OS/2 Shareware BBS: Graphics/Graphics.zip/ap11demv.zip/ALCAHELP.HLP

OS/2 Help File | 1996-11-25 | 79KB | 1,584 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 Alcahest PM v1.1 for OS/2

Alcahest PM is an OS/2 Presentation Manager Graphical User Interface (GUI) for
the OS/2 version 1.8 of Image Alchemy PS by Handmade Software, Inc. (HSI).

To use Alcahest PM, you need to have the Image Alchemy PS 1.8 for OS/2
executable files which are part of HSI's Image Alchemy PS for OS/2 program
suite.  The Alcahest GUI is simply copied to and run from the same directory as
the Alchemy PS executables as explained in the Installation procedures.

The Alcahest PM product allows the OS/2 user to implement all the features of
Alchemy PS without leaving the Workplace Shell and automates the selection of
processing options.

What is Image Alchemy PS for OS/2?

Image Alchemy PS is an image conversion and compression utility which converts
to and from about 70 formats, including all their variations.  The included
Postscript interpreter is scalable, and is compatible with all Postscript Type
1 or Type 3 fonts.  Image Alchemy PS has seven advanced dithering algorithms to
choose from, including stochastic dithering.  Five scaling methods are
included, along with many image processing functions (spiff, mirror, negative,
etc.). There are versions that run natively in OS/2, DOS, UNIX, and Macintosh.

Note to Warp 4 users: A demonstration version of Image Alchemy is included on
the Application Sampler CDROM bundled with OS/2 Warp 4!

Image Alchemy PS is a program owned by, and a trademark of Handmade Software,
Inc. (HSI).  HSI is not affiliated with NEGC Software,the developer of Alcahest PM.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. What's new in version 1.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Several changes were in order for Alcahest PM version 1.1.

First, BMT Micro is now marketing Alcahest, and Handmade Software, Inc., the
developers of Image Alchemy PS, is now bundling information on Alcahest PM for
OS/2 customers. Note that Alcahest Version 1.1 is specific to Image Alchemy PS
version 1.8. Because Handmade Software changed the structure of the Image
Alchemy PS executables for version 1.9 and added some new commands, a new
version of Alcahest will be available for that version. Visit BMT Micro's Web
site for further details.

Changes to the user interface and functioning of Alcahest include:

1.  The gamma specification dialog was changed to better streamline selection
    of input, output and gammas matched to files. Each type of gamma
    specification now has its own slider.

2.  File selection (input file, match palette, undercolour removal,
    convolution) now includes context-sensitive pop-up menus.  Right-clicking
    over the appropriate entry field for these file types will pop-up the menu
    for that item, or the file selection dialog.

3.  The code for the automatic pop-up dialog which allows selection of
    additional file-specific options was rewritten and as a result access time
    to the pop-up has been decreased.

4.  The options.dat file is no longer needed as the file options are now
    hard-coded into the Alcahest executable.

5.  Adjustments to the spacing and font size of controls were made to avoid
    clipping problems in resolutions of 1024x768 and greater.

6.  The "Show Commands" parameter display bar was changed to a scrollable
    multi-line control so when the parameter string contains long file paths or
    many parameters, the string is fully viewable.

7.  The Product Information was cosmetically enhanced and now displays the
    version and date-stamp of the run-time library (VROBJ.DLL).

Also, some cosmetic enhancements were added to Alcahest.  Most of these were
done to bring Alcahest more in line with other NEGC Software products.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Installation is straight-forward and only requires copying a few files to a
couple locations. In most cases, it is usually easier to install HSI's Alchemy
program first and then add the Alcahest PM files to wherever you installed
Alchemy. Whatever you do, you must:

1.  Unzip the archive if Alcahest PM came to you as a *.zip file.

2.  Determine where the Alchemy v1.8 executables (alchos2.exe, alchps.exe,
    etc.). are located. They are usually contained in a directory such as
    X:\alchemy, where X: is an existing hard drive (e.g., C:\Alchemy). This
    will be referred to as the "Alchemy" directory.  The following Alcahest PM
    files need to be copied to this directory:

    alchst11.exe - program executable

    alcahelp.hlp - help file

    alcaguide.inf - User's Guide

    Whatever the choice of directory creation, alchos2.exe, alchps.exe,
    alchst11.exe and alcahelp.hlp must reside in the same directory.

