In This Chapter:

• Choosing a file format for your Image
• Image Resolution
• Preparing Images for the Internet
• Preparing Images for Printing

Digital images appear in advertisements, in newspapers, magazines, the Internet and on television. The relatively low cost of digital imaging has enabled more and more people to explore their creativity via digital art. It has been possible for some time to print your digital images or upload them to the Internet. Now your digital images can go onto business cards, calendars, clothing, drink coasters, flags, flyers, key rings, logos, mouse mats, mugs, newsletters, placemats, rulers etc. The places where images appear seems to grow each year, no space is too small, too large or too obscure.

It is possible to download photos from your digital camera and have them printed to your medium immediately. However, there comes a time for many people when they want more control over the look of their images. GIMP gives you control over the size, shape and exposure of an image. It allows you to add text, other images or parts of an image and many other creative concepts. In fact, you probably feel like jumping to a later chapter and doing something creative right now. If you are a beginner, please answer these questions first. Do you know what digital resolution is? Do you know when to use low resolution images and when to use high resolution images? Do you know the most appropriate file type for your digital project? Do you know how to....