Adding Visuals to Your Communication Boards: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Put Pictures on Boardmaker

Boardmaker is a popular software used to create visual communication boards, providing individuals with disabilities a means to express themselves effectively. One of the key features of Boardmaker is the ability to add pictures to your communication boards, making them more engaging and easier to understand. In this article, we will explore the process of adding pictures to Boardmaker, including the different types of images you can use, how to import them, and how to customize them to suit your needs.

Understanding The Importance Of Pictures In Communication Boards

Pictures play a vital role in communication boards, as they help to convey messages more effectively. For individuals with disabilities, pictures can be a powerful tool for expression, allowing them to communicate their needs and wants more easily. In Boardmaker, pictures can be used to represent a wide range of concepts, from simple objects to complex ideas.

Types Of Pictures You Can Use In Boardmaker

Boardmaker supports a variety of image file formats, including:

  • JPEG
  • GIF
  • PNG
  • BMP
  • TIFF

You can use images from various sources, such as:

  • Boardmaker’s built-in image library: This library contains a vast collection of images that you can use to create your communication boards.
  • Personal photos: You can import your own photos into Boardmaker, making it easier to create personalized communication boards.
  • Internet images: You can search for images online and import them into Boardmaker.
  • Clip-art collections: You can purchase clip-art collections or download free ones from the internet to use in Boardmaker.

Importing Pictures Into Boardmaker

Importing pictures into Boardmaker is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: Importing Images From The Boardmaker Library

  1. Open Boardmaker and select the communication board you want to add pictures to.
  2. Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Picture” from the drop-down list.
  3. In the “Picture” dialog box, click on the “Browse” button.
  4. In the “Browse” dialog box, select the image you want to use from the Boardmaker library.
  5. Click “OK” to import the image into your communication board.

Method 2: Importing Personal Photos Or Internet Images

  1. Open Boardmaker and select the communication board you want to add pictures to.
  2. Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Picture” from the drop-down list.
  3. In the “Picture” dialog box, click on the “Browse” button.
  4. In the “Browse” dialog box, navigate to the location of the image you want to use.
  5. Select the image and click “OK” to import it into your communication board.

Customizing Pictures In Boardmaker

Once you’ve imported your pictures into Boardmaker, you can customize them to suit your needs. Here are some ways to customize your pictures:

Resizing Pictures

  1. Select the picture you want to resize.
  2. Click on the “Format” menu and select “Picture” from the drop-down list.
  3. In the “Picture” dialog box, click on the “Size” tab.
  4. Enter the new dimensions for the picture or select a pre-defined size from the drop-down list.
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Cropping Pictures

  1. Select the picture you want to crop.
  2. Click on the “Format” menu and select “Picture” from the drop-down list.
  3. In the “Picture” dialog box, click on the “Crop” tab.
  4. Select the area of the picture you want to keep.
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Adding Text To Pictures

  1. Select the picture you want to add text to.
  2. Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Text” from the drop-down list.
  3. In the “Text” dialog box, enter the text you want to add.
  4. Select the font, size, and color of the text.
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Organizing Pictures In Boardmaker

As you add more pictures to your communication boards, it’s essential to keep them organized. Here are some tips for organizing your pictures in Boardmaker:

Creating Folders

  1. Click on the “File” menu and select “New Folder” from the drop-down list.
  2. Enter the name of the folder.
  3. Click “OK” to create the folder.

Adding Pictures To Folders

  1. Select the picture you want to add to a folder.
  2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Move to Folder” from the drop-down list.
  3. Select the folder you want to add the picture to.
  4. Click “OK” to move the picture to the folder.

Best Practices For Using Pictures In Boardmaker

Here are some best practices for using pictures in Boardmaker:

  • Use high-quality images: High-quality images will make your communication boards more visually appealing and easier to understand.
  • Use consistent image sizes: Consistent image sizes will make your communication boards look more professional and easier to navigate.
  • Use images that are relevant to the message: Use images that are relevant to the message you’re trying to convey. This will help to avoid confusion and make your communication boards more effective.

