor Pro that will enable you to access many more filters and effects. With only one click, you can enhance your photographs’ colors, add effects, add or remove exposure, and employ portrait touch-up tools. Next, you can also include other components like logos, vectors, and numerous textures. It is the best online image editor for amateurs seeking expert editing and ranks as one of the best editing pictures websites.

To keep your pictures safe, Fotor offers cloud storage.

One million stock pictures with commercial usage rights are available if you sign up for the premium version.

Photo Pos Pro

You would love to use the Photo Pos Pro tool for urgent editing. Photo Pos Pro is the best photo editor website. With the help of this program, you can easily edit photos and produce graphics as needed. This even allows for precise editing and fixes, which greatly facilitates sharpening and accentuating. With Photo Pos Pro, computer graphics and other processing tasks become much simpler to do. According to user feedback, the Photo Pos Pro offers a variety of settings that make editing simple. Additionally, this program has a bath operating mode that makes it much simpler for users to do tasks and edit many photo formats. There are also several available formats for the gradients and textures.

This free picture editing program has two modes—novice and expert. Novice mode offers simple one-click solutions for beginners, while manual editing options are more enjoyable for professionals. A few entertaining special effects are included, including dispersion, pencil drawing, motion effects, and a distinctive “pop-out of picture” effect.

BeFunky 

BeFunky is a user-friendly and one of the unusual photo editor sites available on the internet. With just a few clicks, it can add several distinct effects to a photo. One unique function is the “Cartoonizer,” which turns any image into a cartoon with just one click. Additional business-oriented tools are available.

You can also use tools like red-eye removal to correct particular aspects of your shot. It also allows you to crop, resize, rotate, and change the exposure of your image, as you would expect from an image editor. You can add frames to your image using BeFunky, which offers a variety of whimsical designs. Additionally, you have the option of adding overlays and several additional elements to your image.

BeFunky is a fantastic tool for content creators to develop marketing assets efficiently, such as flyers or brochures.

Although BeFunky is free to use, you must pay to access some of the more professional features.

Canva 

Canva is a well-known online design and publishing solution. Since the tool’s debut in 2013, users of Canva have produced over 1 billion designs. Canva is considered one of the best websites to edit pictures; it is used by both amateur and professional photographers and content creators. Canva is the best way to edit photos, producing stunning visual material, especially for social media, thanks to its collection of pre-built templates and simple drag-and-drop features. With Canva’s free service, you have access to 250,000 customizable templates and save your creations to 5GB of cloud storage.

Canva offers a premium version that you can purchase, but the free version also contains several tools that may assist you in enhancing the quality of your photographs. You can trim, apply filters, and do other things with your pictures while utilizing Canva’s free version. You can use your images in designs and other niceties if you want to use social media to expand your internet profile.

If you purchase Canva’s membership plan, you’ll get a whopping 100GB of cloud storage and other premium features.

GIMP 

The GNU Image Manipulation Program, also known as GIMP, has a ton of image-enhancing features equivalent to those offered by expensive software, and more are being introduced daily. Significant number of plugins have been developed by the GIMP community of users and developers to increase the functionality of this open-source, free picture editor. Plenty of them are pre-installed, and you may get additional ones from the main glossary. You can even add Photoshop plugins if that is insufficient. GIMP is the best photo editor website; being an open-source platform, GIMP will always be available for free and is supported by a dedicated group of developers worldwide who are actively striving to improve it. GIMP falls in the category of one of the fantastic editing pictures websites.

This photo editing toolset is overall-fantastic. It has levels, shapes, layers, filters, and masks.

You can simply remove faults using the amazing clone stamp and healing tools. You can also make custom brushes, change your viewpoint, and make adjustments to isolated regions with smart selection tools.

Even if you are absolutely new to photo editing, the Gimp interface is simple, and you won’t take long to get used to it.

Conclusion 

Making images that capture viewers’ interest throughout the world is just as challenging today as it was before digital cameras weren’t as widely accessible. At a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%, the market for rendering software, editing, and design increased from USD 42.61 billion in 2021 to USD 46.29 billion in 2022. With only a few clicks, you can improve a good shot into a fantastic one using beginner-friendly photo editing software. For this reason, it is crucial to carefully select the image editing program you want to use. Each photo editing program for beginners we’ve included in this post is strong enough to let you take beautiful photos. 

