Many people love to edit their pictures but don’t have a budget to buy the expensive programs to create cool collages, add text captions and effects. But there are definitely ways to edit photos and create some memorable photos without spending a penny.
- For collages, try PicMonkey.com.
Do you ever want to take a group of pictures and turn them into a collage? Maybe you are working on a blog post, a church website, school newsletter and want to use multiple pictures but don’t want to have to crop, cut and paste. It just seems like too much work. Picmonkey could be your answer. It’s a simple, free program you can use online — no download or registration required.
Here are some tips for how to use Picmonkey. You have two options: Edit a picture or create a collage. If you want to add text, effects, mattes, backgrounds, color or borders — choose edit. You can upload the picture from your computer and apply any edits or changes you want for the picture.
If you want to create a collage, select that option. Upload the pictures you want to use from your computer. You can click on the image icon (with the mountain and sun) to upload and work with your photos. The second option with the three blocks will allow you to choose the layout you want. The painters palette gives you color choices, background colors or border width.
You have unlimited layout options. You can choose the predesigned options to start. The best way to discover the layouts is to pick one and see what it looks like. You have the option to save, rearrange, resize or share once you have the creation the way you like it. Once the creation is saved to your computer, you will be able to use the image wherever you want.
This is one of the easiest programs I have ever seen to create collages and add some editing options to your picture. www.picmonkey.com
- For the Iphone, try PicStitch.
PicStitch is the iPhone version of Pic Monkey. You can use images from your camera roll to create collages and make edits. You can download the free app to your mobile device. It will allow you to save and share your enhanced images.
Color Effects is a free app that allows you to turn a photo on your phone to black and white. Then, you can add color back in to selected areas. This is an easy way to make a picture of your kids or a scenic photo really pop. You can make everything black and white except the particular parts you want to fill with color.
- For word art, try wordle.net or worditout.com
Have you seen the posters that take a series of words and turn them into a work of art? I recently found wordle.net — a program that allows you to turn a string of words into a word cloud. You can print or share your creations. I can see this having so many practical applications, such as post cards, birthday cards, program bulletins, school newsletters, blogs or gifts. The possibilities are endless. Full directions here: http://hobbiesonabudget.com/2013/02/26/how-to-turn-words-into-art/
WordItOut: I liked this site because it allows you to decide which word is the most important. You can actually increase the size of particular words by going into the edit settings after you create your initial word cloud. www.worditout.com
ABCya.com Word Clouds: This is a great place for kids to experiment with creating word clouds with their name and favorite activities.
What’s your favorite way to edit photos and turn them into collages or unique art? I’d love to hear!
Sharon Williams blogs about hobbies and life at www.hobbiesonabudget.com.
