If you post events to Facebook, you may have noticed that they have changed the format for the images. They haven't yet allowed you to format you text, which I am patiently waiting for (you hear that FB?! Patiently WAITING!) but they have given you a banner image now which, in my opinion, is much better than the small thumbnail you could not expand.The new banner size is 714×264, however, keep in mind that Facebook like to change these things on a whim and not always tell you. (As I found out with their cover photos when they adjusted it a few pixels.) This website has a nice Photoshop template for folks who want some guidance but you can do this yourself. Obviously, a knowledge (and ownership) of Photoshop is helpful but you can do this without it.Here are some options:
- GIMPThe GNU Image Manipulation Program is a great application that was created for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Written on Unix, GIMP is arguably the most popular alternative for Photoshop available today.
- PicasaOriginally created and sold by Idealab, Google aquired Picasa in 2004 and released it to the world for free. The current version supports easy geo tagging and heavy integration with Google+ that lets you easily tag Google+ friends and share photos through your circles. It’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to apply basic edits to your photos and touch them up. 12 effects are available and there are additional affects via Picnik too.
- PixlrPixlr is a perfect online image editing application that is designed for non professional users and allows them to easily edit images. It combines image design and paint tools with photo editing and adjustment features more convincingly than any other online image editing program.
- PhotoPos ProPhotoPos Pro is a rich photo editor that has support for most picture file types and support for digital scanners. It also features image enhancement, text tools, layers, masks and special effects.
- Sumo PaintSumo Paint is an online image editing application similar to Adobe Photoshop.
- SplashupSplashup is a powerful editing tool and photo manager. With the features professionals use and novices want, it’s easy to use, works in real-time and allows you to edit many images at once. Splashup runs in all browsers, integrates seamlessly with top photo-sharing sites, and even has its own file format so you can save your work in progress.
- PicMagickPicMagick is an online photo editor that enables you to make ordinary photos look wonderful within a few clicks. It will surprise you how fabulous your photos can be and how easily this can be done.
- Photoshop.comPhotoshop.com is the complete solution for managing, editing, storing, and sharing your photos online, with tutorials, inspiration, and more. Photoshop.com is available from any web-enabled computer, compatible mobile phones, and directly from within Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 or Adobe Premiere Elements 7 software. With Photoshop.com, you can organize, tweak, create, e-mail, display, and store your photos.
- Pixer.uspixer.us lets you manipulate, edit, enhance and apply filters to your digital pictures using only your web browser.
- Snipshot Snipshot is a fast online image editor. You can use it right from your browser, no downloads or Flash required.
Disclaimer: I am not promoting any of these tools. They are just suggestions that I have spoken to friends, industry insiders, and read about on blogs. I am sorry if something goes wrong if you use one... but I am not responsible! Practice responsible downloading!