There are several online photo editors that can be used for different purposes at the beginner, intermediate, and professional levels of picture editing. The majority of the software on our shortlist is suitable for users of all skill levels. However, some of them are more suited for advanced picture editing.

Just make sure that the websites to edit pictures you choose are appropriate for the type of project you’re working on; most are either free or inexpensive, and you can even pay a graphics designer to perform the work for you if you want. 

The post The top 7 online tools for creative picture editing appeared first on Littlevgl.

1. Removing unwanted objects: Removing unwanted objects from a photograph, such as power lines or people, can be difficult and time-consuming. This is especially true if the object is in the foreground of the image or if it is partially obscured by other elements in the scene.
2. Adjusting color and tone: Adjusting the color and tone of an image can be challenging, especially if the photograph was taken in difficult lighting conditions. It can be difficult to achieve the desired look without introducing artifacts or altering other parts of the image.
3. Retouching and smoothing skin: Retouching and smoothing skin in a photograph can be difficult, especially if the person in the photograph has blemishes or wrinkles. It can be challenging to achieve a natural-looking result without introducing artifacts or making the skin look unnatural.
4. Adjusting perspective: Adjusting the perspective of an image can be difficult, especially if the photograph was taken at an angle. It can be challenging to make the lines in the image appear straight and parallel, without introducing distortion.
5. Composition: Achieving a good composition in a photograph can be challenging, especially if the scene is cluttered or if the elements in the image don’t align well.
6. Removing noise: Removing noise from an image can be difficult, especially if the photograph was taken in low-light conditions. It can be challenging to remove the noise without introducing artifacts or altering other parts of the image.
7. Working with different file formats: Each file format has its own unique characteristics, and it can be challenging to work with different file formats and achieve consistent results.
8. Meeting client expectations: Meeting client expectations can be challenging, especially if the client has a specific vision in mind for the final image. It can be difficult to achieve the desired results without introducing artifacts or altering other parts of the image.

These are some of the common challenges that photo editors may face when working with photographs. However, with the advancements in technology, AI-powered photo editing software can help to overcome some of these challenges, making the editing process faster, more efficient, and more accurate.

Examples of AI implementation in photo editing 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already revolutionized many industries, and the field of photo editing is no exception. AI-powered photo editing services have the potential to enhance the way we edit and enhance photographs, making the process faster, more efficient, and more accurate.

Automation of repetitive tasks 

One of the most significant benefits of AI in photo editing is the ability to automate repetitive tasks. For example, using AI algorithms, it is possible to remove unwanted objects from a photograph automatically or to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image with just a few clicks. This can save editors a significant amount of time, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks that require a human touch.

Improving the quality of images 

Another benefit of AI in photo editing is improving the quality of images. With the help of machine learning algorithms, photo editing software can analyze an image and make adjustments that would be difficult or impossible for a human to replicate. For example, AI-powered software can remove noise and blur from a photograph, making it look sharper and more detailed. Additionally, AI can be used to enhance the color and tone of an image, making it look more vibrant and lifelike.

Accuracy 

Additionally, AI can help to improve the accuracy of photo editing. With the help of machine learning algorithms, photo editing software can analyze an image and make adjustments that would be difficult or impossible for a human to replicate. For example, AI-powered software can remove noise and blur from a photograph, making it look sharper and more detailed. Additionally, AI can be used to enhance the color and tone of an image, making it look more vibrant and lifelike.

Moreover, AI-powered photo editing software can also be used to create unique and interesting effects. For example, AI algorithms can be used to create a stylized version of a photograph, such as a painting or a sketch. Additionally, AI can be used to create composite images, blending multiple photographs together to create a new, unique image.

So, is AI worth it? 

