One of the strengths of writing on the web is the possibility of presenting ideas and information in different forms. The most common form is visual images. For some this simply means going to Google and copying the first image found. However, these images are often copyrighted or have little connection with the original creator. One solution is to make your own. There are many different websites which make this possible …
Made with Recite This
RECITE This
This site allows you to quickly paste in some text and then choose from twenty different templates, ranging from a mobile phone to a notebook to a framed picture.
Made with Pinstamatic
Pinstamatic
Created to support Pinterest, this site allows you to create an image for a range of things, such as a quote, a website or an event.
Made with Quozio
Quozio
Like Recite This, Quozio allows you to create quotes from a range of templates depending on the length. You can also get a bookmarklet which allows you to create images from text straight from the web.
Made with Pinwords
Pinwords
This site allows you to add your own image or choose from some that are provided, as well as pick from a range of templates in the creation of a visual.
QuotePixel
Like many of the others, this site allows you to paste in text to create an image. Where this site differs is the ability to categorise quotes, making them more easily searchable.
Quotes Cover
This site provides a wider range of options than most based on colour, images and fonts. It also provides several output dimensions, including wallpapers, e-card and social media headers.
Pizap
Moving away from the quote based applications, this site allows you to create and edit images, adding filters and borders. One of the popular features is the ability to easily make memes, although Meme Generator is just as effective.
Pic Monkey
Similar to Pizap, this site allows you to create and edit images using a range of features, such as effects, textures and overlays. A very stylish application that is easy to use, the only limitation is that some features are premium only.
Poster My Wall
Building upon the complexity of Pizap and Pic Monkey, this site allows you to choose from a wide range of templates or simply create from scratch. It offers many variables and allows you to download the finished product for free with a watermark.
Google Drawings
This application allows you to create and compile your own images. In addition to matching different fonts, Drawings can be good for incorporating shapes in the development of diagrams.
Paper53
This iPad application allows you to make digital sketches. For more ideas on sketchnoting, see Sylvia Duckworth’s presentation. In addition to the digital, you can just draw something on paper and capture it.
Canva
A web application that can be used across platforms, Canva allows you to create a range of images either from scratch, by using predefined templates or remixing someone else’s work. It requires users to create an account which restricts it to 13+. There are also options for purchasing premium content, including templates and images.
Adobe Post
In a recent addition to their suite of iOS apps, such as Voice ans Slate, Post allows you to quickly and easily make images. Where it stands out is the ability to adjust content and styles with the wizard tool. Please note, it does add a small hashtag to each make.
Picasa
A downloadable application which allows you to organise and edit your photos. Beyond the usual filters and edits, Picasa allows you create collages for your images.
Something to be mindful of is that although most of the sites and applications do not require logins, they do however keep a copy of your creations. So if you are adding your own backgrounds you need to consider this. While if you are going to use images found online then at least adjust the advanced settings in Google to search up content that has been marked Creative Commons or use sites like Photos For Class to find appropriate content.
So what about you? What images do you add to extend your writing? As always, I would love to know.
Creating Images for Blogs by Aaron Davis is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Another very helpful post Aaron. I’m archiving this one in order to play with it in the school holidays. I have a post brewing but not enough headspace to think it through fully.
Thanks Anne. Truth be known, I created it for my kids (and staff) to help them with their blogging 🙂 Many of them are so quick and easy.
This is so helpful – TY Aaron. I agree making it look beautiful is important.
Not only do images help support beauty, but are often required to make the most of many themes.