Free, easy to use web tools to crop, change resolution, and reduce the file size of image files.
Table of contents
Tools most used by Oliver
Both these tools are web-based and free, and they do exactly what is needed- and ever so easily.
Crop and change resolution
Here is one tool for Chem web's "image" manager's tool box:
It's a quick image cropper and resolution re-sizer to quickly create 180*180's and 80*80's, both needed for Chemistry web site's "news" items.
Also, service allows you to export the image as a JPG, PNG, or GIF.
Shrink file size without noticeably changing image
Here is another tool for Chem web's "image" manager's tool box:
I just used it on a largish JPG. The JPG went from 289K to 119K, but kept the same resolution (very large!) and does indeed look the same. Magic!
Tip
Use the "shrinking" service at the end of the work-flow to maximize the amount of shrinking possible. That is, do it after you have the final cropped, at the desired resolution.
Other tools
Other web-based tools.
- Web-based tools mean there is no need to buy, install, patch, or update software on a Windows or Mac. And, work anywhere!
Inverting colors
Used to convert white-on-black logo from the Physics web site to a black-on-white logo for use with our calling cards. Neat!
Convert images to PDF, Photoshop (PSD) format, etc.
GIF Animator
Neither of these two tools have been used by Oliver, yet:
Animated GIF Generator: GIFs from video
Create animated GIFs from video files, Youtube, or video websites.
Animated GIF Generator: from images
Create custom animated GIFs from images.
Shrinking image storage size to email to others or post to web sites
Oliver wrote up the following instructions for someone with a request to "Resize 243 photos for web use, etc", ticket INC000002191125, 3/9/2018:
For emailing a few images quickly, "now", using Windows, you can use this method:
And for similarly shrinking the storage size of a folder full of images, you can also use the above method. However, the following Photoshop method may offer you some advantages, including much more control:
Oliver has not used these methods, which he found via a quick internet search. Heather may have experience using the above methods. Francine may also have alternative methods
Other ideas
Still "to do"
Chemistry still has that big job of "image management" and curation which still needs to "sit" somewhere (and it is much larger and broader than the "Chemistry web site", per se). Anyway, whoever will be doing this will have a much easier job now that we've identified these tools.