OCTET: Editing Images

Why edit an image? The most important reason for editing an image is to be sure it is in the most appropriate format. This format will include considerations of file size, screen size and type of file. Remember that if an image is to be used on the Web it should be saved as a .jpg or a .gif. In the case of a .jpg, reducing the quality will create smaller file sizes. In the case of a gif, reducing the number of colors will reduce the file size.

When editing an image, the most common manipulations include selecting an area, rotating , resizing, cropping, adjusting the balance, sharpening the contrast, adjusting the resolution (shoot for 75-100 pixels/inch for images to be used on the web), and saving/exporting. The undo function is included below because it can be your best friend and I didn't want you to forget about it!

Basics of Editing digital images.

This page provides instructions for those who wish to perform basic manipulations of digital images using Macromedia Fireworks or Photoshop, but the same functions are available on most image/photo editing programs. Photoshop 6 is available on the keyserver and Macromedia Fireworks can be purchased from the Computer Store for a reasonable price. Click on the following links to see the instructions for the given operation in Fireworks and Photoshop:

• Select: selecting an area of a photo and cropping it.

• Rotate: rotating an image, multiple techniques

• Resize: changing the size of an image

• Saving/Exporting

If you have any questions or comments please email Albert Borroni at albert.borroni@oberlin.edu

Last updated
June 10, 2004