 AI has the potential to greatly enhance photo editing services. Automation of repetitive tasks, improvement of image quality, increase in accuracy, and creation of unique and interesting effects are some of the benefits of using AI in photo editing. However, it’s important to note that despite the advancements in AI, it’s still not a replacement for human creativity and artistic vision. AI-powered photo editing tools should be seen as a tool that complements the skills of professional photo editors, rather than a replacement for them.

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Neural networks have learned how to do the impossible. The Google Brain team is using a pair of neural networks to generate images based on pictures with a resolution of only 8×8 pixels. They synthesize realistic details while increasing the resolution of the original images.

The process and scientific work created by employees of the Google Brain research project is called Pixel Recursive Super Resolution. As they write in the white paper: AI synthesizes realistic details in images while increasing their resolution.

The process consists of two steps. First, the program takes an 8×8-pixel image, from which it looks for a similar, higher-resolution sample to produce a sketch of the portrait or scene being processed. The second network then adds resolution to the image by estimating pixel values based on other high-resolution images found on the Internet with a similar pixel arrangement.
The process is far from perfect, but the result is still impressive. In the image above, the left column shows the original 8×8 pixel images that the neural networks worked with; the second column shows the AI-generated images; the third column shows the faithful versions of the portraits, reduced to 32 pixels, from which the images for the first column were derived.

More information about the study and other samples of enlarged images can be found in a paper provided by Google Brain.

Scientists have created an algorithm that gives photos the style of paintings by great artists

Researchers from the University of the German city of Tübingen have described how their neural algorithm creates new artistic images by giving random photos the style of paintings by famous artists. The accomplishments were described in a recently published research paper entitled “A Neural Algorithm of Artistic Style.”

“We are introducing an artificial system based on a neural network that creates high perceptual quality artistic images. The system uses neural representations to separate and recombine the content and style of arbitrary images, providing a neural algorithm for creating artistic images.”

The algorithm drew on various famous paintings to create a new creation.

German scientists say that with this software they are trying to artificially recreate the human ability to create unique visual images “through a complex interaction between content and image style.”

Whether photo editing software based on this algorithm will appear is not yet reported.

Free online service improves photo quality by increasing resolution by 4 times

The secret of the software is the use of neural networks – computing systems organized on the principle of biological neural networks (human and animal brains). The current version of Let’s Enhance uses the neural networks most focused on landscape and portrait images to quadruple the quality of low-resolution images.

The program uses three layers to compose the final image. The first, the Anti-JPEG filter, removes JPEG compression artifacts such as edge loss, sharpness and tone. The second layer, the Boring filter, upscales (increases resolution), preserving the original details and edges. Using AI technology, the third and final layer, called the Magic filter, tries to identify the depicted object (based on previously uploaded photos in the database) and fill it with new details.

The results are surprisingly accurate, and the tool will continue to improve with further use.

The post Unusual photo editors appeared first on Littlevgl.

Pixlr Editor

Pixlr photo editor is easy to use and has a wide range of features inherent to professional programs, such as cloning objects and changing colors. It supports all common file formats, including PSD and exports to JPG, PNG, BMP as well as its own multilayer PXD format.

At the same time, the application looks very attractive and includes a variety of tools: brushes and filters that you won’t have to look for for a long time. You will be surprised by the options of layers and masks, automatic or manual adjustment of colors.

The only annoying thing is the huge number of ads that take up a good half of the screen. But what else should you expect from the free version? If you want more options, try Pixlr Pro for $5.

The service is available online through any browser on your PC, and as an app on your iPhone and Android. The undoubted advantage is the detailed instructions that help you quickly learn the most complex nuances of the work. Even if you already have some photo editing experience, don’t be in a hurry to give up on learning.

Polarr

The first time you visit the Polarr editor, you’ll have the opportunity to get detailed information about each feature, and a step-by-step guide will teach you how to adjust brightness, correct perspective, remove blemishes, and retouch portraits. In addition, Polarr’s own YouTube channel has instructional video tutorials for novice users.

There is a batch save images in three quality options, as well as resizing to the standard view for posting on Twitter, Pinterest and other social networks.

The basic version has limited functionality, you must pay $2.49 per month for the premium version to connect to the advanced options.

