ICDL Image Editing (ICDL) study plan

Distinguish raster (bitmap) from vector images and predict which editing operations suit each

Explain the relationship between pixel dimensions, resolution (ppi/dpi) and physical print size, calculating one from the others

Compare RGB and CMYK colour models and state when each is appropriate

Identify the characteristics of common formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP) including lossy versus lossless compression

Open an image editor and locate the panels used for image size, canvas size, colour mode and history

Crop images to a target aspect ratio and resize them without distortion

Rotate, flip and straighten images, and adjust canvas size independently of image size

Make and refine selections using rectangular/elliptical marquee, lasso and magic-wand style tools

Add to, subtract from and feather an existing selection to control edge softness

Copy, cut and paste selected content within one image and confirm the result with undo/history

Adjust brightness, contrast, hue and saturation to correct an underexposed or colour-cast image

Convert an image between greyscale and RGB and describe the effect on available adjustments

Retouch small defects using clone-stamp/healing tools and remove red-eye

Apply and reorder layers, changing opacity and visibility to isolate parts of a composition

Apply a filter or sharpening operation and judge whether the result is acceptable at 100% zoom

Choose an output file format and compression level for a stated purpose (web, email, print)

Resample an image for screen output and for print output, explaining why the settings differ

Save in a native/editable format and export a flattened copy, and articulate the trade-off

Estimate resulting file size from pixel dimensions, colour depth and compression

Set capture resolution and colour depth on a scanner and justify the settings for a given end use

Acquire images from a digital camera or phone, transfer them to a computer and verify the files open correctly

Read EXIF/metadata to extract capture date, dimensions and camera settings

Compare common capture devices and state the practical resolution limits of each

Recognise basic copyright and permission considerations when acquiring images from the web or third parties

Combine two images into one composition using layers, layer order and opacity

Add text and simple shapes to an image and position them precisely

Optimise an image for web delivery and check it meets a stated file-size budget

Configure print settings including paper size, orientation, scaling and fit-to-page

Produce a contact-sheet style preview of several images for review

Organise a working image library into folders with a consistent naming convention

Rename, move, copy and back up image files without breaking references

Group, align and distribute layered elements to tidy a composition

Flatten or merge layers deliberately and confirm no editable content is lost unintentionally

Use a catalogue or gallery view to locate images by keyword or date

Diagnose weak areas using practice questions across all five domains and log recurring errors

Complete a full timed mock task: acquire, edit, organise and export an image to a brief

Re-perform any editing operation missed in earlier weeks without reference notes

Verify that all named deliverables are complete, correctly named and stored in one place