How to use Pixlr X - Easy Graphic Design

Teacher's Tech
24 Mar 202126:51

TLDRIn this informative video, Jamie Keith introduces viewers to Pixlr X, an online graphic design tool. He demonstrates its ease of use, highlighting features such as background removal, image manipulation, and the addition of text, frames, and shapes. The video also covers the differences between the free and premium versions, and offers tips on saving and editing projects. Keith emphasizes Pixlr X's suitability for educators and students, noting its potential for teaching graphic design without the need for installations.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 Pixlr X is an online graphic design tool that is easy to use and can be accessed through a 30-day trial or the completely free version.
  • 🎨 The platform offers a variety of features such as image editing, template manipulation, and collage creation, which can save time and effort in design projects.
  • 🔗 Users can open images from their computer, load from a URL, or drag and drop images directly into Pixlr X for quick access and editing.
  • 📏 Image resizing and rotation tools are available, allowing users to adjust the size and orientation of their images with ease.
  • 🖼️ Layers are a key component in Pixlr X, enabling users to work with multiple images and adjust their positions and sizes independently.
  • 🖊️ Adding text to designs is straightforward, with options to customize font, size, color, and other text properties.
  • 🌈 The platform provides a range of creative elements like frames, outlines, and shadows that can be added and modified to enhance images.
  • 🎨 The history feature tracks all actions taken, allowing users to undo or redo changes with ease.
  • 📚 Educators and students can access Pixlr for free, making it a valuable resource for teaching and learning graphic design.
  • 🖼️ The cutout feature in Pixlr X uses AI to quickly remove backgrounds from images or extract specific elements from a photo.
  • 🎨 The draw tool and various brushes, pens, and shapes provide a simple way to create original artwork directly on the canvas.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is an introduction and tutorial on how to use Pixlr X, an online graphic design tool.

  • Who is the presenter of the video?

    -The presenter of the video is Jamie Keith.

  • What feature of Pixlr X does the presenter mention first?

    -The first feature mentioned is the ability to remove the background of an image quickly using Pixlr X.

  • What are some of the key differences between the free and premium versions of Pixlr X?

    -The key differences include the absence of ads in the premium version, access to more advanced tools and features, and the ability to save and work on projects with all layers intact.

  • How can educators and students obtain Pixlr X for free?

    -Educators and students can get Pixlr X for free by signing up through the appropriate channel, which is not explicitly detailed in the script but mentioned as an option.

  • What is the main advantage of using Pixlr X for graphic design in a classroom setting, as mentioned in the video?

    -The main advantage is that Pixlr X is an online tool that doesn't require any installation, making it ideal for use on Chromebooks or any device with internet access.

  • How can a user open an image in Pixlr X?

    -Users can open an image in Pixlr X by using the 'Open Image' option, loading it from a URL, or simply dragging and dropping the image file into the workspace.

  • What is the purpose of the 'History' panel in Pixlr X?

    -The 'History' panel allows users to go back and forth in time with their actions, making it easy to undo or redo changes during the editing process.

  • What are some additional features Pixlr X offers for working with images?

    -Additional features include resizing and rotating images, adding and manipulating layers, applying effects and adjustments, retouching with tools like heal and clone stamp, and using the cutout feature for background removal.

  • How does the presenter suggest saving a project in Pixlr X for future editing?

    -The presenter suggests saving the project as a Pixlr document to preserve all layers and editing capabilities, allowing users to continue working on it later.

  • What is the presenter's final recommendation for viewers interested in using Pixlr X?