Photopea

Photopea is another online alternative to Photoshop that comes with a number of advanced features and is based on HTML5, so it runs seamlessly in any modern browser without the need to install additional plugins.

It offers a number of different brushes and filters, changing colors, layering, automatic or manual adjustment of brightness, hue, saturation, blur and sharpness effects. With advanced text design tools you can create original banners.

Allows you to save the results of processing in PSD format, supports most of the known extensions (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP SVG, XCF, Sketch). User-friendly interface, a variety of tools and the same hotkeys as in Photoshop.

Sumopaint

The next online graphics editor is Sumopaint, which has earned popularity among 30 million people. Although compared to professional programs its range of features is not so wide, the toolbars with numerous filters and effects are identical to the standard Photoshop.

Before using it, don’t forget to update the Flash plugins to the latest version. When working in free mode, in addition to the native SUMO, PNG and JPG formats are supported, which is usually quite enough.

Processing results are stored in the cloud, which allows you to share photos with friends through automatically generated links. There is a Russian language.

Fotor

Despite its limited functionality, Fotor contains some interesting options that will be useful when editing single or group portraits. The available tools allow you to retouch spots, smooth out wrinkles, correct face and body shapes, add captions, stickers, and photo frames.

There is a distribution for installation on a PC (for Windows), but it works fine online through any browser. The program has a nice interface and does not require a lot of processing power. You won’t have to make your computer pant like an overloaded steam engine and waste time waiting for an operation to complete.

Fotor provides a good set of intelligent filters and effects, as well as the ability to create fancy photo collages and process multiple files simultaneously. With this service, it’s easy to implement your design ideas for business cards, social media avatars, posters, banners, and postcards.

Of course, Fotor doesn’t have the usual Photoshop brushes and stamps, nor does it guarantee any artistic effects, but it handles its job well. It’s good for simple photo editing and will come in handy for those of you who don’t need the advanced features. There is correction of portrait pictures, batch processing of images. The edited pictures are uploaded to cloud storage.

BeFunky

BeFunky has a huge collection of colorful images, artistic fonts, raster vectors for free use. In addition, the site is interactive, that is, you can choose the tools you want to work by fixing their icons on the taskbar.

The interface is intuitive, in addition BeFunky has the highest performance of the services listed here and amazes with many amazing tools for improving the quality of images. The collage function and design elements allow you to turn an ordinary picture into a colorful postcard, colorful poster, or Powerpoint slide in just a few steps.

If you design promotional banners, create layouts for printed brochures, or just like to share colorful pictures with your friends, then you should take a closer look at this online editor and try it out.

Lunapic

Lunapic is a completely free online editor with a great collection of backgrounds, art, static and animation filters at your disposal. The navigational menu with its modest appearance does not differ much from the interface of many similar programs.

The results from some of the photo effects are mind-blowing; you’ll have to see them to realize how good they are. In addition to downloading images from your computer, you can paste the URL in a special line and download the picture from any website. Supported extensions are GIF, JPG, BMP, PNG.

iPiccy

iPiccy offers basic and advanced graphic editing tools with handy controls for adjusting colors, brightness, contrast. In addition to installing a variety of filters and effects, you can retouch faces in photos: for example, smooth out wrinkles, hide blemishes or birthmarks.

The best thing about iPiccy is that all features are available absolutely free of charge. The interface is very minimal. If you are looking for a good photo editor without hassles, consider that it is right in front of you. You can easily correct your pictures by moving control points on the curve, cloning tools, background erasers, which is enough.

The service only allows you to save pictures in JPG and PNG. It is possible to handle multiple files at once, and WYSIWYG interface makes the work much easier.

PicMonkey

PicMonkey is great for designing layouts for flyers, logos, invitations, promotional posters, and greeting cards. The only disappointment is the lack of fixed-size templates needed when preparing pictures for social media. Now you don’t have to have professional skills to create stunningly beautiful pictures.

The simplicity compared to more advanced editors is appealing. Even on your first visit, you won’t encounter any difficulties. The friendly, logically laid out look and feel won’t let an adult or child get lost among the tools and filters. PicMonkey is a true collage expert that outshines most of its competitors.

