Don't have image software? Here is a free Photoshop alternative.

Apr 8, 2015 by

Matthew Kurtz

Don't have fancy image editing software? No problem. Graphics are key to a great website. Find out why and learn about a powerful and free Photoshop alternative.

When it comes to Photoshop, there are generally two camps:

1. Those who have it, gush about it, and masterfully use it…all the time.
2. Those who have it, snarl about it, and pitifully struggle to use it…all the time.

Of course, there could also be a third category: Amateurs who spare themselves pain (and money) by choosing to live a Photoshop-less life.

Yes, Adobe Photoshop is an incredible tool for professional graphic artists and photographers. However, when it comes to Catholic parishes, oftentimes there isn't a professional graphic artist or photographer clocking in each day at the parish office.

Now the good news.

If you’re looking for a way to create beautiful graphics for your parish website, bulletin and social media accounts, you don’t need Photoshop. You don’t need to buy any software. You don’t even need to be a professional graphic artist.

There are a number of free online graphic design/image editors available that are quite easy to use. Personally, I turn to canva.com whenever a wrestling match with Photoshop doesn’t sound appealing.

Canva has multiple design templates available (Facebook cover photos, Youtube channel art, even business cards). So take it to the next level, set up a free account at canva.com and get creative!

1

Build graphics for your homepage

If you have a website hosted by eCatholic, your homepage slideshow has some nifty features built in that allow you to insert text over an image. However, you can find the exact dimensions of your slideshow, then use these dimensions to create a custom image on Canva.

I just logged into Canva and spent 12 minutes creating this bold Easter graphic that would perfectly fit into my homepage slideshow area. Go find some free images and do the same yourself!

2

Build graphics for social media

Images are gold when it comes to social media. They can powerfully and memorably communicate a message to your followers (and they’re particularly shareable!). Add in some attractive fonts (tons of free fonts come with your Canva account) and you can create beautiful Facebook-ready images like this one that will remind people of upcoming parish events.