    -The presenter recommends viewers to start with the free version of Pixlr X to get familiar with its functionalities and, if desired, explore the 30-day trial or premium options for more advanced features.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Pixlr X and Its Features

The paragraph introduces Jamie Keith, the host of Teachers Tech, and sets the scene for a tutorial on Pixlr X, an online graphic design tool. The host shares a previous experience with Pixlr for removing image backgrounds and transitions into discussing Pixlr X, highlighting its ease of use and availability in both free and premium versions. The host emphasizes the benefit of the tool for educators and students, noting that educators and students can access Pixlr for free. The paragraph also touches on the process of navigating Pixlr X, including saving projects, utilizing templates, and creating collages. The host guides viewers on how to open images and interact with the interface, such as resizing, rotating, and managing layers. The summary showcases the host's familiarity with Pixlr and the versatility of Pixlr X for various design tasks.

05:01

📸 Working with Images and Layers in Pixlr X

This paragraph delves into the specifics of working with images in Pixlr X. The host demonstrates how to add images to a project, manipulate layers, and adjust the positioning and size of images. Techniques such as dragging and dropping, using the 'add image' feature, and adjusting layer order are discussed. The paragraph also covers the addition of elements like frames, outlines, and shadows to images, providing a comprehensive look at the customization options available in Pixlr X. The host's explanation of the transparency and layering effects when saving images in different formats (JPEG, PNG) offers valuable insight into the technical aspects of working with the tool. The summary emphasizes the host's focus on the practical application of Pixlr X features for creating detailed and professional-looking designs.

10:01

🖼️ Enhancing Designs with Text and Shapes

The host continues the tutorial by exploring the addition of text and shapes to designs in Pixlr X. Various methods of adding text, such as presets and manual input, are presented, along with options for customization, including size, color, and spacing. The paragraph also covers the use of shapes, with a focus on the ease of changing colors and sizes, and the ability to add text within these shapes. The host touches on the 'turn on background' feature, which allows for adjustments to the background of the design. The summary highlights the host's guidance on leveraging Pixlr X's text and shape tools to enhance the visual appeal of designs and the importance of experimenting with different design elements.

15:03

🛠️ Advanced Editing Techniques in Pixlr X

This paragraph focuses on advanced editing features in Pixlr X, such as the cutout tool, which uses AI to quickly remove backgrounds from images. The host demonstrates various cutout options, including shape cutouts, brush tools for fine-tuning, and lasso tools for precise selection. The paragraph also introduces the liquify tool, which allows for creative manipulation of images, such as enlarging or shrinking specific areas. The host's exploration of these features showcases the depth of Pixlr X's capabilities for detailed image editing and design enhancement. The summary emphasizes the host's expertise in navigating Pixlr X's more complex features and the potential for users to achieve professional results with these tools.

20:04

🎨 Drawing and Final Thoughts on Pixlr X

In the final paragraph, the host guides viewers through the drawing and pen tools in Pixlr X, showcasing the ease of creating and customizing drawings directly on the canvas. The paragraph also touches on the addition of shapes to a blank canvas and the ability to adjust and interact with these shapes. The host wraps up the tutorial by reiterating the benefits of Pixlr X, particularly its online accessibility and suitability for use on Chromebooks. The host encourages viewers to explore Pixlr X, either through the free version or the 30-day trial of the premium version, and promises future content on more advanced use of the tool. The summary highlights the host's enthusiasm for Pixlr X as a versatile and user-friendly design platform, as well as the potential for both beginners and experienced users to create high-quality designs with the tool.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Pixlr X

Pixlr X is an online graphic design tool featured in the video. It is described as easy to use and packed with features such as background removal and image manipulation. The video provides a tutorial on how to utilize Pixlr X, highlighting its capabilities and interface. The use of Pixlr X is demonstrated through various examples, such as opening images, adjusting sizes, and adding elements like frames and text.

💡Graphic Design

Graphic design is the art of combining images, text, and other visual elements to convey information or ideas in a visually appealing way. In the context of the video, graphic design is the main focus as the creator demonstrates how to use Pixlr X for various design tasks, such as creating collages, templates, and editing images. The video emphasizes the ease of use and versatility of Pixlr X in creating professional-looking graphics without the need for complex software or extensive design skills.

