Stories with Tag Image Editing

• Show HN: I built a tool to add noise texture to your images

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  Posted: 2025-03-27 07:42:47

  Verbose tl;dr

  NoiseTools is a free, web-based tool that allows users to easily add various types of noise textures to images. It supports different noise algorithms like Perlin, Simplex, and Value, offering customization options for grain size, intensity, and blending modes. The tool provides a real-time preview of the effect and allows users to download the modified image directly in PNG format. It's designed for quick and easy addition of noise for aesthetic purposes, such as adding a vintage film grain look or creating subtle textural effects.

  A new web-based application, aptly titled "Noise Tools," has been developed and introduced to the public as a free and accessible resource for enhancing digital images with various noise textures. This tool offers users a straightforward and intuitive interface to experiment with different noise types and fine-tune their application to achieve specific visual effects. The application operates directly within the user's web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations of any external software. It supports uploading image files in the common JPEG and PNG formats, allowing for a wide range of image sources to be utilized.

  Upon uploading an image, users are presented with a control panel that grants them granular control over the noise generation process. This includes selecting from several predefined noise types, such as “Perlin Noise,” offering distinct visual characteristics. Furthermore, users can manipulate parameters like noise intensity, scale, and opacity, providing precise control over the subtle nuances of the applied noise. These controls facilitate a wide spectrum of applications, from adding a subtle film grain aesthetic for a vintage look to introducing more pronounced noise for artistic texturing or masking imperfections.

  The generated noise is blended seamlessly with the original image in real-time, providing instant visual feedback as adjustments are made. This interactive approach enables users to iterate quickly and refine their desired effect with precision. Once the desired noise effect is achieved, the modified image can be downloaded directly from the application in PNG format, preserving the applied noise texture and ensuring the final output is ready for immediate use in various contexts, such as web design, graphic design, or digital art projects. Essentially, Noise Tools provides a convenient and powerful browser-based solution for anyone seeking to incorporate noise textures into their images without requiring specialized image editing software or advanced technical skills.

  • image processing
  • noise texture
  • texture generator
  • graphics
  • Image Editing
  • web application
  • online tool
  • digital art
  • Design Tools
  • Noise Reduction
  • Image Manipulation
  • photo editing

  Summary of Comments ( 8 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43491245

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally praised the simplicity and usefulness of the noise tool. Several suggested improvements, such as adding different noise types (Perlin, Worley, etc.), more granular control over noise intensity and size, and options for different blend modes. Some appreciated the clean UI and ease of use, particularly the real-time preview. One commenter pointed out the potential for using the tool to create dithering effects. Another highlighted its value for generating textures for game development. There was also a discussion about the performance implications of using SVG filters versus canvas, with some advocating for canvas for better performance with larger images.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: I built a tool to add noise texture to your images" linking to noisetools.vercel.app has several comments discussing the tool and its potential applications.

  Many commenters praise the simplicity and effectiveness of the tool. One user appreciates the clean interface and how easy it is to use, directly comparing it favorably to Photoshop's noise filters, finding it quicker and more intuitive for this specific purpose. They particularly highlight the real-time preview as a valuable feature. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the speed and convenience compared to opening a full image editor. This user also suggests a potential improvement: the ability to upload an image for editing rather than relying solely on the provided examples.

  Several users discuss potential use cases beyond simple aesthetic additions. One commenter mentions using noise for creating dithering effects, specifically for CNC milling. This sparks a brief discussion about different types of noise and their applications in various fields, including generating stipple patterns for laser engraving. Another user points out the value of adding noise for data anonymization, specifically mentioning blurring faces in images while preserving overall scene context.

  Some technical feedback is also offered. One user suggests exploring WebGPU for potential performance improvements, though acknowledges the current browser support limitations. Another commenter questions the choice of sRGB color space, recommending linear color space for noise generation, arguing it leads to more perceptually uniform results. They explain that adding noise in sRGB can result in unwanted color shifts. This technical point sparks a small discussion about the complexities of color management in web applications.

  A few commenters express interest in the underlying implementation details. One asks about the specific noise algorithms used, while another inquires about the front-end framework employed. The creator of the tool responds to some of these queries, clarifying technical choices and outlining future development plans, which include adding more noise types and potentially incorporating user-uploaded images. This interaction demonstrates a positive engagement between the creator and the Hacker News community.

• That Time I Recreated Photoshop in C++

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  Posted: 2025-03-15 18:22:15

  Verbose tl;dr

  Driven by a desire to understand how Photoshop worked under the hood, the author embarked on a personal project to recreate core functionalities in C++. Focusing on fundamental image manipulation like layers, blending modes, filters (blur, sharpen), and transformations, they built a simplified version without aiming for feature parity. This exercise provided valuable insights into image processing algorithms and the complexities of software development, highlighting the importance of optimization for performance, especially when dealing with large images and complex operations. The project, while not a full Photoshop replacement, served as a profound learning experience.

