wiclogoFree Photo Tools: GIMP and More

June 2008
http://wic.library.upenn.edu/multimedia/tutorials/freephototools.html

Questions or Suggestions? Email wic1@pobox.upenn.edu

Description: Come and learn about photo editing/organizing software that is available for free on the Internet. We will compare the basic features of Fast Stone, Picasa, GIMP, and Paint.net.

Workshop outcomes: Knowledge of basic functions and characteristics of four photo tools. Attendees will be shown the layout of each program and watch demonstrations of a selection of functions in each program. Attendees will also be provided with information about where programs can be downloaded. Participants will have the opportunity to ask question at the end.

  1. FastStone Image Viewer: simple image viewer with basic photo editing tools.
    1. FastStone Image Viewer, as well as other free FastStone products, can be downloaded from http://www.faststone.org/
    2. Upon opening FastStone, the user sees a file directory: icons in the large section to the right, a directory in the upper left, and file previews in the lower left. User can click through files in either the directory or icons to find their photos.
    3. User can select a few images to compare in full size (or a zoom %).
    4. User can batch convert: for example, select several photos in .gif format and convert them to .jpg
    5. Editing options include resizing, cropping, changing color balance, red eye removal, and other basic functions.
    6. User can build slide shows, contact sheets, and desktop wallpaper.
    7. For Windows operating systems only.
  2.  Picasa: connecting your photos to other computer and internet activities.
    1. Can be downloaded at: http://picasa.google.com/
    2. Also brings up a file directory, which can be navigated in various ways.
    3. “Timeline” of photos (and other images, like documents you have scanned) and slideshow view.
    4. Offers an assortment of basic fixes, tools (cropping, sizing), and photo effects (black and white, etc)
    5. Allows creation of simple collages and contact sheets.
    6. Designed to tie into various internet activities: easy to email photos, create web albums, and add photos to your blog from within Picasa.
    7. Easy printing, and possible to burn a “gift CD” from within Picasa.
    8. Currently for Windows operating systems only. Plans underway to release a MAC version.
  3.  GIMP: Complex image creation and editing, similar to Photoshop
    1. Can be downloaded at: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
    2. Does not automatically bring up photos from your computer. Instead, open a file.
    3. Can perform simple tasks, like cropping and resizing.
    4. Assortment of color balance tools, as well as painting tools (brushes, shape makers, etc.)
    5. Allows you to create, edit, and merge layers. This would allow you to make picture inserts, add text boxes on top of images, and so on. Also allows you to work on something and then choose to display it or not as part of the final picture.
    6. You can create collages by opening a new blank project file and importing images into layers.
    7. Can examine and edit photos on the pixel level, using tools like “color picker,” blurring, etc.
    8. Cross platform: will work on different operating systems.
    9. For those familiar with Photoshop, “GIMPshop” is GIMP with the Photoshop look, so that you don’t have to relearn where each function is located. Available at http://www.gimpshop.com/
  4. Paint.NET
    1. Can be downloaded at: http://www.getpaint.net/download.html
    2. Similar to GIMP in the tools offered – simple tools like resizing, as well as more “hands on” editing like paintbrushes, layers, etc.
    3. Functions are laid out differently – uses a menu bar at the top and toolboxes around the edges, much like Paint, rather than separate tool windows like GIMP. Many users find this layout more approachable.
    4. For Windows. You may need to download the .NET framework to use this application.