What is Image Automation? How Does Image & Design Automation Work?

il ExtractoramEImage automation is the technology that allows its users to manipulate, create, and edit an image in just seconds with the help of a few clicks. Image automation is the cure for the time-consuming and tedious task of manual image editing, offering a streamlined and efficient solution for businesses and individuals alike to elevate their visual content to the next level.

Whether you're a graphic designer, marketer, or just someone looking to simplify their image editing process, image automation has got you covered.

In this blog post, we'll explore the exciting world of image automation, and how it can help you save time, increase efficiency, and take your visual content to the next level. So sit back, grab a coffee, and get ready to discover how image automation can revolutionize the way you approach image editing!

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Why Image Automation is Important

Creating content is a daily part of every business's life. Created content should not go over the company’s line, has to be consistent, and the process has to be fast to improve efficiency.

It is especially true for image content. Let's examine the benefits of image automation;

• Reduced costs: Hiring a graphic designer start at 15 dollars and goes up to 100 dollars. Image automation tools offer you a better price with their packages.
• Customizable content: You can personalize your content according to what you or your customers would like! You could create an image personally for an individual or for a company. Then change the format of your content and make it accessible for all (for people with disabilities).
• Quality and Quantity: You can choose from 1000+ templates/personalize your content, then can make hundreds of them, with a click.
• Lights, camera, ACTION!: You can ensure the consistency and quality of the image with light, color, and other features.
• Data-driven: AI can extract data from images (patterns, text, and so on). This data is used for analysis or machine learning for future use.

What is Automation? How does it work for Images?

Automation is the technology that allows its user to create, control, and observe the product or service provided, with as less human involvement as possible. It is the easiest way to go to B from A, without manual intervention. Automation tools, use AI and ML technologies. With every detail you give to these tools, it gets better at providing you with what you need. Essentially, it is a child!

Image and design automation tools, use artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies. With every detail you give to image automation tools, it gets better at providing you with what you need. And it learns along the way to help you better!  

Artificial intelligence algorithms, such as image recognition, can identify patterns and features in images and use that information to generate new designs. Machine learning algorithms can optimize designs by automatically adjusting various design elements, such as color, shape, and size, based on the input data. For example, if the input data includes a product description, machine learning algorithms can generate designs that highlight the product's most important features.

To use image automation tools, you first have to give out details for AI to study you. These pieces of information include your brand, aesthetic choices, and (if connected) your product information.

Then, the automation platform you are using will provide you with an image that will suit you or your brand. You can make changes to the design, using various AI and ML techniques, such as image recognition and deep learning algorithms.

When you are happy and done with your design, you can download, save or share it. If you choose to save it you can use various formats for your design such as JPG, PNG, or PDF. And in just seconds you are done! Before we jump into image automation platforms, those who are curious can check out RealPars' Youtube video on automation tools and how they work.

Image Automation Platforms: What works for you?

As the title suggests you have to think about what works for you. There are thousands of image automation tools and they all have pros and cons. You have to choose one that bugs you less than others! Commonly used image automation tools are Bannerbear, Abyssale, Renderform, and Img.ly. These platforms are at the top of their class with their user-friendly attitude, overall user experience, tools, and storage. We briefly explained how to identify what's best for you below!

While you are at it, why not look at this cool video on AI art tools to understand the art aspect of the image automation tools too? Check out Snappa's video on The Best AI Art Generators.

How to Implement Image Automation in your Workflow?

Image automation is a game changer, as we mentioned a couple of times, only IF you know how to use it in your day-to-day work life. We will discuss the steps required to successfully implement image automation in your workflow and then give tips on the steps you need to carefully consider when choosing an image automation tool. Lastly, we will briefly explain the process briefly through Bannerbear.

Step by Step Image Automation

• You have to identify the reason behind needing image automation. Review your workflow, and determine the specific tasks and processes that can benefit from image automation tools.
• Thoroughly research image automation tools try their free trials, talk with customer services and try to read as many reviews as possible to understand what you need and which one can provide you the best!
• Be real with your expectations. Choose a few of the tested tools and make your team try them out! If you are alone on this journey, create automated images and try to get reviews from friends and business partners.
• Don't give up. You can always switch platforms if you are not happy with the one you chose. You can't really know without trying it out for the long term.

Since design and image automation platforms are still rapidly and constantly developing according to many factors but most importantly user reviews, check them out regularly. The platform you despised once can become your best friend in months!

