Creating Title Images on the Mac

So, you’ve seen this before.  Similarly to the Windows process (check out the Create a Screencapture blog for PC users) here are the super-fun steps needed to create a new and interesting lesson title image on your Mac.  I have included this fantastic information in two different formats: a text version and a screencast. First off, let us go check out the screencast:

Now for the instructions with a bunch of old-fashioned words, instead of fancy, new-wave audio and video. Load up your video that has the title image that needs replacing.  Play your video and look for a frame while it plays that you think best represents or sells your lesson.  Pause on that frame and hit the Apple key + Shift + 4.  That will transform your cursor into a cross hair which will allow you to capture a portion of your screen.  So draw a nice box around your video, making sure to wait a second so you don’t get the interface in your capture.  This will send your capture to your desktop which you can then open up in your image editor of choice.  I’ll be using preview just because it is universal among Mac users.

In preview you’ll need to add the crop option to your menu bar so you can actually do some basic editing.  To do this, open the sidebar and click to customize toolbar and add the crop option.  You can then make a selection and cut out any extra pixels you don’t want by hitting the crop button.  Save your new title image to a place on your computer where you’ll be able to find it.  Then under your edit lesson page, you’ll be able to upload your new custom title image and save the lesson.

Take in and enjoy your new title image!

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