Whether you are editing photos for social media or designing a poster, understanding the basics of image editing is essential.
1. Understanding File Formats
- JPEG/JPG: Best for photographs. Compressed, smaller file size.
- PNG: Supports transparency. Best for logos and graphics with text.
- GIF: Supports animation but has limited colors.
- PSD/TIFF: Uncompressed or lossless working files. Large size.
2. The Power of Layers
Think of layers as sheets of stacked acetate. You can see through transparent areas of a layer to the layers below.
Rule #1: Never destructively edit your original image. Always duplicate the background layer first.
3. Resolution Matters
Resolution is the number of pixels in an image.
- Web: 72 PPI (Pixels Per Inch) is the standard.
- Print: 300 PPI is required for high-quality printing.
4. Cropping and Rule of Thirds
Don't just center your subject. Use the Rule of Thirds grid to place points of interest at the intersections for a more dynamic composition.
Conclusion
Image editing takes patience. Start with cropping and simple color adjustments before moving to complex composites.