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      Cloning digital images

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how cloning can be used to change digital images.

      Key learning points

      1. Cloning can be used to change the composition of a digital image.
      2. Photos can be improved using editing tools.
      3. Cloning can be used to add or replace part of an image.

      Keywords

      • Clone - make an exact copy

      • Retouch - improve or repair a digital image

      Common misconception

      Using a cloning tool will always make invisible changes to an image.

      The cloning tool needs to be used carefully and precisely to make changes look realistic.

      Teacher tip

      Images are provided for pupils to edit during the lesson, however pupils may want to search for and edit their own images. This adaption would make the activities be more relevant and authentic to your particular pupils.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device with software that provides freehand digital painting tools. Examples in this lesson use paint.NET https://oak.link/paint-net

      Files needed for this lesson

      Football field 1.5 MB (JPG)

      running track 1020.64 KB (JPG)

      Verge 716.78 KB (JPG)

      Dog and frisbee 548.66 KB (JPG)

      House 273.5 KB (JPG)

      Football players 437 KB (JPG)

      Pavement 677.34 KB (JPG)

      Wood 500.21 KB (JPG)

      Bench 651.17 KB (JPG)

      Countryside 417.58 KB (JPG)

      Car Scratch 215.73 KB (JPG)

      Holly 730.7 KB (JPG)

      Ducks and ducklings 490.41 KB (JPG)

      Download these files to use in the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which tool can be used to experiment with different colours in a digital image?

      cloning tool
      Correct answer: colouring tool
      drawing tool
      resizing tool

      Q2.
      Put these steps in order to recolour an image.

      1 - select the image
      2 - choose a new colour
      3 - apply the colour
      4 - save the image

      Q3.
      Match the feeling to the colour effect.

      Correct Answer:bright colours,excitement

      excitement

      Correct Answer:black and white,olden days

      olden days

      Correct Answer:fdg,fdg

      fdg

      Q4.
      What is the benefit of recolouring a digital image?

      It makes the image smaller.
      It changes the shape of the image.
      Correct answer: It evokes different feelings and thoughts.
      It removes parts of the image.

      Q5.
      What does the word 'effects' mean in digital images?

      adding text
      Correct answer: changes applied to give a different result
      removing parts of an image
      saving an image

      Q6.
      Which of these is not an effect you can apply to an image?

      colouring
      cloning
      cropping
      Correct answer: printing

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main purpose of the cloning tool?

      to add text to an image
      to resize an image
      to change the colour of an image
      Correct answer: to make an exact copy of part of an image

      Q2.
      Which of these is a key use of the cloning tool?

      changing the file format
      Correct answer: retouching an image
      printing an image
      adding a new layer

      Q3.
      What does retouch mean in the context of digital images?

      Correct answer: to improve or repair a digital image
      to delete parts of an image
      to crop an image
      to add text to an image

      Q4.
      What might happen if the cloning tool is not used carefully?

      Correct answer: the changes may not look realistic
      the image will become smaller
      the file will be corrupted
      the image will lose its colour

      Q5.
      Match the tool to its use.

      Correct Answer:cloning tool,adding or replacing parts

      adding or replacing parts

      Correct Answer:retouching tool,improving the composition

      improving the composition

      Q6.
      What is a benefit of using editing tools on photos?

      They increase the file size.
      They reduce the file size.
      Correct answer: They improve the composition.
      They make the image black and white.

      To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Cloning digital images, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...