Image Editing, Organizing and Sharing

Here are some notes on select applications for an image workshop. There are more applications out there, but I am focusing on the few most popular. This post is split into two parts, 1. Editing and 2. Organizing/Sharing images. Though, as you see below, some web based applications do both.

Editing

Microsoft Office Picture Manager is included with the standard Windows software. Does not require downloads. It is likely already loaded on your PC.
1. Click on an image on your computer
2. It will open in Microsoft Photo Viewer
3. Click on “Open” button at the top of the page
4. Select Microsoft Office Picture Manager

Gimp
You will need to download and install Gimp on your computer. This is a free application that is similar to Photoshop (an image editing program used by professionals). Gimp has more advanced functions than Microsoft Office Picture Manager or any other free image editing programs. Read the Gimp intro here.

Picnik
This is a free web application that works with various social networking websites such as Flickr, Picasa, Facebook, MySpace, etc. It does not require a download. Allows for simple editing similar to Microsoft Office Picture Manager. Can be accessed and used on any computer with an Internet connection. You can edit images that are already loaded into your social networking applications. For example, if you have a Flickr account, click on the “edit photo” button above any image.

Picasa
Free web based and desktop application. Allows for basic editing. Must be downloaded onto your PC. Combines image editing and organization on your PC with uploading to the Internet for image sharing. Learn more about Picasa 3 here.

Organizing and Sharing

Flickr
Online photo management and sharing. No downloads. Owned by Yahoo. Take a Flickr Tour here.

Picasa
Online photo management and sharing. Requires download. Allows you to manage your photo collection on your PC, by organizing images by photo and date. Owned by Google.

Facebook
If you have a Facebook account, you can upload and share images directly in Facebook. There is no image editing tool. Facebook also allows you to share your images from Flickr or Picasa.