With Google’s new operating system promising to be browser based, applications delivered through the browser / cloud need to step up to the mark. I have to admit to being sceptical that this can truly work and that the tools for web based development are mature enough to support application functionality and usability that we have come to expect from the desktop.
However, there are more and more offerings out there that are starting to shift the playing field. Google’s office type application suite are leading the productivity front, but we’re also starting to see the creative needs being met.
Pixlr is an online graphics application that offers some pretty sophisticated photo editing and graphic manipulation functionality. I found this application when reading a post on the net about online Photoshop alternatives.
I certainly wouldn’t want to give the impression that this is a photoshop killer! It’s not. However, it is incredible. Hugely impressive. And has a feature set that is far in excess of the requirement for most users. And all for free.
The following screenshots show some steps towards creating the graphic shown at the end of the post. I’m no artis but what it does show is Pixlr’s ability to open up Photoshop format files (PSD). To work in layers. To manipulate and import graphics and finally to use the built in brushes to create additional creative content.
If you’re impressed with what you see, head on over to http://www.pixlr.com and have a play.
