Image editing may seem daunting for some people, especially for beginners or those who aren’t familiar with it. You need to purchase image editing software, install it on your computer, then learn how to edit images using that software. Seems like the thing that only designers could do!
We at Shutterstock heard you and acted on this concern. Create is here to make your life easier. You don’t need to have any design software on your computer, or have any special design skills or know-how.
With this design tool, beginners will be able to edit images easily, and pros will find this a quicker, simpler image editing tool. Just head over to the tool and edit your images online.
In this guide, we’ll explore eleven different techniques you can implement when customizing your images with Create.
Whether it’s cropping or adding text with some pre-made design templates, Create can perform basic editing needs, as well as add some pro-level custom design to spice up that image.
You’ll be able to edit images online like a pro in no time.
What Is Image Editing?
Image editing is the process of modifying images to improve the overall quality of the image. You can accomplish this with editing software in various ways, such as reducing unwanted elements or background noise, adding messages through text, or altering colors via filters and effects.
With Create, you can use your own image, or browse through the extensive collection of stock images inside the tool. It has multiple options for ready-to-use design templates, making it even easier to customize an image.
If you need to get a point across to viewers, you can add some creative elements with countless fonts and graphics. There’s really no limit to the ways you can customize your images.
Add Text to an Image
Adding text to an image is a handy way to convey a message clearly. If you’re writing on a professional product image with compelling promotional text, or writing on your portrait with a quirky caption to spice up your Facebook profile, Create can make that happen.
It has a diverse selection of fonts to choose from, as well as predesigned templates to kickstart your creative process.
To add text in Create, simply click on the Text icon on the left toolbar. Add text. Then, you can change the font, adjust the size, layout, and position, or change the color.
Resize Images
Let’s say you want to post on Instagram, but the image is sized for a Twitter post. But, you post it anyway. Oh no, now your image is automatically cropped and weirdly blurred!
Posting an incorrectly-sized image can make your brand look less professional. Even if you maintain all your other posts harmoniously, this one image could give viewers a sense that you don’t know what you’re doing.
So, to avoid this, you need to know how to resize your image properly.
All social media platforms—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.—have different image specifications. Once you know them, you can simply click Resize canvas > Canvas edits in Create and type in those new specs.
And, for Pro subscribers, Smart resize lets you adjust your sizing for multiple platforms without compromising the image quality. Then, you can upload to social with ease and efficiency.
Crop Images
Cropping an image is the removal of unwanted areas from a photograph or illustrated image. You might want to crop an image for several different reasons, including:
- Eliminating visual distractions and highlighting your subject
- Improving a photo’s framing and accentuating its subject
- Changing the aspect ratio to prepare for sharing through different social media platforms
So, to crop an image in Create, simply click on Canvas edits > Crop canvas and you’ll be able to choose different shapes and aspect ratios.
Photo Filters
Studies have found that filtered photos are far more likely to be viewed than unfiltered images. Create makes applying a color filter simple and easy.
From classic “black and white” to Pink Fog, Radiance, and more, Create has plenty of filters, textures, and effects for you to choose from.
To filter your photo, simply click Effects and start finding your favorites. Know that you’re never limited to one, as you can layer as many as you want on top of each other!
After choosing the filter(s), adjust the intensity to make it as bold or mild as you like. We added the Tranquil effect to this one.
Intensified Effects
If you’re looking to really revamp your image as opposed to light touch-ups, you’re in the right place.
Say you have the perfect photo, but it’s too dark. This portrait looks cool, but the color just isn’t right. The picture is good, but it’s a bit dull and boring. To improve these photos to your desired aesthetic, you can add certain effects to them.
Photo effects are an artistic way to alter your image. These filters and other presets can add textures, light leaks, and other playful qualities to photos.
You can also use filters to add a vintage look or increase drama, making your photo far from boring.
The Effects tab is home to filters both mild and severe. Get creative and experiment with colors, hues, and brightness. You’ll be surprised by the unique outcome.
Change Hue and Color
Color has the power to instantly convey a wordless message. In Create, you can change the color of your photo easily.
You can adjust it to match your brand color, the color of the season, or complement the text that you want to place on the image.
To change the hue and color, click Effects > Color Changer > Hue. Drag the circle to the right for particular shades or the left for others. Feel free to play with the Saturation and Luminance, too.
Add Vignette
Vignette may sound like a fancy word, but to add vignette to a photo simply means adding some soft darkness on the corners of the photo.
Adding vignette will transform the mood of your photo, making it look deeper and more compelling.
Adding vignette is a part of the Effects menu in Create. Adjust the intensity of the vignette to look bold or mild by simply scrolling on the intensity toggle under it.
Blur Image
Blur refers to the hazy, out-of-focus aspects of an image. Blurring the background of an image will attract the viewer’s gaze to the main subject.
That’s why this effect is useful in making sure our subject—whether it’s text, the main image, or other elements—stands out from the rest of the picture.
The blur effect is easily achievable in Create, as there are many ways to do it. In the Effects tab, we chose Soften under the Basic category.
As is true for all effects, you can always adjust the intensity with the sliders. You can also adjust the Fade in Effects > Orton, or add Bokeh from the Textures tab.
Add Frames
An image frame is an outline that frames a picture. Not only will adding a frame to an image make it look more finished, but the image inside it will also stand out more.
In Create, you can add frames to your images in various different styles. From angled line frames to a thick solid Polaroid border, the borders in Create are fully adjustable to suit your image needs.
To add an image frame in Create, click Graphics and then type in “Frame” to find your endless options. Whatever you select, drag it around the designated portion of your piece, then adjust colors and sizing!
Flip Image
Flipped images are important for two different reasons. First, an upside-down or mirrored image is flipped to correct the unusual orientation of the image.
Second, a normal image is flipped to purposely counteract the mind’s natural tendency to see what’s expected, as opposed to what’s actually there.
By flipping the image, you can edit without being distracted by the actual content of the image.
In Create, you can flip an image horizontally in just one click to make a mirrored effect of the photo.
Simply click the folded triangle on the right-hand toolbar for vertical flips and the one below it for horizontal flips. Hovering your cursor over the icon will tell you its function.
And, as always, check out this detailed guide for more on flipping images.
Alright creators, we’re more than confident you have everything you need to excel within the Create tool. Now get to it!
We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
License this cover image via Roman Samborskyi, ddok, and Ponysaurus.