3.  Place the supplied dynamic link library file, vrobj.dll, in a directory
    that is named on the LIBPATH statement in the OS/2 config.sys system file.
    We recommend X:\OS2\DLL as a possible candidate.  Alternatively, the
    Alchemy directory could be added to the LIBPATH statement (requiring
    editing of the config.sys file) if vrobj.dll were desired to be kept in the
    Alchemy directory. You may have a copy of vrobj.dll already installed on
    your machine. Alcahest PM will immediately complain if you do not.

4.  Reboot after installing the vrobj.dll, or after making changes to config.sys.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Main Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The features listed below comprise the main window where most of the work is
done.  Click on one of the topics below to learn more.

o   Using Drop-down Menus
o   General Options
o   File Input and Output
o   Command Buttons


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. File Input/Output ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

On the left side of the main window is the File Input and Output area.  Here
text entry fields are activated by either:

1.  directly entering a filename,

2.  supplying an entry by using the appropriate file selection dialog accessed
    through one of the drop-down menus, or

3.  by right mouse-button clicking over a text entry fields corresponding to
    the output file or optional processing file.

The main file input/output fields include 'Input File', 'Output File Name', and
'File Specific Options'. The Output Type drop-down list box allows the user to
select from the many conversion options.  After selecting a conversion option,
a popup dialog asks for the conversion subtype.  After this choice is made,
both the conversion option and its variant are shown in the File Specific
Options text field.

In addition, Optional Processing Files can also be specified in the lower half
of this area of the main window.  These files include the 'False Colour File',
'Palette File', Undercolour Removal File', and 'Convolution File'.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.1. Selecting Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File selection is best accomplished by using the various file dialogs. The full
path as chosen during the dialog display is stored in a variable which can
always be viewed by pushing the 'Show Commands' button near the bottom of  the
main window.  After making a selection with a file dialog, direct-editing the
filename in any of the text entry fields bearing filenames will not actually
change the path or file. The variable holding the path for the particular
filename is nulled by making the appropriate sub-menu selection and choosing
the 'Cancel' button on the file dialog window.  The checkmark next to the menu
name will then disappear after which direct editing of any filename entry field
can be accomplished with correct end-results.

If the full path is not supplied when directly entering a filename in any of
the text entry fields bearing filenames, Alcahest will look for the file in the
default Alchemy directory when the Convert! button is pushed.

Note:  If a file has first been selected by any of the methods which activate
an OS/2 file dialog (Image Input File, False Colour, Match Palette, Undercolour
Removal, or Convolution), only the filename is shown in the fields of the main
window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2. Output Type Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To specify an output type option, the Output Type drop-down list box is
selected and a selection is made by scrolling and clicking on the desired type.
The output type (conversion option) will immediately appear in the File
Specific Options text field.

If the selected output option includes an additional variant such as a type
(e.g. PCPAINT), a compression value (e.g., ADEX), output type (e.g., HP RTL),
or other similar additional parameter or variation, a pop-up dialog will prompt
the user for the additional value.  You must make a selection from the pop-up
dialog list box to close the dialog.  Both the initial value and the variant
will appear in the file specific options text entry field.

In the case of the JPEG/JFIF output type, a different pop-up dialog will
appear.  This dialog requires two parameters, a coding type and a quality value.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2.1. File Specific Options Pop-up Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Many of the output types require an additional parameter to access one of the
sub-types.  All such output types have a default setting so that in the case
where the additional parameter isn't supplied, Alchemy will process the file
with the default setting.  The Image Alchemy Ps User's Guide has a complete
list of all the default settings.  In most cases, it is the first choice in the
pop-up dialog.

The pop-up dialog will appear automatically when you initially choose one of
the output types that include additional parameters.  You must make a selection
from the pop-up dialog list box to close the dialog.  Both the initial value
and the variant will appear in the file specific options text entry field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2.2. JPEG/JFIF Pop-up Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Choosing the JPEG/JFIF option from the drop-down listbox in the main window
will pop-up the JPEG/JFIF Options dialog.  When a file is converted to these
formats, two parameters are required to be selected.

The Coding parameter can either specified as default Huffman coding (the
default or optimum Huffman coding.  This optimum coding causes Alchemy to
generate a set of custom tables optimized for the image and quality factor,
producing a 5-20% increase in compression.  It will take a bit longer to
compress the image, however.

The Quality parameter can be specified as a numerical value from 1 to 100.  The
default value is 32.  The higher the number, the higher the quality of the
image, and the lower the compression ratio.  Quality factors below 10 will
result in images with significant loss of quality.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.3. Output files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Output files can be created when an input file is supplied and an output type
option is specified. These are the minimum parameters required for a successful
run of Image Alchemy PS.

Output files can be named anything desired by the user.  However, if no output
name is specified, the output file name will default to the name of the input
file modified by the extension corresponding to the conversion output option.
For example, when converting an input file named test.bmp using the PCX output
option, the default output file will be named text.pcx unless otherwise
specified. Note that if the "Overwrite" option is selected, if you do not
change output file names between runs, you may write over a file you wished to save.

To specify a output file name other than the default, enter the desired name in
the appropriate text entry field.  Alchemy will automatically append the
appropriate extension depending on the output type selected.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. General Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Along the right side of the main screen are most of the general options as
specified by the Alchemy documentation.  The exception to this is the general
option '"Wildcard" and "Warnings".  These two options are placed under the File
Menu as the Wildcard option is analogous to selecting an input file by name.

General Options on the main Screen include:

o   Conserve Memory
o   Display Image Stats
o   Quiet
o   Multipage
o   Override Input Type
o   Do Not Alter Input File Name
o   Use Input Directory for Output File
o   Overwrite.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.1. Conserve Memory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Conserve Memory option will cause Alchemy to use as little
memory as possible.  Usually Alchemy operates on several parts of an image at
once. This option results in Alchemy working on the smallest parts possible.
Processing time may be increased with this option. To turn the option on, click
on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.2. Display Image Stats ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Display Image Stats option toggles the two methods (traditional and
verbose) in which conversion statistics are displayed after a run of the
Alchemy program.  They both contain identical information, but the verbose
structure is presented in a more list-oriented fashion. To turn the option on,
click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.3. Quiet ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selecting the Quiet option will suppress all status messages normally displayed
during processing.  There is no way, however, to suppress error messages. To
turn the option on, click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.4. Multi-Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Multi-page option allows the processing of all the pages
of an image when reading an image which contains multiple pages.  This is
accomplished with a single execution of Alchemy during which each page is
written to a single file. To turn the option on, click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.5. Override Input Type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Override Input Type option forces Alchemy to treat the
input file as the specified file type.  This option is normally used in the
case where Alchemy cannot automatically identify a certain file type.

Selecting this option's check button enables the drop-down list containing all
the input types.  Choosing a input type from the list will force Alchemy to
treat the input file specified as that type.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.6. Do Not Alter Input File Name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selection of the Do Not Alter Input File Name option disables the automatic
appending of a file-type extension to an input filename in order to create an
output filename. To turn the option on, click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.7. Use Input directory for Output File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selection of the Use Input Directory for Output File option causes Alchemy to
place output files in the same directory as the input files when processing in
Wildcard mode. To turn the option on, click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.8. Overwrite ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Overwrite option allows Alchemy to overwrite existing
files on a hard disk.  By default, Alchemy will not overwrite a file with the
same name. To turn the option on, click on the checkbox.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. Command Buttons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Along the bottom of the main window are several command buttons, and a
scrollable command summary display bar.

The buttons consist of (left to right):

o   The 'Show Commands' button which displays all currently selected command
    option arguments in the command summary display bar;
o   The 'Convert!' button which calls the Alchemy executable file with a
    response file as the sole argument;
o   The 'Quit' button which terminates Alcahest PM.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3.1. Convert! ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Pushing the Convert! button sends the specified option parameters to Alchemy
and begins the image conversion process.  If a last-minute check on the
parameters being sent is desired before actually processing the image, choose
the 'Show Commands" button before pushing the Convert! button.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3.2. Show Commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Show Commands button displays all the current options, filenames, and paths
that will be used for a conversion.  The options are all shown by their correct
option codes as defined in the Image Alchemy PS User's Manual and as defined in
the Command Line Arguments Glossary.

Pressing this button will display all the current options in the Command
Summary Display Bar located at the foot of the main window.  This bar is
scrollable so that when particularly long parameter strings are to be passed,
they are fully viewable.

Pre-viewing parameters is particularly useful when a large number of conversion
options or exceptionally long file paths are in effect.  Use this button just
before pushing the Convert! button to ensure that all the appropriate options
are selected for the desired end result.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3.3. Quit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Pushing the Quit button terminates the Alcahest PM graphical user interface,
and closes the program window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Using Menus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Access to the many of the options used by Image Alchemy PS is accomplished by
using menus.  Along the top of the Alcahest PM main window are several
drop-down menus.  These menus include the following main headings:

o   File
o   Colour&Palette
o   Scaling&Filtering
o   Postscript
o   Help

All of the above menus also contain several sub-menus.  Click on a main menu
heading to pull down the list of submenus.  In all cases, sub-menu selections
call an option window which displays one or more of the options described by
the menu name.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Sub-menu Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Various options for image processing are available by selecting from sub-menus.
The desired option in the option dialog window is then specified for that
program option.

Important feature: If a particular option dialog is called by making a sub-menu
selection, and no option in that dialog is actually changed from original or
default settings, the "Okay" button will not close the option window and a
warning tone is issued. Selecting the "Cancel" button will close any window
with the options remaining at default value, or cancel out any changed options
to their default settings. The option window called by a sub-menu can be
re-visited at any time, and options can be changed at that time.

A check mark is placed next to the sub-menu name referencing a particular
dialog when that dialog contains an option that was changed from default.
Opening any of the four main options menus will drop down the sub-menus and
show which sub-menus are checked and thus which option dialogs contain options
that have been changed from default.  Note that at times, depending on option
selection, various menus may be grayed-out (disabled) because of incompatible
options selected elsewhere.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. File Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Assessed from under the File Menu are 'Input File', 'Multiple Files', and
'Quit' selections. The Quit command is equivalent to the Quit command button on
the lower right of the main window. Choose Quit to leave the Alcahest GUI.

The file selection dialog can also be accessed by right mouse-clicking over the
Input File text field on the main window.

Using the file selection dialog is the easiest way to browse and then choose a
single file that is to be converted.

To learn more about additional options available under the other menus, click
on one of the main menu names below:

o   Colour&Palette
o   Scaling&Filtering
o   Postscript
o   Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.1. Input File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Input File text entry field is used for specifying the image file you wish
to convert.  Typing the name of the file without the full path will cause
Alchemy to search the default directory for the file.  If the desired file is
located elsewhere, specify the full path or choose a file using the file
selection dialog.

Selecting the Input Image sub-menu or right-mouse button clicking over the
Input File text entry field will call the Input File Dialog which is linked to
the full path of the selected file. Upon clicking "Okay", the filename is
automatically placed in the 'Input File' field in the main window (the full
path is stored in a separate variable).  Menu access to the Multiple Files menu
is disabled as the Wildcard option cannot be specified with a single input file.

Re-accessing the Input File Dialog and then selecting 'Cancel' will cancel out
any previous selection and remove any entry in the Input File text field in the
main window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.2. Multiple Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Multiple Files sub-menu calls a dialog which accesses the 'Wildcard' and
'Warnings' options window. The Wildcard option allows you to specify multiple
file names and file names which include the wild card characters. Selecting a
Wildcard and choosing 'Okay' will auto-enter the selection in the Input File
text field in the main window.

The Warnings option is specified by checkbox in the Multiple Files dialog.

Note:  The Menu access to the Input File sub-menu will disabled as a input file
cannot be specified when the Wildcard option has been chosen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.2.1. Warnings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When specified, the Warnings option causes Alchemy to treat missing input
files, unidentifiable input files, and non-overwritable output files as
nonfatal errors.  This option is only used with the Wildcard option.  It is
useful when processing images in batch mode, especially unattended as Alchemy
will just skip the offending file and go on the next file.

Note:  Any errors that occur during the processing on an image itself are fatal
and thus will terminate the process.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.2.2. Wildcard ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When specified, the Wildcard option allows the conversion of multiple files
with a single execution of Alchemy.  You cannot specify an output file name as
the converted files will simply take on the original file's name with a new
extension reflecting the new format.

CAUTION:
Any error will terminate processing; if the Warning option is specified in
conjunction, certain errors are treated as nonfatal.

Note:  The Menu access to the Input File menu will disabled as a input file
cannot be specified when the Wildcard option has been chosen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Colour & Palette Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Colour&Palette Menu contains various options which affect the appearance of
the output image.  They control such things as the number of colors present in
the output image, and the dithering algorithm used.