  In a detailed blog post titled "That Time I Recreated Photoshop in C++," the author, Fabien Sanglard, recounts his ambitious personal project of building a simplified version of Adobe Photoshop from the ground up using C++. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of image manipulation and software development principles, Sanglard embarked on this challenging endeavor.

  He began by outlining the core functionalities he aimed to replicate, including image loading and saving, basic selection tools, and a range of image processing filters like blur, sharpen, and color adjustments. Instead of relying on existing image processing libraries, Sanglard opted to implement these features from scratch, providing himself with invaluable insight into the underlying algorithms and mathematical operations involved. This approach necessitated delving into the intricacies of image formats, color spaces, and pixel manipulation techniques.

  The project chronicle meticulously documents the various stages of development, beginning with the initial setup of the C++ project and the implementation of fundamental functionalities like reading and writing image files. Sanglard explains his decision to utilize the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library for window management and basic graphics rendering, which allowed him to focus on the core image processing logic.

  The post then proceeds to detail the implementation of specific features. Sanglard explains how he tackled challenges such as implementing the selection tool, which involved managing pixel selection and manipulating only the selected region. He further elaborates on the development of image filters, outlining the algorithms used for blurring, sharpening, and color adjustments. The explanations are accompanied by code snippets showcasing the core logic behind each feature.

  Throughout the development process, Sanglard encountered and overcame several obstacles, demonstrating his problem-solving skills. He describes how he debugged and optimized his code to improve performance, highlighting the iterative nature of software development.

  Ultimately, while acknowledging that his creation wasn't a complete Photoshop replacement, Sanglard successfully built a functional image editor capable of performing basic image manipulation tasks. The project served as a profound learning experience, providing him with a deeper understanding of image processing principles, C++ programming, and software development methodologies. The blog post concludes with reflections on the lessons learned and the satisfaction derived from completing such a substantial undertaking.

  • C++
  • Photoshop
  • Image Editing
  • Graphics Programming
  • Software Development
  • Raster Graphics
  • GUI Programming
  • Project Recreation
  • Coding Project
  • image processing
  • software engineering

  Summary of Comments ( 122 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43374278

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally praised the author's project, "Recreating Photoshop in C++," for its ambition and educational value. Some questioned the practical use of such an undertaking, given the existence of Photoshop and other mature image editors. Several commenters pointed out the difficulty in replicating Photoshop's full feature set, particularly the more advanced tools. Others discussed the choice of C++ and suggested alternative languages or libraries that might be more suitable for certain aspects of image processing. The author's focus on performance optimization and leveraging SIMD instructions also sparked discussion around efficient image manipulation techniques. A few comments highlighted the importance of UI/UX design, often overlooked in such projects, for a truly "Photoshop-like" experience. A recurring theme was the project's value as a learning exercise, even if it wouldn't replace existing professional tools.

  The Hacker News post titled "That Time I Recreated Photoshop in C++" (linking to an article detailing the author's experience recreating Photoshop features in C++) has generated a number of comments discussing various aspects of the project and image editing software in general.

  Several commenters focus on the author's choice of C++ and question its suitability for such a project. Some suggest that languages like C# with its garbage collection might have been a more productive choice, especially for managing memory when dealing with large images. Others point out that the performance benefits of C++ might not be fully realized in this type of application, given that many image processing operations are already highly optimized within existing libraries.

  A significant thread of discussion revolves around the learning experience gained from such an undertaking. Commenters acknowledge the value of recreating existing software for educational purposes, emphasizing the deeper understanding of underlying principles that can be acquired through such a project. They also discuss the challenges of replicating complex software and the importance of choosing a well-defined scope to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

  Some users express skepticism about the true extent of the "recreation," pointing to the potential difference between replicating the user interface and implementing the underlying image processing algorithms. They argue that the true complexity of Photoshop lies in its highly optimized algorithms and vast feature set, which would be extremely difficult to replicate fully.

  Another commenter shares their own experience with writing a simplified image editor, offering insights into the intricacies of handling features like selection tools and layer management.

  A few comments delve into the technical aspects of image processing, mentioning libraries like GEGL and the complexities of color management.

  Finally, several commenters offer alternative approaches and tools for image editing, including GIMP and various command-line utilities, suggesting that these might be more efficient solutions depending on the specific needs. They highlight the mature and feature-rich nature of existing open-source options.