Here you will find a variety of stencils, backgrounds, frames, cliparts designed to make it easy to create logos for websites. Yes, you won’t be able to work with 2 or 3 files at once, but PicMonkey is still worthy to be considered almost the best online photo editor.

Like most other web services, PicMonkey has extra features not available for free. You can get acquainted with the advanced toolset during a seven-day trial period. And then, if you really need it, you’ll have to buy a paid subscription. There’s an extensive library of frames, backgrounds, and templates, with over a thousand items, and an excellent gallery of effects, filters, and other decorations.

Ribbet

The main advantage of Ribbet is simplicity and reliability. Thanks to a carefully thought-out design, even a layman can easily understand all the nuances of editing.

There is a collage feature, as well as a fairly solid set of useful tools, including more than 70 different fonts for captioning pictures, the ability to create stickers, stickers, and much more.

If you register, you get access to free cloud storage, where it’s convenient to place and sort your photos, as well as share them with friends. If you pay attention to Ribbet, you will not go wrong with your choice. This is a very worthy project that is a pleasure to work with. It gets better with every update.

It is worth noting one important detail: to take advantage of more advanced functionality, you will need to buy a premium package. However, the basic options are enough to effectively convert and improve your photos. The site is available from your computer, iPhone and iPad, and an Android version should be available soon.

Of course, Ribbet can’t be considered as a full-fledged alternative to Photoshop, but the most commonly used functions are present here, which allows you to quickly retouch or decorate your photos. It’s a great way for beginners to hone their skills.

The photo editor can also be used to automatically optimize your photos for printing or sharing on Twitter or YouTube. There are many frames, stickers, and backgrounds available in the app.

The post Best free photo editors online appeared first on Littlevgl.

the quality of the images doesn’t matter;
limited or no budget;
you are looking for content on a common topic;
enough time to search: it is not easy to find a suitable free photo, sometimes you have to look through hundreds or even thousands of pictures before you download the desired one;
a “modest” use of media content is planned: on the blog, on the site, for presentations and personal viewing;
you do not need to make a grandiose advertising campaign with photos;
You don’t need images of people, brands, logos.
It is better to buy images if:

there are special requirements for picture quality: as a rule, images for sale have a resolution from 3000 pixels;
it is important to be able to use the photo or picture at one’s discretion (editing, cropping, base for other compositions); the content, most often, has a Royalty-Free license;
you need an exclusive and original image.
Below we recommend services, where to take pictures for the site on a free and paid basis, and tell you why, to make it easier for you to decide.

The best free photostocks

In a selection of 15 free photobases for search of images of any theme, size and resolution for commercial use.

Pixabay

The top photostock opens a large marketplace of photos and videos that users can freely dispose of.

Search by word, phrase, or manually by rubric. Registered users rate images, comment, add to favorites, download in different sizes. You can choose favorites and subscribe to them to track the appearance of new works. There is an opportunity to support the author: pay him some amount of money for the photo – this is optional.

Topics: 20 categories, including architecture, religion, sports, leisure, education, animals, wallpapers.

Number of works: more than 1,5 million photos, illustrations, vectors and video content.

Burst

The resource offers bright, high-quality copyright-free pictures for commercial use: website, blog, printed products, souvenirs and so on.

High and low resolutions are available. The first is chosen for printed publications, the second is better for web graphics.

To use photostock, you do not need registration. A simple interface, easy navigation and downloading in a couple of clicks make Burst one of the popular sites.

Topics: 28 collections from different spheres – sports, business, family, fashion, nature, music, holidays, food, beauty and more.

Pexels

The base allows you to take photos for the site from more than 150 collections, every day images are added to them. There is a search by words, headings, photographers.

Headings: animals, sports, space, cafes, design, water, creativity, from above, dance, portraits, sweets, agriculture, architecture, children, city life and more.

Number of works: 150+ thousand.

Language: English and German.

Dreamstime

A database of stock photos, video and audio content from various spheres made by amateurs and pros. The site has a free section and prices for paid content start at $0.20 per image.

Topics: 16 categories – art, technology, travel, animals, objects, nature, industry, people and more.
Number of works: 85+ million.

