Using the Expressions Image Tools
The Expressions Image Tools allow you to edit your images in various ways before posting them to your blog. To use the Expressions Image Tools check the option "Use Expressions Image Tools" highlighted in green when you post your entry. Ensure you have filled in the other areas (selected your galleries, browsed for your image etc.) and click on "Add"
If you have selected "Use Expressions Image Tools" you will now see a new page with your image on the right and editing options on the left.
Select any of the effects and click on "Update". When you do this, you will see the effect applied to your image on the right.
If you do not like the effect that has been applied to your image, simply click on "Reset". If you are happy with the image edits and want to post your entry, click on "Save".
Filters:
The first few options are filters and effects you can apply to your image:
Sharpen: This will sharpen the image, cutting down on any blur or softness.
Blur: The opposite of Sharpen, this softens and blurs the image.
Normalize: This enhances the contrast of a colour image by adjusting its colour map to span the full range of available colours.
Grey Scale: This desaturates a colour image to become a black and white image.
Negative: This flips all colours to create a negative (as in film) effect.
Charcoal: This is an artistic filter that makes the image look like a black and white charcoal drawing.
Oil Paint: This is an artistic filter that makes the image look like an oil painting.
Shade: Similar to Emboss, this filter makes them image look like a lino cut.
Emboss: This filter creates a three dimensional "raised" look to the image.
Resizing:
The next few options allow you to resize your image:
Resize Image: Select this option if you wish to resize your image.
Width: Edit the width to whatever size you want. Again, we would advise not going any wider than 800pixels due to some resolutions of 800x600.
Height: You can also edit the height of your image when resizing.
Constrain Proportions: This option is selected by default and we advise to keep it selected. This will ensure that when you resize your image, the image will remain proportional. When this is selected you only need to change either Width or Height above. If you unselect this, and wish to maintain the image proportion, you will need to edit both the width and the height.
Transformations:
Swirl (degrees): This will 'swirl' the image by the number of degrees specified, creating a whirl-pool-type effect.
Rotate (degrees): This rotates the image by the number of degrees specified.
Bevel (pixels): This will bevel the edges of the image by the number of pixels specified.
Borders and Cropping:
To add a border to your image, check the 'Border' box, specify the border width and height and select the colour you wish the border to be and click 'Update'.
To crop an image, click the 'Crop Image' link. This will open a new window with your image. Click with your mouse on the top-left corner of where you want the crop to begin, drag down and right to where you want the crop to end and release. A confirmation prompt will appear. If you are happy with the region you have selected, click Ok and it will crop the image to the selected area.