Image editing is a general term that encompasses the process of altering images, whether they are digital photography, traditional optical photographs, or illustrations. Traditional analogue image editing is called photo retouching, typically using tools such as airbrushing to modify photos or editing illustrations in any traditional art medium. Users can manipulate, enhance and transform images through graphics software, which are mainly divided into vector graphics editors, raster graphics editors and 3D modeling tools. Among them, raster graphics editors are mostly used to process digital photos and other raster graphics, and can create computer art works from scratch.
Raster images are stored as a grid of pixels, which contain the image's color and brightness information. Image editors can alter these pixels in a variety of ways to enhance the quality of the image. Algorithms within the editor can modify pixels individually or in groups, using features such as boundary detection, masking, and color channel-based extraction.
“Using the data structures of the vector and raster graphics editors makes image adjustments simple and flexible.”
Many cameras or computer image-editing programs offer basic automatic image enhancement features that correct color and brightness inconsistencies, as well as options such as red-eye removal, sharpness adjustment, scaling, and automatic cropping. These functions usually do not require user intervention and can be executed with just one click.
Most image file formats use data compression to reduce file size and save storage space. When images are saved in JPEG format, compression has already occurred. Users can set the compression level according to their needs, but it should be noted that JPEG uses lossy compression, and excessive compression will cause irrecoverable loss of image quality.
A good graphics control program generally has a variety of functions, including:
Selecting an area is a prerequisite for many functions. Most graphics programs have selection tools that can be used to select specific areas of a photo and adjust them without affecting the entire image. This can be done with various tools such as the Marquee Tool, Lasso Tool, Magic Wand Tool, etc.
Layers function like stacked transparent plastic sheets. Each layer can be adjusted independently without affecting the content of other layers. This workflow allows users maximum flexibility and adheres to the principles of non-destructive editing.
The image editor can resize images through resampling. This applies to large images produced as a result of high-resolution photography, which often need to be scaled down, especially for Internet use.
Digital editing tools can be used to crop images and generate new images by selecting the desired rectangular portion. When you select an image using the Selection tool, you can remove the background to highlight your subject.
"Modern editing technology makes background removal easy, even in complex situations."
For the improvement of image quality, many editors can improve image quality in various ways. The brightness and contrast of the image can be adjusted simultaneously, allowing users to make detailed adjustments to specific needs.
The image editor offers numerous special effects that can be used to create unusual results. From geometric transformations to textural effects, a variety of effects make your images more engaging and create a unique visual experience.
Many graphics applications can combine one or more separate images, a process that involves user control over the orientation and position of each image. During this process, almost all editors allow the use of transparent layers to preserve image data for easy modification in the future.
By using various image editing techniques, digital artists can sublimate the texture of images. From basic cropping and brightness adjustment to advanced layer management and use of special effects, all of this demonstrates the infinite possibilities of digital editing. How will your photos change?