I have had some frustrating computer problems recently, so I looked around for a user friendly online photo editor. I came across Graphita Live Studio, and although it is not a really useful basic photo editor, it is entertaining and fun. This online app is not so much a true photo editor (as it is missing a lot of the more simple photo editing tools), but it is a fun way to mess around with pictures quickly.
How it Works
The user interface at Graphita is really slick. The flash make the site easy to use, and the design is clean and simple. No registration is necessary to get started, and you can upload an image within 30 seconds.
When the image is finished uploading, you have a set of tabs with different effects and clipart you can add to your image. There is a doodle tab with the simple pencil and pen and some random clipart type brushes (U.F.O., bee, push pin). There is a captions tab which I really like. This is really useful for making that quick bubble caption above a picture of your co-worker or friend when you need a quick laugh.
Opinion
I like Graphita, and I can definitely see myself using it in the future. This is great for those quick joke photo edits, and I could see making some birthday gift mugs or shirts with it. I think that they could pull quite a few more visitors if had more photo editing tools.
Picnik is another photo editor which is more useful for simple photo editing. Picnik is in beta, but is really easy to use and worked well during my testing.
How it Works
Uploading is a snap, and you immediately are given access to the simple photo editing tools most of us use all the time. You can auto-fix, rotate, crop, and resize among other things. Picnik also has a creative tool set which includes contrast changing, masks, tints, films and soften/sharpen.
Opinion
This is a really easy to use editor, and I could see this coming in handy when you are away from your computer and need to make some really simple changes to a photo. The site is easy to use, and is pretty clean. Give it a shot, no registration is required.
