After the photos have been taken, they can be enhanced or edited to make their message more precise. The setting around the product may not be ideal or the surface colours may have changed. The location of the product may also need improvement if there is material lying around, disturbing reflections or shadows, or confusing scenarios.

Instead of time-consuming new photo shoots, post-processing (editing) creates meaningful illustrations while savings costs and time. Post-processing is also useful for 3D graphics to clarify the view and to create a complex image statement.

Cropping creates a clean background, retouching removes distracting elements, adjusting colour and brightness ensure image uniformity, and overlays and transparencies can be used to emphasise the essentials. Arrows, virtual hands and numbers simulate movement and enhance sequences. Coloured frames draw the eye to the desired object which strengthens the image-text relationship.

This is one of the goals of technical documentation. The key to a good image lies in its on-message, consistent editing and post-processing.