Conclusion

Adding pictures to Boardmaker is a simple process that can enhance the effectiveness of your communication boards. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can import, customize, and organize pictures in Boardmaker. Remember to use high-quality images, consistent image sizes, and images that are relevant to the message. With these best practices, you can create communication boards that are visually appealing and easy to understand.

What Is Boardmaker And How Is It Used In Communication Boards?

Boardmaker is a software tool used to create visual communication boards for individuals with disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, and other conditions that affect communication. It provides a platform to design and print personalized communication boards, allowing users to express their needs, wants, and thoughts through pictures and symbols.

Boardmaker is widely used by speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, and caregivers to support individuals with complex communication needs. The software offers a vast library of symbols, images, and templates, making it easy to create customized communication boards that cater to individual needs and preferences.

Why Are Visuals Important In Communication Boards?

Visuals play a crucial role in communication boards as they help individuals with disabilities to understand and express themselves more effectively. Pictures and symbols can convey meaning and context, reducing confusion and misinterpretation. Visuals also provide a concrete representation of abstract concepts, making it easier for individuals to comprehend and communicate their thoughts.

Incorporating visuals into communication boards can also enhance engagement, motivation, and participation. By using images and symbols that are meaningful and relevant to the individual, communication boards can become more interactive and enjoyable, encouraging users to communicate more freely and confidently.

What Types Of Pictures Can I Add To My Boardmaker Communication Board?

You can add a wide range of pictures to your Boardmaker communication board, including photographs, illustrations, and symbols. The software offers a vast library of images and symbols that you can use, or you can import your own pictures from external sources. You can also use images from online resources, such as Google Images or stock photo websites.

When selecting pictures, consider the individual’s preferences, interests, and needs. Use images that are clear, concise, and easy to understand, and avoid using complex or abstract pictures that may cause confusion. You can also use pictures to represent different categories, such as food, activities, or emotions, to help the individual communicate more effectively.

How Do I Add Pictures To My Boardmaker Communication Board?

To add pictures to your Boardmaker communication board, start by selecting the image you want to use from the software’s library or importing it from an external source. Once you have selected the image, drag and drop it onto the board, or use the “Add Symbol” feature to insert it into the desired location. You can then resize, rotate, and adjust the image as needed to fit the board’s layout.

You can also use the “Picture Communication Symbols” (PCS) library, which is integrated into Boardmaker. PCS offers a vast collection of symbols and images that you can use to create your communication board. Simply browse the library, select the desired symbol, and add it to your board.

Can I Customize The Pictures On My Boardmaker Communication Board?

Yes, you can customize the pictures on your Boardmaker communication board to meet the individual’s specific needs and preferences. The software offers various editing tools that allow you to modify images, such as resizing, cropping, and rotating. You can also change the image’s color, contrast, and brightness to make it more visually appealing.

Additionally, you can use the “Symbol Editor” feature to create custom symbols and images. This feature allows you to design and edit your own symbols, using a range of shapes, colors, and textures. You can also import custom images and symbols from external sources, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

How Do I Organize And Layout Pictures On My Boardmaker Communication Board?

Organizing and laying out pictures on your Boardmaker communication board is crucial to ensure effective communication. Start by categorizing images into groups, such as food, activities, or emotions, and use headers and labels to identify each category. Use a consistent layout and design throughout the board to make it easy to navigate.

You can also use the “Grid” feature to create a structured layout, which helps to organize images and symbols in a logical and visually appealing way. Additionally, consider using different colors, shapes, and sizes to differentiate between categories and make the board more engaging.

How Do I Print And Share My Boardmaker Communication Board?

Once you have created and customized your Boardmaker communication board, you can print it on various paper sizes and types, including cardstock, laminated paper, or even create a digital version. The software offers various printing options, such as printing individual pages or the entire board, and you can also adjust the print quality and resolution.

You can also share your Boardmaker communication board with others, such as caregivers, teachers, or therapists, by exporting it as a PDF or image file. This allows you to easily distribute the board and ensure that everyone involved in the individual’s care is using the same communication tool.

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