Issue #001 - The Intro Issue!

Beginner Pixlr Tutorial (Pixlr Advanced)

.Video Link:

Tutorial (for beginners):

Pixlr Advanced can be very difficult for beginners for a number of reasons- an example being the many tools. But, hopefully, this tutorial will help out. Today, you'll be learning about some of the most important and easiest tools in Pixlr.

The first step is to get onto Pixlr. The website for Pixlr Advanced is pixlr.com/editor. Click on the external link to access Pixlr.

One of the most important tools is the crop tool. As you can probably guess, this tool crops the picture. With it, you can choose what areas of the picture you would like to keep, and which you would like to omit. You simply select the crop tool from the tool bar, and drag.

Another basic, and important tool is the eraser tool. With this, you can omit the background and form the image into a PNG (transparent image). Once a PNG is obtained, you can add the PNG onto a different background. It is also located in the tool bar (5th one of the left). Before "erasing," though, you must turn the "lock" symbol in the middle box in the right labeled "layers" into a box with a checkmark. To do this, you must click two times on the lock sign. Once this is done, you may begin to erase. At the top, you can choose different sizes and choose between a "smooth" eraser and a "fuzzy" eraser. Mostly, however, you should use the smooth eraser. When done eraser, go to file (at the top) and scroll down and click "save." The default save is to save the PNG as a JPEG, and you must change this by changing the format to PNG. Save the PNG as a name you will remember.

Changing the image size is also an important skill, even though it is not technically a tool in the tool bar. This feature is under "image," which is located at the very top of Pixlr Advanced. Simply scroll down to "image size." The standard cover size is 256 by 400, which means that in most cases, you will need to uncheck the box that reads "Constrain Proportions."

The next tool is the gradient tool. Basically, it will change the color to a multicolored or to a solid cover. However, this color is normally not used. Still, however, it can become a helpful tool. To use the gradient tool, you simply drag a straight line across the picture.

Another option with Pixlr is to draw various shapes like a square/rectangle or a circle/oval. This tool is located on the tool bar (6th tool on the right). To use this tool, you simply select the type of shape, the opacity, border size, and the color (this will all located at the top of the page when the tool is selected). After you have decided on the color, shape, opacity, and border size, you now proceed by drawing the actual shape by dragging a corner.

One of the most important tools, however, is the text tool. With this, you will be able to write text, as suggested by the name. This tool is also located on the toolbar on the right. It is characterized by a black "T." When it is selected, you may enter text onto anywhere on the background. A box will pop up, and you will be able to choose the font, color, and size. You will be able to access every font you have installed on your system. The next issue will cover downloading more fonts more in depth.

While this tool can prove rather helpful, it is seldom used- the brush tool. This tool will enable you to draw shapes and designs onto the graphic, like hearts or circles. This tool is found on the toolbar too, and is characterized by a brush looking icon (third one on the right). At the bottom of the toolbar you can also change the color. When selected, you can change the brush, opacity, and chose options like hardtip (this is located near the top). If you click brush, you can chose a brush you like or click on "more" on the side where you can download more brushes from Pixlr's collections. At the bottom of the brush menu, you can chose the diameter, spacing, and hardness. Once you have selected a tool and diameter, you simply click anywhere on the picture and the shape will appear.

The next tool is the paint tool, which is pretty much the same thing as the gradient tool, except it is any one color. You can find it in the toolbar- it is shaped as a paint bucket and the fourth tool on the right. When it is selected, go to the bottom of the toolbar and you can now change the color (the color chart will pop up). The default color will be black until you change it. Once a color is selected, just click anywhere on the picture and it will be turned the color.

The next "tool" is not exactly a tool, but is pretty important- the adjustment tab at the top. When clicked, you can change the brightness, contrast and the color levels. Just play around with it until you are satisfied and the picture looks better. For example, if the picture will too dark, you could change the lightness/brightness to make it happier and brighter.

Well, I guess this concludes this month's issue. If you have any issues or problems at all, feel free to contact me! Good luck!