We have had several clients ask us how to properly resize and optimize images for use on their websites. In most cases, our clients do not have access to costly software like Photoshop or Fireworks. Thank goodness for Picnik – www.picnik.com, an online system (just acquired by Google) that gives users the ability to edit digital photos and images in their browser, without having to purchase or download complicated software.  We’ve compiled detailed step by step instructions to help our clients (and anyone that might be interested) resize and optimize images so that they are suitable for the web.

Suitable web images should be:

• Small in file size, allowing for quick download
• Correct dimensions (width and height) to fit properly on the page
• JPG or GIF format

Step 1

Visit www.picnik.com.  It’s not mandatory to sign up for a free account to use the system, but we recommend it.  Becoming a member unlocks additional features like unlimited access to all your uploaded photos and edits.  Don’t worry, registration is quick and easy.

Step 2

Find and click the “upload photos” button.

Step 3

A window will pop up.  Browse through your computer and find the image you wish to resize and open it.  This will upload the image.

Step 4

Your chosen image will now be displayed in the editing window.  You will the notice the tool menu located above the image.  For the sake of keeping things simple, we are only interested in the clicking resize button.

Step 5

Picnik does a great job of giving on-screen instructions.  Simply enter the desired dimensions (width or height) in pixels.  The software will ensure that the image stays proportional.  We recommend that you avoid making images larger with this software, doing so will reduce the quality of the image, making it muddy and blurry.

Step 6

Click the “Save and Share” button when satisfied.  Let the software do it’s magic, and when prompted click the “Save Image” button.

Conclusion

We have only scratched the surface of what you can accomplish with this amazing software.  As you spend more time using the software you will be come more comfortable with it’s features.  Explore and have fun!