You need a image tool to work on that photo but don't know what to use? Take a look at these tools - from simple to photoshop and see what suits you!!

1. madlemmings.com http://madlemmings.com/2013/04/28/so-you-need-some-tools-to-work-on-those-images/
So you need some tools to work on those images?
I have been talking a lot about images lately. And why not. They are important. They add a lot to your site
and attract more people and improve your search ranking.
Whether you pay f or them or use some of the f ree sites I suggested you will probably need to adjust them
a bit. Especially if you want to improve your site’s speed.
(Image courtesy of Arztsamui – FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
So what are the options? There are an amazing number of tools available. Ranging f rom the simple……. to
Photoshop and f riends. Then you can choose online, of f line (PC) or mobile based. It all depends on your
specif ic need.
Of course I don’t know what your needs are (hang on – let me read your mind……….no, didn’t work!!) , so I
have tried to of f er you a variety to choose f rom.
Simple – Online Tools
If all you need is some minor modif ications, this is your place. No need to install. No need to pay. Simple
tools with all the basics f eatures. I will highlight what they have, and not (if I consider it a necessity).
In order of most complete to least in terms of f eatures….
Pic Resize
cropping, resizing, rotate, f lip (vertical / horizontal), ef f ects
3 compression options, 4 image types
Cut My Pic
cropping, border shapes, f ilters
sharpen, denoise, contrast
share on f acebook & twitter once done
**missing Compression

2. **missing Compression
Shrink Pictures
resize (presets and manual)
f ilters – sepia, black and white
3 basic compression options
** missing Cropping
More Features – Online Tools
If you want all the basic options and a better interf ace, this is your place.
Pixlr Express
images can come f rom PC, Mobile, camera, webcam, URL
cropping, resizing, rotate,
brightness, contrast, denoise, colors etc
ef f ects, layers, borders, text, overlays
add more pictures as layers
f ull compression scale
** Pixlr-o-matic version is more like Instagram (only f ilters)
Pic Monkey
resize (presets and manual), rotate, cropping
exposure, colors, sharpen, auto adjust
3 basic compression options under settings
share on most social media sites
creative options (text, ef f ects, textures etc)
save as PNG or JPEG
$$ Option to upgrade
Full Featured – Online Tools
Pixlr Advanced
The most advanced version of Pixlr. It has all Photoshop-esque options you might need online
** Can also start f rom scratch if you need
Splash Up
This puppy has most of what you would want f rom a tool that is much like Photoshop. I won’t go into
details, but it includes layers, pixel manipulation etc.
** Splash Up Light is a simpler version you can download
Sumo Paint

3. Again has most of what you need f rom a Photoshop-like tool. This one can start f rom zero if you like too.
** Go Pro to add to your PC. iPad Version also available as an App.
Simple – Offline Tools
There are a lot of tools available f or image editing, but the only simple one I have experience with is Picasa.
It of f ers the f ollowing basic f eatures along with it’s great ability as your image library.
Picasa
Straighten, crop
contrast, color, red-eye, retouch, text
A load of ef f f ects
** missing resize, compression.
Windows – Image Resizer
Simple Tool f or doing a f ast or batch resizing of images
Full Featured – Offline Tools
From my experience the choice is really between Photoshop and GIMP. Photoshop is the most well-known
and f eature rich tool. While GIMP is a f ree tool, which more or less copies Photoshop, but has some less
f eatures. Unless you are a prof essional, I would start with GIMP and if the need arises, move to Photoshop
later.
PhotoShop
There are actually a load of dif f erent product levels available if you have the time to go through them all
GIMP
GIMP is your goto tool f or serious Photoshop work without the cost. Give it a try, you will love it.
Summary
For the average blogger who just wants to place some images in their blog or online, and wants some minor
tuning, resizing and cropping, I would go f or one of Pixlr options or Pic Monkey. The simpler tools might
also suit you, so give them a try too.
For someone looking f or serious image editing you can’t go past GIMP. It’s almost Photoshop and it’s f ree.
You could also try one of the online tools in the “Full Featured – Online” section as they do most of the
same but require no installation.
What image tool are you using?
Author
Ashley Faulkes blogs f or your pleasure. All things web, blogging, seo, social media and much much more.
Find more usef ul posts on his blog Mad Lemmings