Text effects in Pixlr

Vector vs Bitmap

Start by exploring the difference between bitmap and vector graphics

BBC Bitesize has an excellent introduction - click here

How text in Pixlr works

To add text to a Pixlr composition, click the Text Tool, click on your canvas and start typing.  You'll see that Pixlr creates a new layer for you and marks it with an 'A' symbol, to show that it is a Vector layer.
There are advantages and disadvantages in having your text in a vector layer

Advantages

  • You can edit it - change the text just like in a word processor.
  • You can make it bigger or smaller without any loss of quality
  • You can change the font, make it bold or italic
  • You can easily change the colours

Disadvantages

  • You can't transform or rotate the text
  • You can't merge it with the image
  • You can't rub parts of it out
  • You can't make it different colours or shades

Rasterizing

You can change text from a Vector layer to a Bitmap layer.  This is a one-off operation and you can't go back.
The process is called Rasterization
Right-click on the text layer (in the layers panel) and choose 'Rasterize layer'.
The text doesn't look any different, but now it's a bitmap.
  • You can't edit it any more
  • You can distort it, colour it any way you like, rub parts of it out etc.
  • If you make it bigger, it will distort and look bad

Your challenge

The first passenger flight to Mars.  You have been asked to design a logo for the Airline/Spaceline.
  • You choose the name for your Airline
  • Choose a striking image of space travel
  • Add the name and a logo to the image
  • Make sure that the result is 'Fit for Purpose'
The example on the right is not very good.  It's not really 'Fit for purpose'.  Why not?  How could you improve it?

A tip for selecting your image

Almost all of the images on a service like Google Images are bitmaps.  As a result, if they're too small and you try to make them bigger, the results are pretty bad - with lots of blurring and jagged edges.

To find large pictures on Google Images you can specify 'size' when you search, here's how: