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Basic Importing -> General Information
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PhotoAdvent comes with the ability to import picture files from your computer (BMPs for Windows, PICTs for Macintosh). This means that the pictures behind the numbers can be your pictures. Pictures of your kids, your pets, birthdays, weddings, Halloween...any pictures you have!
Registered users can import pictures for all 25 days of the calendar. Unregistered copies of PhotoAdvent are limited to importing 5 pictures.
See the link below for more information on how to register PhotoAdvent.
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Basic Importing -> How do I import pictures?
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1. Prepare your pictures. If necessary, scan or convert your pictures to the appropriate format.
2. Decide which importing option you'd like to use:
- To use "Import Pictures in Folder":
- Put copies of the picture files you'd like to use into the "Import" folder.
- Choose "Import Pictures in Folder..." from the File menu.
- Your pictures will be imported.
- To use "Edit Imports":
- Choose "Edit Imports..." from the File menu.
- Use the file controls to browse your computer and preview the available picture files.
- Selectively import pictures to certain days with a click of a button.
It is also possible to use a combination of these two options - first one, then the other.
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Basic Importing -> What can I import?
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PhotoAdvent can import pictures in your computer's native picture format.
Windows: Bitmap (BMP) format - files ending with the suffix ".bmp". This is the native Windows format - the kind understood and created by Paintbrush.
Macintosh: Macintosh Picture (PICT) format. This is the native Macintosh format - the kind understood by SimpleText and created automatically when you take a screen snapshot.
Note:Pictures files must be in the correct format for PhotoAdvent to import them. PhotoAdvent does not import JPEG, GIF, or other picture formats.
If your pictures are in JPEG format, you can easily convert them to the appropriate format using a variety of freeware and shareware programs. In fact, chances are that you already have such a program on your computer.
See the link below for more information on converting JPGs and other picture files to the appropriate format.
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Basic Importing -> Where can I get pictures to import?
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To import pictures, you will need picture files on your computer.
The three most common ways to get pictures on your computer are:
- Most film processors now offer a "Pictures on Disk" option when you develop your normal film.
- Download pictures from a digital camera.
- Scan in photographs that you have.
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Special Considerations -> PhotoAdvent Pictures
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Like many advent calendars, the pictures in PhotoAdvent are square and fairly small (100x100 pixels).
The size of a 100 pixel x 100 pixel picture.
It is not necessary to resize your pictures to this size - PhotoAdvent can do this automatically. When you import a rectangular picture, PhotoAdvent centers the picture on a square black background. As a result, you may see black bars to the sides, or above and below your imported picture.
To avoid having these bars, you can use an image editing program to crop (trim) the picture into a square before importing it. Most pictures can be made square by selecting a square which encloses the most important feature of the picture.
Note: When you crop your pictures, it's a good idea to crop a copy of your picture, NOT your original picture, which should remain untouched. That way you can always do it over if you're not satisfied with your results.
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Special Considerations -> Color Depth
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Color Depth refers to the number of colors your monitor displays. This becomes an important issue because it can affect the amount of memory required to import pictures. (See Special Considerations -> Memory, immediately below.)
PhotoAdvent runs best when your monitor's color depth is set to "High Color (16 bit)" in Windows or "Thousands of Colors" on Macintosh. The How To... section has details on how to change this setting, if it is necessary.
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Special Considerations -> Memory
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The amount of memory which is required for PhotoAdvent to run depends, among other things, on the color depth of your monitor, whether or not you are importing pictures, and the size of pictures you are importing.
You are unlikely to run into memory difficulties if you are not importing pictures.
If you are importing pictures you may run into difficulties if either or both of the following are true:
- Your monitor is set to higher than "High Color (16 bit)" in Windows or higher than "Thousands of Colors" on Macintosh.
- You are trying to import an extremely large picture file.
Naturally, the definition of "extremely large" varies. Rough Guideline: On a machine with moderate available memory, "extremely large" might mean "over 1.2 megabytes in size".
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Special Considerations -> Import Folder
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One of PhotoAdvent's importing options - "Import Pictures in Folder" - looks in a specific folder for pictures to import. This folder is called "Import" and should be located in the folder that holds the PhotoAdvent application.
If you plan to use this option, you will need to make sure that the picture files you'd like to import are in the correct format and are located in this folder. In any case, you may find it convenient to have all the pictures you are going to import in one location.
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Special Considerations -> Storage File
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When PhotoAdvent imports pictures, it creates a file called "PAIMPORT.DAT" on Windows or "PhotoAdvent Data" on Macintosh. This file should not be moved or deleted. Moving or removing this file will prevent PhotoAdvent from loading the pictures you have imported.
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Special Considerations -> Shortcuts and Aliases
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In general, PhotoAdvent does not recognize shortcuts or aliases to a picture file. In order to import, you will need to open the original picture file.
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Importing Methods
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PhotoAdvent offers two methods of importing pictures into the program. One more automatic, the second allowing greater control.
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Importing Methods -> Import Pictures in Folder
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This option will automatically import picture files it finds in a folder called "Import", located in the folder that holds the PhotoAdvent application. If you have already imported pictures once, this option may overwrite some or all of your previous imports.
If you choose this method, you should move all of the picture files you wish to import into the "Import" folder. Then simply choose the "Import Pictures in Folder..." item from the File menu. The pictures will be imported in alphabetical order. You can control the order in which they are imported by prefixing the file names with numbers ("01Felicia Dancing", "02Anthony's Cake", etc.)
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Importing Methods -> Edit Imports
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This option allows you to selectively import picture files. It displays a dialog box with a file selection list.
By choosing "Edit Imports..." from the file menu, you can browse your hard drive for pictures regardless of what folder they're in. You can see a preview of picture files as they will appear in PhotoAdvent and you can choose the day of the calendar into which they will be imported. You can also use this option to review the pictures you have already imported.
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Can I... -> Can I hide or show the importing options in the File menu?
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Yes. You might want to hide (and thus disable) importing options to prevent young users from either seeing the pictures you have already imported, or accidentally importing over them.
To hide or show importing options, select the "Preferences" item from the File menu.
- Check the "Hide importing options in File menu" item to hide these options.
- Uncheck the "Hide importing options in File menu" item to show these options.
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Can I... -> Can I improve the way my pictures look in PhotoAdvent?
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Yes!
After you have tried your imported pictures, you may wish to alter them. For instance, you may wish to crop a picture (cut out part of it) in order to focus attention on something or someone. Use an image editing program to make the changes, and then import the new picture file using the "Edit Imports" option.
See the Picture Suggestions link below for more information on how to create pictures that will work well with PhotoAdvent.
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Can I... -> What if I don't like the pictures I imported? Can I change them?
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Yes. As many times as you like. Of the two importing options, "Edit Imports" gives you more control when you are trying to change pictures you have already imported.
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Can I... -> Can I erase my imports?
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Yes and no.
You can't erase individual pictures, but you can change them by using the "Edit Imports" option to import new pictures (thus replacing the old ones).
If for some reason you'd like to completely revert to using PhotoAdvent's built in images, all you need to do is delete PhotoAdvent's data file. This file is located in the same folder as the PhotoAdvent application.
- Windows: Drag (or Send) the file "PAIMPORT.DAT" to the Recycle Bin.
- Macintosh: Drag the file "PhotoAdvent Data" to the Trash.
The next time you start PhotoAdvent, you will be told that PhotoAdvent can't find its data file and is unable to use your imported pictures. It will revert to using the built in pictures.
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Can I... -> Can I type a new name for a picture I have imported?
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No. The list of imported pictures is not editable. It is simply a record of the file names of the pictures you have already imported.
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Can I... -> Can I juggle the order of pictures I have already imported?
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Not directly. The list of imported pictures is not editable. To change the order, you'll need to re-import the pictures in the order in which you'd like them.
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Can I... -> Can I send the imported calendar to someone?
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No. The PhotoAdvent registration license allows you to import pictures for use with your copy of the program. It does not allow you to distribute the resulting calendar.
We are looking at options for implementing this sort of feature for next year.
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Why... -> Why don't I see any importing options in the File menu?
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The most likely explanation is that importing options have been hidden via the Preferences dialog box.
To change this:
Select the "Preferences" item from the File menu.
Uncheck the "Hide importing options in File menu" item to show importing options.
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Why... -> Why don't I see any pictures available for import when I use "Edit Imports"?
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The most likely explanation is that there are no picture files of the appropriate format in the folders you are looking in.
Picture files that show up in "Edit Imports" are:
Windows: Bitmap pictures (*.bmp)
Macintosh: Macintosh PICT files.
PhotoAdvent does not import JPEG, GIF, or other picture formats. If your pictures are in JPEG format, you can easily convert them to the appropriate format using a variety of freeware and shareware programs. In fact, chances are that you already have such a program on your computer.
See the link below for more information on converting JPGs and other picture files to the appropriate format.
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Why... -> Why aren't any pictures imported when I use "Import Pictures in Folder"?
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There are at least 3 possible explanations:
- The "Import" folder is in the wrong place.
This folder should be named "Import" and should be in the same folder as the PhotoAdvent application.
- There are no picture files in the "Import" folder.
Put some picture files in this folder.
- The picture files in the "Import" folder are of the wrong format.
PhotoAdvent can import these files:
Windows: Bitmap pictures (*.bmp)
Macintosh: Macintosh PICT files.
Note:PhotoAdvent does not import JPEG, GIF, or other picture formats. If your pictures are in JPEG format, you can easily convert them to the appropriate format using a variety of freeware and shareware programs. In fact, chances are that you already have such a program on your computer.
See the link below for more information on converting JPGs and other picture files to the appropriate format.
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| Related Links: |
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Why... -> I used the "Import Pictures in Folder" option. Why isn't the order the way I want it?
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This option imports pictures alphabetically. The most likely explanation is that the order in which you want your pictures is not alphabetical. This is understandable.
You can control the order in which they are imported by prefixing the file names with numbers. For example: "01Felicia Dancing", "02Anthony's Cake", etc., on up to "25Merry Christmas!".
Notice that, alphabetically, "10" comes before "2". This is why, in our examples, single digits are always preceded by a zero: "04" instead of "4".
It is easy to see the order in which your pictures will be imported if you have your Import folder displayed as a list and arrange the list by name.
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Why... -> Why are there black "bars" on the sides (or top and bottom) of my imported pictures?
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If you have run PhotoAdvent, you will have noticed that the pictures shown are square. When you import a rectangular picture, PhotoAdvent centers the picture on a black square. This is why you may see black bars to the sides, or above and below your imported pictures. Although not a perfect solution, this is preferable to the distortion that would occur if a rectangular picture were compressed into a square.
To avoid having these bars, you can use an image editing program to crop (trim) the picture into a square before importing it. Most pictures can be made square by selecting a square which encloses the most important feature of the picture.
Note: When you crop your pictures, it's a good idea to crop a copy of your picture, NOT your original picture, which should remain untouched. That way you can always do it over if you're not satisfied with your results.
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Why... -> Why do I get a warning about my monitor settings every time I start to import?
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Probably because your monitor is set higher than "High Color (16 bit)" in Windows or higher than "Thousands of Colors" on Macintosh. Although PhotoAdvent can run under these conditions, it requires more memory, which may limit the size of the pictures you can import.
To prevent the warning from being shown every time you start to import pictures, simply click the check box marked "Don't show this again." the next time the dialog box comes up. You will not see the warnings again.
If you decide you would like to turn the warnings back on, you may do so via the Preferences dialog box.
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Why... -> Why do I get "Not Enough Memory" messages when I try to import a picture?
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Quite simply because there is not enough memory.
Possible solutions:
- If your monitor's color depth is higher than "High Color (16 bit)" in Windows or "Thousands of Colors" on Macintosh, then switch your monitor to "High Color (16 bit)" or "Thousands of Colors".
- If you have other applications running at the same time, quit them and restart PhotoAdvent.
- Macintosh Only: Use the "Get Info" option in the Finder to give PhotoAdvent more memory.
- Use an image editing program to reduce the size of the picture you are having trouble with.
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Why... -> Why do I keep getting memory messages about the same picture? (Macintosh)
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When you select a file in the Edit Imports dialog box, PhotoAdvent tries to create a preview. If the picture is too large, given the available memory, PhotoAdvent will tell you that it does not have enough memory. This can also happen automatically when you first open a folder, if a large picture file is the first item in the files list. (The first item in the files list is always selected by default when a folder is opened.)
When you use the scroll bar or make other changes to the files list, PhotoAdvent tries to update the display, in case a new file was selected. Usually, this results in a transparent redrawing of the preview. But if the currently selected file is too large to be previewed, you will get another memory warning.
The solution is to select another (smaller!) file in the list before attempting to scroll.
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Why... -> PhotoAdvent said it can't find the imported pictures file. Why?
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When PhotoAdvent imports pictures, it creates a file called "PAIMPORT.DAT" on Windows or "PhotoAdvent Data" on Macintosh. This file must be in the same folder as the PhotoAdvent application and should not be moved or deleted. Moving or removing this file will prevent PhotoAdvent from loading the pictures you have imported.
If you have deleted this file, you will need to import your pictures again. If not, then make sure the file is in the same folder as the PhotoAdvent application. Choosing "Edit Imports" should allow you to see and use your imported pictures.
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Why... -> I paid for the program with Kagi. Why am I still limited to importing 5 pictures?
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Registering is a two part process. You're registered, but the program doesn't know it yet.
Go to the "Register" item in PhotoAdvent's Option menu and enter your name and registration code. You will then be able to import all 25 pictures!
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Pictures... -> Converting JPG (or other format) pictures so that PhotoAdvent can import them.
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Many pictures on the internet, downloaded from digital cameras, or returned on disk from a film processing company are in JPG format. Since PhotoAdvent can't currently import pictures in this format, you will need to convert them to a format PhotoAdvent can import. For Windows computers, this means bitmap pictures (*.bmp). On Macintosh computers, it means Macintosh PICT files.
Fortunately, this is a simple process. Basically, there are two steps:
- Open a JPG picture in an application.
- Save it in the appropriate format.
(Usually through a menu command called "Save As" or "Export".)
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There are many programs which will allow you to do this, several of which are listed below. Chances are, you already have a solution on your computer.
Programs You Already Have
Note:These are not necessarily the best ways to convert pictures,
but they are simple and commonly found on most systems.
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Windows Only
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- The program "Imaging", found in the Start menu (Start->Programs->Accessories->Imaging) can convert JPG pictures to BMP format.
- If you are using Internet Explorer 4.0 or later on a Windows computer, you can use this program to save your pictures in BMP format.
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Macintosh Only
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- If you open a JPG picture from within SimpleText, SimpleText will automatically offer to convert the picture to PICT format and then to save the picture for you. (This feature takes advantage of QuickTime translation)
- If you have AppleWorks (formerly known as ClarisWorks), you can use this program to convert JPG pictures to PICT format.
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Programs You MAY Already Have
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Windows & Macintosh
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- If you are downloading your pictures from a digital camera...
- If you are scanning your pictures into your computer...
- If you got your pictures on disk, the film processor may have included a program for viewing the pictures...
...the program you are using probably has an option to save your pictures in the appropriate format.
Look for "Save As..." or "Export...", usually found in the File menu.
Common examples of these programs are:
- Adobe PhotoDeluxe - distributed with many scanners and digital cameras.
- PhotoEnhancer - distributed with some digital cameras.
- PhotoWorks - Distributed by Seattle FilmWorks for their pictures on disk customers.
- PaperPort Viewer - distributed with PaperPort scanners.
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ShareWare and FreeWare Image Converting and Editing Programs
This section only lists a few freeware and shareware converters. Many others are available.
(Many commercial converters are also available for both Windows and Macintosh platforms.)
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Windows
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- IrfanView (Freeware) - Small, but versatile and full-featured image editor.
http://stud1.tuwien.ac.at/~e9227474/english.htm
- A Square Image (Freeware) - Slightly quirky interface, but this application is noteworthy because in addition to handling the conversion, its main purpose is to create square images. (Very handy for PhotoAdvent.)
http://www.trivista.com
- FreeView (Freeware) - Slightly older application, but it can handle the conversion.
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Vista/8125
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Macintosh
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- GraphicConverter (Shareware) - The swiss army knife of graphics on the Macintosh. There are very few file formats it cannot convert. Also offers a wide array of adjustments.
http://www.lemkesoft.com.
- JPEGView (PostcardWare) The old standard of JPEG viewers on the Mac is still holding its own. Comes with handy AppleScript applets to automate conversion. (Be forewarned: the crop feature does not work as expected!)
http://www.mac.tucows.com/imgvwrmac.html
- Jade - (Freeware) - Nice small application that can handle the conversion, although not quite as nicely as JPEGView or GraphicConverter.
http://www.mac.tucows.com/imgvwrmac.html
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Pictures... -> Improving the way your pictures look in PhotoAdvent.
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You may be satisfied with the way your pictures look the first time you import them into PhotoAdvent. If not, here are some suggestions for how you can make sure your pictures look their best in PhotoAdvent.
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Choose good pictures!
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It sounds simple, but this is very important! Since most pictures will be made smaller, it is important that the original quality be decent - the pictures should be clear, not particularly blurry, not over-exposed, and not particularly dark. Fortunately, most pictures fall into this category.
Think about the subject of the picture. For most customers, the main focus of PhotoAdvent pictures is people. Make sure the people in your pictures are large enough to be seen and recognized. Relatively close shots of 1 to 4 people generally work very well. Large group shots (7-10 people) yield smaller results which are usually recognizable if you're already familiar with the picture or the situation. Landscape shots in which the people are not very large generally work well for the landscape, but poorly for the people.
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Crop your pictures so that they are square or nearly square.
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This improvement will get rid of the black bars that accompany rectangular pictures. All of the pictures which are built in to PhotoAdvent are square - the point being that a wide variety of pictures can be cropped to a square shape without losing their impact or central focus. In many cases, this helps the focus.
Most pictures can be made square by selecting a square which encloses the most important feature of the picture.
Some pictures, however, have a particularly wide or high subject which, for whatever reason, should not be cropped. Imagine a picture of a tall person standing next to a baby crawling on the floor. To include the two main figures, the picture must be taller than it is wide. When rectangular pictures such as this are imported into PhotoAdvent, they are shown centered on a black square.
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If necessary, brighten or sharpen your pictures so that details show more clearly.
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Many image editing software programs offer a wide variety of adjustments that can be made to pictures. If the picture quality of your original can be improved, this will also improve the way the picture looks in PhotoAdvent.
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Pictures... -> Using an image editing program.
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There are three main reasons to use an image editing program on picture you want to use in PhotoAdvent.
- To convert your pictures to a format PhotoAdvent can import.
This is covered in the section above on converting pictures.
- To crop images to either to focus attention on a specific portion of the picture or to match PhotoAdvent's square format.
This is covered below.
- To brighten or otherwise touch up pictures you wish to use in PhotoAdvent.
This is covered below.
Important: When you alter your pictures, it's a good idea to alter a copy of your picture, NOT your original picture, which should remain untouched. That way you can always do it over if you're not satisfied with your results.
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Cropping Pictures
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Cropping refers to trimming excess portions of a picture. The result is a smaller and sometimes differently shaped picture.Not all image editing programs offer this feature, but most full featured programs, such as IrfanView (PC) and GraphicConverter (Mac), do.
To crop, you usually follow steps something like this:
- Select a portion of the picture using your program's selection tool. (Sometimes this tool is represented by an arrow, sometimes by a dotted rectangle.)
- Click and drag the mouse over the part of the picture you'd like to keep. Repeat this step until you are satisfied with the portion of the picture which is outlined.
- Choose "Crop" from the appropriate menu. ( This option is usually called "Crop", but may be called "Trim". (or "Crop Selection" or "Trim Selection") Do not confuse this option with "Cut" or "Clear", which generally remove the portion of the picture you'd like to keep!)
- If you are satisfied with the results, save the picture. If not, most editors will allow you to undo your most recent action by choosing "Undo" from the Edit menu.
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Brightening Pictures
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Details in a large picture may become difficult to distinguish when it is shrunk. Occasionally this results in an image that appears dark. You may want to brighten a picture if it seems dark when you import it into PhotoAdvent. Most image editing programs offer this feature.
The two principle controls for adjusting the apparent brightness and clarity of a picture are Brightness and Contrast. Overdoing either one can easily result in a garish or drab picture. But used cautiously, these controls can significantly improve some pictures.
Often the Brightness and Contrast controls are offered together. Look for a menu option marked "Brightness/Contrast". Alternatively, look for separate options. The brightness option may bear any of the following labels: "Brightness","Brighten", "Lighten", "Lighten/Darken", etc.
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Making Other Alterations
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Most image editing programs offer a wide variety of features for altering or improving your pictures. One example of this is "Sharpen." Sometimes scanned pictures have a slightly blurry look to them. Using the "Sharpen" feature of your image editor may result in a clearer looking picture.
The best way to learn about these options is to experiment. Remember to work on copies of your original pictures. Remember also to look for unintended side effects of your alterations.
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