Be Careful: Things to Consider While Choosing Image Automation Platforms

There is a saying "you are not made to fit into clothes, clothes are made to fit you". This applies also to the tools you are using. The platform you chose has to fit you in every aspect. For example, let's say you travel a lot, and work remotely with a small team. Since you are new in the game you have to be available most of the time, right? And it's better for you to access your work anywhere, day or night, is it correct? Then, your company choosing a platform that is non-cloud-based and a platform dependent on the internet would not be the wisest decision. Invest your money and time in things that matter!

• Choose user-friendly platforms. Your team will work faster and understand the platform better with user-friendly and easy-to-use systems. Your main benefit of adapting image automation tools is to save time. Harder software requires extensive training, which will result in losing time. Choose other options if you and your team have prior knowledge about design.  
• Consider the cost of the tools. Why use an expensive option when in fact you will be using 30% of the tool? Carefully consider how much it benefits you and how it will increase your productivity. Expensive does not mean higher quality.
• Choose a tool that can respond to changes in your workflow. Be prepared for ongoing changes in your business and the way it operates by continually reassessing and updating your business plan. Choose a platform that can adapt to these changes and support your evolving needs.
• Customer support is the first thing you should look for in a platform. Your customers need and demand your attention constantly. You should be able to provide an answer to these demands swiftly. To do that your work process should be as smooth as possible. If you face a challenge, you need someone to help you. This is vital if you are working globally and have to work for customers in different timelines.

Bannerbear Example: How to use Image Automation?

What's the best way to understand something? It is to try it yourself. We encourage you to try these platforms on your own. But first, let's dig into Bannerbear to make you understand how easy it is to create 1000+ images with a click.

Bannerbear is an image automation platform that allows users to create multiple images within minutes and it is (for the most part!) free. You just have to sign up and let it do its magic.

After signing in, you are faced with Bannerbear's dashboard which includes its' tools. You can choose what you need or can click on projects placed on the upper left of the site.

First step: Create!

After you press projects, you will see a button placed in the middle of the page named create another project. Creating another project will let you name and save your content. Then you will have to decide between creating a/an image/template from scratch or choosing from pre-made templates.

If you choose to use a pre-made design, you can do so from multiple carefully designed templates by clicking the templates tab.

After choosing your desired template you can then choose which project you want under it. When you go to your chosen project you can see the template you chose under templates.

If you want to personalize your content and create something unique, you first have to open a blank page. Go to your projects and click create a template. Then you can edit your image according to what you like! Add shapes, graphs, layers, and objects, go wild with it!

Second: Transform your Image

Editing a pre-made template, or hand-made template is your next move. Bannerbear offers various editing options from adjusting your canvas (right underneath the name of the project) to adding layers and objects (press new layer).

You can check out Bannerbear's provided features down below. Provided image is from one of the many Bannerbear guides. This Bannerbear guide is the perfect Bannerbear 101. If you want to know more invest your time in reading!

After these steps, you can customize your template with your own colors. Edit your background, integrate your business's colors into your font, and use shadows and textures. Ask yourself if you are happy with your design. If your answer is yes, then click SAVE! Never forget to save, this comes from experience.

Conclusion

Image automation is the technology that simplifies and streamlines the process of image editing by automating certain tasks. This technology is powered by artificial intelligence and/or machine learning, which enables the software to learn from data and generate designs based on that learning. With this knowledge, AI tries to provide the best for you. With each piece of information you enter, image automation tools generate images closer to what you have in mind. Platforms save you time and money while increasing your brand visibility. Common platforms include Bannerbear, Abyssale, Renderform, and Img.ly.

There are thousands alike to platforms we discussed, you can determine the one that works for you by assessing your needs, trying various platforms, and researching user reviews. While choosing your platform you have to think about the quality of customer service the platform offers and then experiment with your team to decide the best one for you.

If you are working with a team remotely, choosing collaborative software is a must! If you are a lone wolf, then you have to consider investing in a cloud-based platform to access your content at all times. You never know when you will need it! It mustn't scare those that are new to image automation. It is easier than it seems. Bannerbear example shows us that templates and styles are easy to arrange with the help of the platform.

If you are curious about the start of the revolution in design, do not forget to read about image automation. Follow and watch the YouTube videos provided in the blog post. If you can, attend webinars and listen to experts talk about this technology. Do follow us because we will keep you updated on the latest news from the world of image automation.  For further readings check out our blog post on Best Creative Design Tools in 2023, maybe something will intrigue you!

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