LJ icons on the cheap, for Windows users.
First, the rules according to LiveJournal:
- File size must be less than 40k
- Image dimensions must be no larger than 100x100 pixels
- File format must be either PNG, GIF or JPG
This isn't bad at all. Chances are unless the image is animated (and I'm not going into that - in fact, I discourage the use of animation here: it will distract your reader from the content of your postings) it will be well under the 40k limit. The image dimensions are no big deal either, nor is the image format.
First, get an image to use as an icon. It doesn't matter if the format is wrong or the image is too big or if it's part of something larger. All those problems can be solved.
The first step is likely to use IrfanView, which is a free* image viewer that can display and save almost any image format. View the image with Irfanview and save it in a format that's useful - which could even be .bmp (yes, LJ can't use it, but that's an eventual problem, not an immediate one). To save as new format, simply select the filename extension from the list, IrfanView will save it as that.
If you have no other image editing program, BMP will allow you to use Windows Paint to work on it. Also, BMP might make the resizing go a bit easier.
IrfanView can also be used to cut a segment of an image (don't worry about size yet) to just get the part you want to use. Select the area, copy it, and paste as new - at least I think that's what's needed. I usually need to try a couple times, myself.
Now you should have an image that you like, have editted it if you desired, and left behind any parts you don't want. The only problem left is image size, which is probably more than 100x100 pixels. That's where EasyThumbnails comes in. EasyThumbnails is another free* program which lets you make small "thumbnail" images from bigger pictures. You get to determine the size. Say, 100 pixels at the most. The only limitation is that it might not support GIF but that's not a big problem. JPG, PNG, and BMP are supported. Make the thumbnail, and rename it as you see fit (using Windows Explorer or IrfanView) and then use IrfanView one last time, if you still have a BMP, to get an LJ-friendly format (GIF, JPG, PNG).
Which format to use? PNG is probably widely supported now, but if you want to be absolutely sure your picture can be seen by everyone, use GIF or JPG. Which of those? If it's a photo, use JPG. The more cartoony the image, the better GIF will likely be. You can save as each and look them over and choose what looks best to you. Or whatever has the smallest file size, if you prefer.
All that's left now is to upload the image. That can be done from this page. Free users get to use three icons, paid users get 15 and can buy more if they so desire.
* By free, I mean free - at least for personal use. No ads. No freaking spyware. No cost. No nagging to register. No quitting after a trial period lapses. No requirement to do this or that. Simply no charge for personal use.