Unsplash

A resource for collecting photos that you won’t find at other stock sites. Sorting is possible by collection, tags or author. Updates are released every 10 days.

All images are free, but you can thank the author with a nth amount of money.

Topics: there are the usual collections (people, nature, style, fashion, animals, and so on), as well as a selection of the most downloaded, popular pictures, the choice of the editors.

Number of works: 550+ thousand.

Free Images

Image repository from all over the world: amateur photos and professional works of photographers, illustrators. If you want you can add content to Favorites, just rate it or subscribe to the authors and make a newsletter.

Authorization is required for uploading. Customize your search parameters – popularity, novelty, views, number of downloads, favorites, rating – and choose quality free photos for your website or personal use.

License: Creative Commons Zero (CC0), indicate authorship as desired.

Topics: you will find works on topics such as sports, celebrities, army, cars and motors, signs and symbols, health, medicine, religion, food, architecture, fashion, beauty, games and others.

Number of works: 380+ thousand free photos.

Stockvault

The site is different in that it publishes graphic content by photographers and designers, which is used, most often, for personal and noncommercial purposes. Free pictures for the site are divided by themes.

You don’t need registration to view and download the images – you should log in to the resource if you want to comment on the photos.

License: Creative Commons Zero (CC0), CC Attribution No Derivatives (CC-BY-ND), CC Attribution Non-Commercial (CC-BY-NC).

Topics: animals, people, industry, seasons, textures, transportation, designs, graphics, objects, 3D.

Gratisography

Service offers free pictures for commercial use. The interface is intuitive and you can upload a photo in 1 click. The site has the usual division by category, word search is available.

If there are not enough images Gratisography offers to go to Shuterstock and continue searching there. You will get a 20% discount with the GRATIS promo code.

License: Creative Commons Zero (CC0).

Topics: animals, business, fashion, eccentric, food, nature, objects, people, city.

Number of works: about 1 thousand, updated daily.

Gettyimages

This resource contains free stock imagery, paid photos, audio and video.

The peculiarity of the site is the availability of actual pictures from sports and social life from all over the world, which allows selecting the best images for the news web resources, printed and multimedia media.

Gettyimages overview
Choose a category or collection at a glance
Cost: starting at $150 for 1 download of 10 images. Single download costs from $ 175.

Topics: collections include photos of celebrities, famous politicians, athletes, musicians and actors, collections of images of animals, nature, events and activities, news and more.

DepositPhotos

The number of images at this photostock is constantly growing. Low price for the content and the variety of themes and styles attracts users. There are photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos.

Cost: there are 3 types of plans to choose from. “Flexible” costs $29 for 30 photos per month. If you haven’t used the whole subscription, the number of remaining images will be carried over to the next month.

Categories: 36 categories including abstract, art objects, industry, professions, shopping, communications and more.

Number of works: 80+ million.

Photocase

Inspirational photos of any theme or style will help design your website, magazines, and print products and make them even brighter and more appealing. This is a website where photos are not like ordinary pictures. Every picture here is a work of art. Not for nothing the resource is considered to be one of the best photobanks.

Photocase has comments, ratings of images and authors, and a chat with photographers.

Cost: from $10 for a small size photo. There are credit packages: from $49 for 4 standard size photos.

Sections: collections include a variety of areas of life (studies, education, work), images of people, nature, animals, individual objects.

Pond5

Resource provides stock images, video, audio, sound effects, special effects. Search by word or through a collection catalog.

Bright from the first pages
Cost: different for each job.

Topics: cities, technology, people, food and more.

Number of works: 11+ million images, 12+ million videos, 500+ thousand audio.

Language: photostock is available in 7 languages, including Russian.

Istockphoto

Photos, vector illustrations, audio and video are available in 20 categories. Sign up, choose your price and use a selection of visual content at your discretion.

Freedigitalphotos

The site has a lot of graphic content for any commercial, personal, educational or charitable purposes. The variety of themes allows to buy pictures for web-sites, printed editions, books, social networks, TV shows, movies, work and educational projects.

