Calling all DU computer graphics gurus!

[displacedtexan]

OK, I'm stumped. I create newsletters and flyers in MSWord (I like the drawing menu). However, when I create a graphic image in Word (bumper sticker, coupon, etc., how can I save ONLY the image as a .jpg for other uses?

If you don't use word, what do you use to create a graphic image? (I suck at photoshop-- I can't even find the crop tool!) I have L View Pro, but I only use that to enhance photos.

Any help is greatly appreciated! I'm off to the shower now. Will check back later to see if anyone has advice.

[gmoney]

1. Creating graphics in Word is like...

...using a typewriter to create an oil painting.

Spend a little time with the Photoshop manual and create real graphics.

[hyphenate]

2. The only way

you can do it in Word is to create your object, select it, and press control + c to copy it to the scrap.

You can then go right into MS Draw, and hit Control + p to paste the object into the empty image, then save it as a jpg file.

Otherwise, I would suggest Paint Shop Pro--you can download the trial from www.jasc.com and see if it suits you. Or you can go for Microsoft Publisher, which I personally think is overrated, but the learning curve is not that high, so it's easy to use. It creates vector graphics (like with CorelDraw and Illustrator), so that the images are scalable.

Another good program is Webstyle, from Xara, which also has a downloadable trial, which will create (export) both GIF and JPEG files for you.

[hyphenate]

3. Another thought

If you have a scanner, it was probably bundled with a "LE" program, presumably Adobe Photodeluxe. If you do, try playing with whatever came with your scanner. If it's one of the MGI programs (can't remember what they are offhand) there should be a manual to get you going, and MGI mimics the higher end graphics programs, so you can learn with it, and move on to Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro later.

[mike_c]

4. another suggestion....

I use XaraX for many vector graphics applications. It's a VERY capable application that's reasonably priced. Its focus is vector graphics, unlike many image manipulation apps, e.g. Photoshop, for which vector graphics are an after thought. You can download a free 30 day trial copy.

[rocktivity]

5. You could also do a print screen of the graphic, paste it in, and crop it

Key F13 on Windows; hold down Shift + Command, then press 3 on a Macintosh.

:headbang:
rocknation

[LTR]

6. Try GIMP

It's an open-source answer to PSP and Photoshop.

http://www.gimp.org/

I haven't installed it yet, but I hear it's good. May be a bit difficult to learn (Photoshop is tough!).

Otherwise, for simple stuff, MSPaint is already on your system if you run Windows. Should do the job well.

Also, get IrfanView:

http://www.irfanview.com/

You can do some simple effects with it, lower the resolution, and adjust color and contrast. Best of all, it's free. I made a ton of avatars with it.

[sendero]

7. I've used GIMP..

... it is not a bad program, but the interface is a bit of a puzzle sometimes. But for the price ($0), it is hard to beat!

Of course, one can easily say that for Photoshop too, but PS is an awesome tool - but the learning curve is definitely steep for many of its capabilities (really understanding masks for example).

I'd second a previous poster's recommendation of Paint Shop Pro. It is a great compromise between ease of use, functionality, and price. You can learn to do most of the basic things you'll be doing in a short time.

[Political_Junkie]

8. I would also add

PhotoImpact to your list. It's easier to use than Photoshop, but can do almost as much.