• Show HN: Krita RGBA Tech – Exploring Filter Engines in Open-Source Art

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  Posted: 2025-01-25 13:52:39

  Verbose tl;dr

  This GitHub repository showcases Krita RGBA Tech, a collection of custom Krita brush engines and resources developed by Draneria. It explores different approaches to image processing within Krita's filter framework, offering a variety of artistic effects, from stylized painting and texturing to advanced color manipulation and procedural generation. The project provides open-source tools and demonstrations of how to leverage Krita's capabilities for creating unique digital art tools.

  This GitHub repository, titled "Toolkit by Draneria_Krita Brushes," showcases the development and exploration of advanced filter engines within the open-source digital painting software Krita, specifically focusing on leveraging the full potential of RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Alpha) channels for artistic manipulation. The project, spearheaded by a developer known as Draneria, delves into the creation of novel artistic tools and effects by directly interacting with pixel data within Krita's framework.

  The repository primarily hosts a collection of custom-designed Krita brushes and associated resources that demonstrate these experimental filtering techniques. These brushes are not simply pre-configured settings, but rather represent complex manipulations of color and transparency information at the pixel level, enabling artists to achieve unique visual outcomes. The underlying principle involves manipulating the RGBA values of each pixel influenced by the brush stroke, potentially taking into account surrounding pixel data to create contextually aware effects.

  The "RGBA Tech" alluded to in the hypothetical Hacker News post title likely refers to the core innovation of these brushes: leveraging the alpha channel, which controls transparency, in conjunction with the red, green, and blue color channels to produce complex blended effects, textures, and painting behaviors. This approach goes beyond standard blending modes and allows for granular control over how colors interact and overlap, potentially mimicking traditional media or creating entirely new digital aesthetics.

  The project's open-source nature encourages community involvement and allows other developers to examine, modify, and build upon Draneria's work. This fosters collaborative exploration of Krita's filtering capabilities and contributes to the broader development of the software's artistic toolset. The repository serves as both a practical resource for artists seeking innovative digital brushes and a technical showcase for developers interested in the inner workings of Krita's filtering engine and how it can be harnessed for creative expression. It essentially provides a platform for exploring the potential of pixel manipulation within a popular open-source art application.

  • Krita
  • digital art
  • Open Source
  • RGBA
  • Filter Engine
  • Art Software
  • Painting
  • drawing
  • graphics
  • Image Editing
  • Brush Engine
  • Plugin
  • Python
  • Tech Demo

  Summary of Comments ( 4 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42821643

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally praised the brush pack and the technical exploration behind it, calling it "impressive" and "inspiring." Several commenters expressed interest in learning more about the underlying techniques and how they could be applied in other contexts, especially game development. Some pointed out the potential for performance improvements and questioned the choice of Krita's filter architecture for this specific task. One user suggested incorporating these brushes directly into Krita, while another wished for similar tools in other software like Photoshop. The overall sentiment was positive, with users appreciating the author's contribution to open-source digital art tools.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: Krita RGBA Tech – Exploring Filter Engines in Open-Source Art" linking to a Krita brush pack on GitHub generated a modest discussion with several insightful comments.

  One user expressed excitement about the potential of using Krita's filter system within the brush engine, seeing it as a powerful way to create unique and complex brush effects. They hoped that this approach would eventually be incorporated into Krita's core functionality.

  Another commenter questioned the practicality of using filters within the brush engine, speculating that the performance overhead might be too significant. They suggested that pre-generating textures or using different algorithmic approaches might be more efficient. The original poster (OP), Draneria, responded to this concern, acknowledging the performance implications but emphasizing the flexibility and creative possibilities this technique unlocks. They explained that real-time feedback and iterative design are important for artists, and this method, despite its performance cost, allows for a more dynamic and exploratory workflow. They also mentioned that the performance impact can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the filter used.

  Further discussion revolved around the intricacies of Krita's architecture and the challenges of integrating such functionality into the core software. One user, familiar with Krita's development, explained that the current filter architecture isn't designed for real-time performance within the brush engine and that significant changes would be required. They also highlighted the community-driven nature of Krita's development and encouraged the OP to engage with the Krita developers to explore potential integration.

  A few other commenters shared their appreciation for the OP's work and their excitement about the potential of this technique. They also discussed the broader implications for open-source digital art software and the importance of community-driven innovation.

  Finally, a comment focused on the accessibility of this brush pack for artists unfamiliar with technical details. The commenter suggested providing more user-friendly instructions and documentation to make it easier for a wider range of artists to experiment with these brushes. The OP acknowledged this feedback and expressed their intention to improve the documentation and create tutorials.