Cost: There is a free license for small size images, but a link to the final product using the downloaded content is required. The price of paid content starts at $10, with an extended license costing $75.

Topics: symbolism, people, sports, technology and science, holidays and events, travel, transportation, background images.

The post The best free photostocks appeared first on Littlevgl.

What is a photostock

A photostock is a place where graphic content is stored and/or sold. Photos, illustrations, videos and other content are posted by authors for sale or made available for free. Essentially, microstocks and photobanks are intermediaries between the content creator and the user.

There are hundreds of thousands of works by amateurs and professionals on these sites. Any visitor who needs images for commercial or personal use can find what they need in 10-15 minutes. On paid resources, the price of media content ranges from a few cents to tens of dollars, depending on the level of the photographer or illustrator.

Stocks of photos and videos are chosen more often than creating images themselves or hiring photographers. And there are three reasons for this:

it’s faster: there’s no need to find locations, hold castings, select equipment, spend time shooting and processing or explaining tasks to other professionals;
it is cheaper: there is no need to invest in equipment, pay wages to a staff member or freelancer;
it is more convenient: as a rule, all the works are distributed by sections, many resources have filters for different parameters for quick search, and the image can be downloaded in 1-2 clicks.
However, when searching for and using images, many people do not think about checking licenses for use. And for good reason!

Why it is important to check licenses
All media content is protected by copyright, which begins when the work is created and ends only 50-70 years after the author’s death. If you intentionally or unknowingly use a photo or illustration illegally, you can become a few thousands poorer: the author will sue and probably win, but you will have to pay a large sum.

The court granted 5 bloggers’ petition for compensation in a dispute with a publishing house.
Tabatha Bundesen was awarded $700,000 in damages when she won a lawsuit against Grenade for using pictures of her celebrity cat out of contract.

Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty paid 2 million rubles for using the photos without permission and without attribution.

Photographer Alexander Andrienko sued a glossy magazine for 50 thousand rubles for unauthorized placement of his photos without permission.

Evgenia Gapchinskaya won a court case for copyright infringement. The indemnity for the illegal use of the images amounted to 40 thousand hryvnias.

So always pay attention to the license given to the image.

Types of licenses for images

It is important to know not so much about licenses, as about the opportunities they provide and the obligations involved:

Creative Commons
(free use of content without negotiation with the author, but with some restrictions). Varieties of :

Creative Commons Zero (CC0).
Content is allowed to:

• modify;
• distribute;
• Use for commercial purposes without attribution (the license means that the creator has waived the copyright)

CC Attribution (CC-BY)
Images:

• Acceptable to edit; take free images for blogging as a basis for creating other visual content;
• suitable for commercial purposes;
• Must be provided with attribution

CC Attribution Share Alike (CC-BY-SA)
Content use implies:

• editability;
• Use for profit;
• Attribution;
• automatically receiving the same license for anything you create based on content with a CC-BY-SA license. That means the new images can be redistributed, modified, placed in advertising campaigns, and used for other commercial purposes
  CC Attribution No Derivatives (CC-BY-ND)
  Visual Content:
• Freely used for profit;
• Must be submitted with permission from the author;
• may not be modified

CC Attribution Non-Commercial (CC-BY-NC)
License:

• Allows use of images for informational and aesthetic purposes;
• and prohibits for commercial purposes;
• Obliges to indicate the author

CC Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike (CC-BY-NC-SA)
Images:

• Permission to edit;
• prohibited for commercial use;
• derivatives based on it receive the same license;
• used with the author’s name

CC Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)
Media content with this license:

• may not be used for enrichment;
• Can be edited, with derivatives automatically receiving the same license;
• It is important to use attribution

Royalty-Free (used for paid images)

Royalty-Free.
The license gives you the right to use the content unlimitedly but not more than 500 thousand times on different media. At the same time:

• you are not allowed to place the image on items for sale and where you can make a profit (in a book as illustrations is allowed);
• Together with the content you acquire the right to use it.

Extended Royalty-Free

Extended Royalty-Free license with no limit on the number of uses

Rights-Managed

This license gives you the right to access the content a strictly specified number of times

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