DIY Website Graphics On A Budget
If you are like most website owners, you are probably always on the lookout for more website content, both written and visual. Keeping to a content schedule can take up a fair bit of time, especially if a website owner also runs a small business.
Content options are often few and far between, in that you either create it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. However, since many small business websites don’t have a lot of extra room in their budget for freelance work, especially for pricey website graphics, website owners are on their own when it comes to developing engaging content.
Luckily, there are actually many options for those interested in creating their own DIY website graphics. Below we have listed our favourite apps and websites to help you create terrific content without breaking the bank. While it may take some time to become a design wizard, you (and your bank account) will thank you when you start publishing your brilliant creations.
Image Editing Tools
If you are looking for the basic functionality of a photo editing software without the hefty price tag, Pixlr is most likely the app you are looking for. Pixlr is a free tool that can carry out basic layering, shading, and filtering in just a few clicks.
Canva is the king of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) design. Simply drag-and-drop your way to graphic brilliance. With thousands of templates available, you won’t be short on inspiration.
Similar to Canva, Visage is a great WYSIWYG editor. With easy design tools to hand, you will love using this website. However, the options for the types of images is limited.
GIMP is an open-sourced editing software that is great for freeform drawing. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and just about every other operating system in existence. It is worth noting that GIMP is a bit more complicated to use than the WYSIWYG editors.
This website is by far the most fun out of our list. While it might not be the best for precise graphics, it is artistic and innovative. With enough playing around and testing, you will quickly become an expert.
Youzign is the Swiss Army knife of design. This complete graphics suite is a one-stop shop for everything you need to create. After a 15-day trial, Youzign is only $40 per month to continue designing brilliant graphics.
Free Source Images
Pixabay is where you will find very basic stock images. This may not contain the most compelling photography, but it is free and there’s an image for every search.
Unsplash has much higher quality photos, although there are not as many to choose from. Fortunately, more are added every day, and they’re free!
Free Photo Editors
iPiccy boasts beautiful photo effects and advanced image processing. The Chrome extension will help you make the most out of your photographs.
Owned by Google, Snapseed is a smartphone app and a must-have for anyone who uses phone images for their website. Quickly perfect your images and share with others.