Picnik.com or FotoFlexer

The next type of webware I tried was FotoFlexer.com. At first, I was very excited to use this webware expecting a variety of tools and manipulations. Unfortunately, FotoFlexer did not live up to my expectations. Compared to Picnik, FotoFlexer is very slow and unreliable.You can do most of the same manipulations on FotoFlexer that you could do on Picnik, it just takes a bit longer. Unlike on Picnik you are slightly limited on your feature selection. They have some of the same tools like: tint, crop, rotate, etc... but, FotoFlexer just lacked in some of the "cooler" tools that can be found of Picnik.

 

 

The images above were created using FotoFlexer.com. Once my photo was uploaded, I was given some basic tools. This is very similar to Picnik.com. I scanned through some of my options, then chose auto correct. Once done with auto correct, I went onto more interesting tools. After scrolling through a few more options, I applied a tool called sketch. Sketch does exactly as the name implies, it makes an image look hand drawn. Next, I scrolled through some of the tools and came across another tool that makes your photo look old. Curious I tried it out and decided I liked the way it looked, so I applied it to my image. After satisfied that my image was done, I went up to the topmost bar and pressed save.

Out of the two photo editors, I believe that Picnik.com is by far the better choice. Picnik.com makes editing your photos fun and easy. Another important thing, is unlike FotoFlexer, Picnik does not freeze up your computer. Another deciding factor between the two, is the amount of time it takes to apply or load a tool onto a photo. On Picnik.com the lag time is minuscule, to nonexistent, whereas on FotoFlexer.com each setting takes a while to load, then even longer to apply. Another down side to FotoFlexer.com is that it took multiple attempts, and some frustration, for the photo to be saved correctly. Without a doubt I give Picnik.com a thumbs up and FotoFlexer.com a thumbs down.

A Student Review of Picnik.com

    Picnik.com is a type of webware which can create, edit, and manipulate images. It allows people to personalize their website or blog. Photos can help express author's ideas. Picnik.com is similar to some professional (and very expensive) software, like Photo-shop. When I compared this website to Photo-shop, I noticed many similarities and only minimal differences.

    The image above is an example of some manipulations possible on Picnik.com. To begin with, I uploaded my image onto the site. Once uploaded, you have the option of cropping an image, rotating it, auto correcting it, etc.. With the photo above I chose not to crop, and continued onto the Create button. Under the Create button, the user can access many different tools. The first thing I did, was scrolled down to the tint button, picked a pretty blue color, then applied it to my image. Once I was satisfied with the new color, I went to the HDRish tool which gives the image a unrealistic appearance and feel. With just these two tools I was able to drastically change my photo from bland and boring, to colorful and interesting. Once done, you go to Save and Share.


    The thing that impressed me the most was how easy it was to use and navigate. I have tried Gimp (which is essentially a knock-off of Photo-shop) but quickly learned it was confusing and difficult to use. One of the best qualities about Picnik.com is how it is clearly labeled and fun. The only part that was slightly annoying or a nuisance, were the Premier Features. Premier Features are pay-for features. Luckily, there are more free features, than pay-for features so this does not limit your creative vision too much. Once done, all you have to do is press Save and Share. You now have two options: saving it to your computer, or sharing it directly onto a website of your choice. For instance, you can work on a picture of you and your friend and decide to upload it onto Facebook. At the top bar are some options of how and where to save the photo. You simply move the mouse over to the More button, then slide down to Facebook.

    In a review from Jake Dahn, he says, "So by simplicity, and ease of uploading, they have the big boys beat." Mr. Dahn seems amazed at how quickly and easily you can upload a photo onto another website. I have to agree with Mr. Dahn because this is a very useful application that, sadly, Photo-shop and other big softwares don't offer to users. This tool can help the "Average Joe" edit and create masterpieces for little to no cost. All in all, I agree with Mr. Dahn and give Picnik.com a thumbs up.