💡30-Day Trial

The 30-day trial refers to a period during which users can access and use the premium features of Pixlr X for free. This trial period allows users to explore the full capabilities of the tool before deciding whether to subscribe to a paid plan. The video creator mentions signing up for the 30-day trial to demonstrate the additional features available in the premium version, such as the absence of ads and access to more tools and options.

💡Templates

Templates in the context of the video are pre-designed layouts or frameworks provided by Pixlr X that users can utilize to quickly create professional-looking graphics. These templates save time and effort by offering a structured starting point for design projects. The video highlights the use of templates as a way to efficiently produce graphics, especially for those who may not have extensive design experience.

💡Collages

Collages are a form of visual art where various forms of media, such as photographs, paper, or other materials, are combined to create a new image. In the video, collages refer to a feature in Pixlr X that allows users to create composite images by layering and arranging different pictures. The creator demonstrates how to use this feature to make a collage by adding multiple images and arranging them on the canvas.

💡Image Manipulation

Image manipulation involves altering or modifying digital images using software tools to achieve desired effects or outcomes. In the video, image manipulation is a central theme as the creator demonstrates various techniques within Pixlr X, such as resizing, rotating, and adding effects to images. These manipulations allow for the creation of customized graphics that meet specific design needs.

💡Drag and Drop

Drag and drop is a user interface technique that allows users to move items from one location to another by clicking, holding, and then releasing the mouse button over a target area. In the context of the video, drag and drop is a key feature of Pixlr X that simplifies the process of adding and arranging elements within a design. The video demonstrates how easy it is to drag images onto the canvas and adjust their positions or sizes.

💡Layers

Layers are a fundamental concept in graphic design software, allowing users to work with multiple elements separately within a single document. In Pixlr X, layers enable users to add, adjust, and organize different components of their design, such as images, text, and shapes, without affecting other elements. The video emphasizes the importance of layers in creating complex designs and provides examples of how to manage and reorder them within the software.

💡Background Removal

Background removal is the process of removing the backdrop of an image to isolate the main subject or element. This technique is often used in graphic design to create images that can be easily layered onto other backgrounds. The video highlights a specific feature in Pixlr X that uses AI to automatically remove the background of an image, allowing users to quickly and efficiently create transparent or clean backdrops for their graphics.

💡Educational Use

Educational use refers to the application of tools and resources in a learning context, often to support teaching or enhance the learning experience. In the video, the creator mentions using Pixlr X for educational purposes, specifically for teaching graphic design. The software's ease of use and accessibility make it a suitable tool for educational settings, particularly where students may only have access to Chromebooks and need a platform that doesn't require installation.

💡Online Tool

An online tool is a software application that is accessed and used through the internet, rather than being installed directly on a user's computer. Pixlr X is presented as an online tool in the video, meaning that users can access its full range of features directly from their web browsers. This characteristic is highlighted as a benefit, as it allows for flexibility and ease of use, especially for those who may not have the resources to install traditional graphic design software.

Highlights

Introduction to Pixlr X, an online graphic design tool

Demonstration of how to use Pixlr X to remove the background of an image quickly

Explanation of the 30-day trial version and the differences between the free and premium versions of Pixlr X

How to open an image in Pixlr X and the various methods to do so

A walkthrough of the Pixlr X interface, including templates, collages, and layers

Instructions on how to resize and rotate images within Pixlr X

Adding and manipulating additional images or elements to a project

Using the history feature to undo and redo actions in Pixlr X

Saving a project in Pixlr X and the importance of saving in the correct format to maintain layers

Adjusting the canvas size and the impact it has on the project

Adding text to a design with various customization options

Integrating shapes and frames into a project, with customization options

Using the cutout feature to remove backgrounds and fine-tuning the selection

Retouching tools available in Pixlr X, such as heal, patch, and clone stamp

Liquify tool for creative distortions and adjustments to the image

Drawing tools and the ability to create a new canvas for drawing