How to Use The Free Photo Editor Program Aviary

Aviary is a totally free, web based photo and multimedia editor. Users are able to edit pictures, create entirely new images, and manipulate color combination, among a growing number of other applications.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• XP/Vista/Mac OS x v10
• High Speed Internet

1. 
    

   Join Aviary. This is very simple: go to wwww.aviary.com, and click "sign up" in the top right hand corner. This will take you to a new page, where you can enter in simple information to get started. They never spam or sell users email addresses, so don't be afraid to give them your personal address.

2. Once you have been signed up, you will get a confirmation email. Confirm the email link, and you'll be all ready to get started.

3. 
    

   Once you Log in, you will be taken to what is known as your "Dashboard". This is where all of your creations will show up, as well as recent creations of others. To get started, hover over the link at the top that says "Create". You will be given 3 options. "Peacock" "Phoenix" and "Toucan".

4. 
    

   Peacock is the pixel-based "visual Laboratory", where by attaching effects and pictures together, you create a totally new image. It is difficult to understand at first, but once you get started you can create amazing effects.
   
   (To view a tutorial on Peacock, go here: http://aviary.com/tools/peacock)

5. 
    

   Phoenix is the flagship image editor of aviary.com, being the most used by the members. It is the most similarly set up to photoshop, and easier to use than phoenix.
   
   (To view a tutorial on Peacock, go here: http://aviary.com/tools/phoenix)

6. 
    

   Toucan is the last free application that aviary offers. It is also the easiest. The program is based in color combination, where users can create any sort of color swatches and palettes.
   
   (To view a tutorial on Peacock, go here: http://aviary.com/tools/toucan)

7. 
    

   The major selling point of this program, is the ability to edit other user's creations. When viewing another person's creation, click on "Open in (whatever program)". By Doing this, you are able to see every layer, color, and effect the user played with to get the final image viewed.

Tips & Warnings

• Aviary is currently a user based website. While it does not demand subscriptions to it's website, there are various upgrades which can be taken, which allow use of additional programs, and usage in the individual programs. the full list of subscription premiums you can get are found here: http://aviary.com/subscription

Resources

• http://aviary.com/home

[starlet67]

on 7/10/2009 Great info and great use of pics!5*

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 1/29/2009 Very cool information on this free photo editor program. Thanks!

[kkelley89]

on 1/29/2009 I'd looked for something like this but had neved been able to find one. Thanks, I'll def. try it, 5*

[Islando]

on 1/26/2009 Thanks

[ByDezin]

on 1/25/2009 Sounds like a nice program, thanks for telling us about it :)