Unlock the Power of Images: Beyond What You Think

A Collection of Interesting Image-Based Web Tools

Recently, while reorganizing my saved bookmarks, a compelling assortment of links relating to image manipulation and presentation came to my attention. The sheer usefulness of these resources prompted me to compile them into this list.

Image Creation and Modification Tools

1. Passport Photo: This online service provides a convenient alternative to traditional photo booths. All that is required is a standard printer, photographic paper, and a digital photograph displaying a neutral expression, with eyes open and the mouth closed. Further details are available here

2. Rastebator: This free, web-based application allows users to generate large-format custom posters – up to 10 meters in width – from any uploaded image. The resulting poster is divided into multiple A4-sized PDF documents for easy printing and assembly. I found it exceptionally useful and plan to utilize it for decorating my future living space. Inspiration can be found in the rastebator gallery.

3. Mosaic Generator [No Longer Available]: This tool enabled the creation of mosaic images from any submitted picture, utilizing randomly selected images sourced from Flickr, a widely-used photo-sharing platform.

4. FaceGen: This software facilitates the creation of three-dimensional images of individuals. A particularly appealing feature is the extensive degree of image manipulation possible, including simulations of future appearance or transformations into fantastical characters. While not free, a fully functional demo version is available, with limitations regarding saving, exporting, and a small logo.

5. Budsmack: This promotional tool from Budweiser allows for the creation of animated photographs. Users input text, optionally upload a picture, choose an accent, and the program generates a video of the image appearing to speak the entered text. The resulting creation can be emailed to others, opening up numerous creative possibilities.

6. Crazy Talk: Offering similar functionality to Budsmack, this tool provides a more comprehensive feature set but is not free (a 7-day trial is available).

Image Printing and Presentation Services

7. Moo: This service offers custom business cards featuring images from your Flickr account, with the image displayed on the front and personal information on the back. The cost is $19.99 for 100 cards, plus $4.99 for worldwide delivery.

8. Iconize Me [No Longer Available]: This service provided custom portraits or caricatures based on submitted photographs, created by professional artists. Pricing varied between $40 and $50, and examples of their work were available for review.

9. Pictopia (no longer online): This company specialized in producing high-quality, large-scale color prints from digital images. They created frameable prints from any digital file, offering a relatively expensive but promising quality for those seeking ultra-large prints.

10. Fliptrack: This tool allows users to create video slideshows using selected images and their favorite music. The process involves selecting a song and then dragging and dropping photos onto a timeline synchronized with the music. Example slideshows can be viewed here.

Additional Image Tools

The following are web-based tools for image editing and resizing:

• Picture2Life
• Phixr
• Snipshots
• Pxn8 - a lightweight, web-based alternative to Photoshop
• A list of image resizing tools from a previous post

I intend to continue adding to this collection as I discover new and noteworthy resources. Contributions and link suggestions are welcome in the comments section.