Using your own images is a powerful way to personalize your Zazzle designs. The Design Tool offers a variety of options to help you customize images, including resizing, cropping, and masking. This guide walks you through these features step-by-step.

This is a guide specifically for the Desktop Version If you wish to read the help article for the Mobile or App version, click here.

 

Jump to a Section in This Article:

• Uploading Your Own Images
• Image Editing Basics-  Resizing, Cropping, Changing Position
• Image Masks
• Handling Blurry / Low-Resolution Images
• Locked Images
• Remove White Backround from Image
• Additional Image Options

 

Uploading Your Own Images

Below are the steps to upload your own images on the Desktop Design Tool:

1. Locate the Left Toolbar on the design interface.
2. Click on the Uploads icon to open the upload options.
3. Choose Your Source
   1. Upload from Device: Click the “Upload from your Device” button to select images from your computer.
   2. Upload from Phone: Click the “Upload from your Phone” button and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer photos from your mobile device.
4. Your uploaded images will appear right in the Uploads tab, ready to be added to your design.
5. To add an uploaded image, simply click on it and it will be added to the design.

 

Image Editing Basics-  Resizing, Cropping, Changing Position

 

This section covers the foundational steps for editing and managing images, ensuring you have all the tools you need to bring your vision to life. To do any kind of editing on your image, make sure that it is selected by clicking on it. Here are some instructions for common actions that you might take:

 

Resizing Images

1. Select your image by clicking on it in the design canvas.
2. Click and drag the corner handles to adjust the image size proportionally, keeping the aspect ratio.
3. Click and drag the side handles for non-proportional resizing.
4. Hold the Shift key for to toggle the aspect ratio lock.

Cropping a Photo

1. Select your image by clicking on it in the design canvas.
2. Enter crop mode by double-clicking on the image, or click the Crop button in the right properties menu
3. When in crop mode...
   1. Change the shape of visible area (also called crop window) by clicking and dragging the L-shaped handles.
   2. Reposition the visible image in the crop window by clicking anywhere inside the image and dragging it to the desired position.
4. When you are happy with your edits, click anywhere outside the image or click the Crop button to exit crop mode.

Changing the Position of your Image

1. Select your image by clicking on it in the design canvas.
2. Click and drag anywhere in the middle of the image to reposition it on the canvas. Alignment guides will help you position it accurately.

 

Image Masks

Image masks are a versatile tool that allow you to shape, crop, or hide parts of an image to create unique effects. Whether you want to fit an image into a specific shape or emphasize certain details, masks make it easy to customize your design. This section will walk you through applying, editing, and removing image masks step-by-step.

 

Applying a Mask

1. Select 1 SVG file and at least 1 image together. The SVG file can be uploaded by you, or choose from pre-made shapes (e.g., circles, rectangles) in the Shapes tab.
2. In the top toolbar, click the Mask option.
3. You will see that your image will not be masked by the SVG, taking up the shape.
4. To remove the mask, click the Unmask option while it is selected.

Editing a Mask

1. Select the image mask you would like to edit.
2. Enter Mask Edit mode by double-clicking on the masked image, or click the Edit Mask button in the right properties menu
3. When in Mask Edit mode...
   
   1. You will see a preview of the masked shape.
   2. Reposition the visible area by clicking anywhere inside the image and dragging it to the desired position.
4. When you are happy with your edits, click anywhere outside the visible window or click the Edit Mask button to exit crop mode.

 

Handling Blurry / Low-Resolution Images

You’ll want to avoid low-resolution images, as they can result in poor print quality, appearing blurry or pixelated. The Zazzle Design Tool will alert you if an image’s resolution is too low for clear printing. Resolving these issues ensures your final product looks polished and professional.

1. Low-Resolution Warning: If your image is low-resolution, a warning icon may appear, indicating it may not print clearly.
2. To Fix- Replace the image: Replace the image with a higher-resolution version or reduce its size on the canvas to improve clarity.

 

Locked Images

Sometimes, especially when editing an existing design, you might notice that an image is locked. This is typically done by the designer to preserve the layout or ensure important elements remain in place. To manipulate a locked image, you’ll need to unlock it first.

1. Click the Layers icon in the Left Toolbar.
2. Find the locked image in the Layers panel and click the Lock icon to unlock it.
3. You can now perform regular actions like editing, and deleting image.

 

Remove White Backround from Image

The Remove White from Image option allows you to eliminate white backgrounds from your images, creating a transparent effect. This feature is particularly useful for logos, graphics, or photos with white backgrounds that might disrupt your design’s aesthetic. By removing the white areas, the image integrates seamlessly into the design, blending perfectly with backgrounds or other elements.

1. Select the image you would like to edit.
2. On the Right Properties Panel, locate the Remove White from Image option under More Options.
3. Select the effect you want to apply-

   1. Never - This option is the default and does nothing to your image. Use this setting when you want to preserve the original look of the image, including its white background.

   2. Background Only - This removes only the white areas in the background while leaving white areas within the image content untouched. Ideal for designs where the image has white details you want to keep.

   3. All White in Image - This removes every white area in the image, including the background and any white within the image itself. Use this for designs where you want complete transparency for a clean and modern look.

 

Additional Image Options

When you select an image in the Zazzle Design Tool, the Right Properties Panel provides a variety of options to customize your image. Here’s a breakdown of each feature:

1. Change Image - Replace the current image with a different one by uploading a new image or selecting one from your uploads.
2. Filters - Apply artistic filters to adjust the style of your image, such as black and white or sepia tones.
3. Crop - Trim your image to focus on a specific area by adjusting the crop frame.
4. Aspect Ratio - Maintain or change the proportion of your image to fit specific dimensions or design requirements.
5. Fill - Expand your image to completely fill the selected space or shape while maintaining its proportions.
6. Fit - Adjust the image to fit entirely within the design area without cropping.
7. Scale - Resize the image by scaling it up or down while maintaining its proportions.
8. Rotate - Rotate the image to the desired angle for better alignment or effect.
9. Flip - Mirror the image horizontally or vertically for creative layout options.

 

Working with images in the Zazzle Design Tool is straightforward and offers a variety of options to customize your designs effectively. For a more complete guide to the Zazzle Design Tool, Click here.