Some of you may be aware that browsers and websites are making it harder to save images to the desktop.

Right clicking and "save as image" is sometimes hidden behind HTML mazes and CSS background-image stylings.

So, here are a couple tricks that can help you get past some of the low-key efforts that are being taken to stop you from sourcing materials.

Start using Windows Key + Print Screen

Where Print Screen only saves an screenshot to your clipboard, by holding down the Windows Key when you press it you can have it save directly to your Documents folder (or Pictures, you can change it).

This saves you the hassle of trying to grab a screenshot during a live feed as well. Often times I find when I'm busy naming the file I miss something else I'd like to clip.

Then, since you don't want all your Windows screen crap on there, you need to be able to crop it.

Personally, I use PaintDotNet because it is Open Source (Free) and offers alpha layer transparency with a few entry level filters to do what you want. This allows you to write text and then move it around without chopping up what's beneath like in Microsoft Paint.

https://www.getpaint.net/download.html#download

Since it's Open Source it's got a ton of plugins and add-ons which you can use to get it working better. It's not Photoshop, but since it loads quickly enough maybe it's a good thing it's not Photoshop.

Photoshop now REQUIRES a subscription to use and they have effectively bricked all prior CD's from CS3 and onwards form working. As soon as the CD spots an internet connection, which it needs to activate, they put files on your computer that makes it impossible to download the earlier version. Making that $300 CS3 Suite you bought on Ebay nothing more than a paperwaight.

So...

If you DO want a Photoshop alternative for free, GIMP is a good get, but I personally dislike the interface despite some nicer brush mechanics. Loading times are also a drag.

https://www.gimp.org/

If you are willing to shell out some cash for it, Affinity Photo is what I'm using these days as a Photoshop alternative. They also have Affinity Designer for those who need an Illustrator alternative. Neither require a subscription for their updates, but I will note that my card was frozen by my bank for suspicious transactions. Take that as you will, but after getting it worked out the programs work fine.

https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/

Anyways...

Those are just some tips I have for upping your meme game and probably also getting your foot in the door for becoming computer-art literate.

Using Alpha Channel layers are gamebreaking in how you think about graphic creation. Just learning the process like modern day silk screening really expands your horizons and could also make you more popular with your boss at work. If you can make a graphic, it saves them from hiring a firm to do it, which makes you an asset.

It also makes you look smart and competent. Probably because you will be smart an competent when it comes to making things on a computer.

Hope that helps!

Remember; 99% of the time you CAN do what you want. There just so happens be to be so many ways to get the job done that one can get lost in the weeds.