Pixlr, the most important photo editing software, learn about it, its advantages and disadvantages, ways to download it, and learn 6 easy basic photo editing tricks using the program.
Pixlr The free photo editor Pixlr is one of the most popular web-based photo editors, if you are used to working with Photoshop, PaintShop or Gimp, you will find it easy to download and use Pixlr.
But even if you're a beginner with no photo editing experience, Pixlr's free online editing tool is a great place to start your journey.
What is pixlr?
Pixlr comes in two versions:
- Pixlr E (editor) is the classic version with advanced features.
- Pixlr X (express) is the newest and funniest version.
To run the editor, visit the website and download Pixlr from herehere.
Note that you need a reliable internet connection to enjoy using the program as it is a web-based photo editor.
Once the program starts, you can open an image from your device, upload an image from a URL, or use the Stock Search option to search for royalty-free images to start editing.
6 Essential Editing Tricks in Pixlr Photo Editor
Now, let's dive into 6 essential editing tricks to make your job easier.
This tutorial will use Pixlr E version.
Work with layers
Layers allow you to add images and text to another image, each layer can be edited separately without affecting the other layers.
Here's an example to show you how layers work in the free photo editor Pixlr.
This image below is on a layer called Background, as can be seen in the Layers tab on the far right. When you add another image to the image, Pixlr creates a new layer for the new image.
Pro tip: If you can help it, always add a PNG to your image.
The PNG image's transparent background offers you a lot of editing and makes the image blend well with your original image.
To add an image on a new layer in the free Pixlr editor:
- Click the “+” sign in the Layers tab.
- We click the picture. (To add texts, click on the “Text” button)
- Locate your favorite photo.
- The image will be added to your image on a new layer, and you can use the Arrange tool to adjust the size or location of the PNG image.
In the image below, a PNG image of a flying bird has been added to the original image
Replace colors
Pixlr, the free online photo editor, allows you to quickly edit and redraw your photos with the color replacement tool.
Let's do that:
- Import your image
Click the main color icon (the two round buttons at the bottom (toolbar) to choose the color you want. Alternatively, use the picker tool to select a color from your image - Select the color replacement tool and adjust the brush settings (size, opacity, contrast, etc.)
- Paint over the area with the new color with one continuous mouse movement.
- If you release the mouse while drawing, your output will be incomplete.
- If you make a mistake, use CTRL + Z to undo your action.
cloning tool
- The Clone Tool is used to remove blemishes from an image, it is particularly suitable for complex images and gives you editing control.
- To clone part of the image onto another area (perhaps to cover a blemish or unwanted element):
- Use CTRL and + to zoom in so you can get a clearer view of the area.
- Select the Clone Tool and choose a smaller brush size.
- Hold down the CTRL key and click an area of your image with a similar style or color that you like.
- Carefully paint over the unwanted area to replace it with the selected pattern or color.
healing tool
The Heal tool has a similar function to the Clone tool in that it also removes unwanted parts of the image, however, the Heal tool works better for simple images and does the heavy lifting for you.
To use the Heal Tool:
- After uploading your image, select the Heal tool
- From the tool properties at the top of the window, adjust the size of the Heal tool to match the unwanted objects to be removed
- Start by clicking on the things to remove. This part of the image will be replaced by the surrounding color or pattern
Magic wand tool
The Magic Wand Tool selects areas of similar color in your image, you can then delete or recolor the selected parts.
To do this:
- Click the Magic Wand Tool
- Click the area with the color pattern
- Now, you can delete or recolor areas as necessary
In the example below, the sky in the first image used to demonstrate layers has been deleted. Using the Magic Wand selection, a new background can be inserted or redrawn.
Clipping/Mask tool
The free photo editor Pixlr provides the option to remove or mask backgrounds and objects using the Cutout / Mask tool.
To cut items or remove backgrounds:
- Select the Cutout / Mask tool (the icon is a pair of scissors).
- Click "Lasso Mask" and "Add from Mask" at the top of the window.
- Start tracing the edges of the part you want to keep. This will give you a transparent background like a PNG image.
See what the above image looks like after using the Cutout / Mark tool on it below. - Now, click on File, Save, and select the PNG format to download the cropped image to your computer.
You can also play around with the Magic Mask or Draw Mask options to arrange the edges of your image.
Alternatively, you can use the AI AUTO option to have the free Pixlr tool do all the hard work for you, as described in the previous steps.
Pixlr features
Pixlr is, for now, a free Pixlr download. There is also no indication that the company will charge users any time soon. It is a legitimate site that does not engage in fraudulent activities or perpetuate any hidden fees.
The images you edit or create on Pixlr are also free for commercial use. For independent artists and small businesses, this is the perfect app for beginners.
For organizations with content creators in this area, it's a good idea to let employees know about Pixlr's free offer.
- Versatile and lightweight
Pixlr can be accessed by any browser, users can access the photo editing suite regardless of device type and operating system. If you're on Mac, Windows, or Linux with Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Chrome, Pixlr is there for you. All you need is additional flash software. - Quick fix
Pixlr is known for being the lightweight application that packs many editing tools and functions without any cost. But, perhaps most importantly, it also includes many tools for quick fixes.
Pixlr defects
- The lack of support and assistance from the “Help” menu, as there are no help groups in the program.
- Need to download Flash to run Pixlr.
- Frequent pop-up ads, which is a natural price for being a free program.
With so many Photoshop alternatives now available for free, you can quickly take your photo editing skills to the next level. Play around with these tricks on the free Pixlr editing tool.
Over time, you will be pleasantly surprised by the simple yet awesome photo edits you can create, download Pixlr and start now.