Accessed under the Colour & Palette Menu are the following options:

o   Colour
o   Dither
o   False Colour
o   Gamma Correction
o   Match Palette
o   Palette Selection
o   Spiff
o   True Colour
o   Undercolour Removal
o   Other Colour and Palette Options

To learn more about additional options available under the other menus, click
on one of the main menu names below:

File Menu

Scaling&Filtering

Postscript

Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Scale & Filter Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Scale&Filter menu contains options used to scale an image, position an
image on the page, and convolving an image with a convolution file such as
sharpen or blur.

The various options accessed under this menu include:

o   Change Resolution
o   Scale X-Y
o   Specify Aspect Ratio
o   Specify Image Resolution
o   Positioning
o   Convolve

To learn more about additional options available under the other menus, click
on one of the main menu names below:

File Menu

Colour&Palette

Postscript

Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Postscript Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Processing Postscript files requires numerous other options which do not
pertain to the other types of image formats. As explained in the Image Alchemy
PS documentation, Postscript processing options are grouped into basic and
advanced areas which Alcahest groups under the Postscript menu.  These
groupings are accessed by either sub-menu Basic Postscript options, or sub-menu
Advanced Postscript.

To learn more about additional options available under the other menus, click
on one of the main menu names below:

File Menu

Colour&Palette Menu

Scaling&Filter Menu

Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5.1. Processing Postscript Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To process a Postscript file, first specify the input file by the usual method.
If an EPS or PS file, Alchemy will recognize it as such automatically.  Either
process the file with all the options set to the defaults or change options
under the Basic Postscript sub-menu or the Advanced Postscript sub-menu, both
of which are available under the PostScript main menu.

Rendering Postscript files may require large amounts of processor time and hard
disk space, and the program will swap out to disk if there is not enough
physical RAM available.  Processing times and disk space requirements are
increased when rendering colour or grayscale images, and when rendering images
for larges-scale hardcopy devices.

Note:  The Alchfont program is not yet implemented under the Alcahest GUI
primarily because it is conveniently operated at the command line.  Future
versions of Alcahest may include front-end access to Alchfont if user demand
warrants the inclusion of this utility.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5.2. Basic Postscript Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Basic PS sub-menu accesses the Basic Postscript options dialog.  This
window includes controls for setting the following options:

o   Input Page Size
o   Output Page Size
o   Page
o   Specify Image Resolution
o   Use Bounding Box
o   Preserve Aspect Ratio
o   Rotate
o   Colour Mode

Note that most of these options are disabled unless the corresponding check box
is selected to enable them.  Choosing the "Cancel" button at the bottom of the
Basic Postscript options dialog resets all options to their original (default) settings.

The more advanced Postscript options are available by choosing the Advanced
Postscript sub-menu under the Postscript main menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5.3. Advanced Postscript Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Advanced PS sub-menu accesses the Advanced Postscript options dialog.  This
window includes controls for setting the following advanced Postscript options:

o   Image Offset
o   Margins
o   Clip
o   Pre-load Fonts
o   Antialias

Most advanced PS options are specified by checkboxes, while Antialias is
selected by radio buttons. Choosing the "Cancel" button at the bottom of the
Advanced PS window resets all options to their original (default) settings.The
Basic Postscript options are available by choosing the Basic Postscript
sub-menu under the Postscript main menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6. Help Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Help menu provides access to on-line help which you are currently reading.
Check out the sub-menu titled 'Using help' to learn how to better use the
on-line help facility.  An on-line index of help topics is also available under
the 'Help Index' sub-menu.

To learn more about additional options available under the other menus, click
on one of the main menu names below:

File Menu

Colour&Palette Menu

Scaling&Filter Menu

Postscript Menu

Throughout this document, Image Alchemy PS options or command names are denoted
by purple italicized text, and the names of Alcahest PM controls are denoted by
green text. All hypertext links are shown in blue.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Help for Option Dialogs ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Almost all the options used in processing files under Alchemy that change the
appearance of an output image are selectable through dialog windows which are
accessed under the menuing system.  The General Options do not change the
appearance of the output file; General options control the way Alchemy runs and
are selectable on the right side of the main window.

The following are processing options whose settings are accessed through dialogs:

Colour and Palette options

Scaling, Filtering, Positioning, and Convolution options

Postscript Options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Colours Option ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Colours Option dialog allows specification of the Colour option and the
Reserve colours option.  The number of colours to be contained in the output
image are entered in the Colours field, which can range from 2 to 256.

Enable the specification of Reserve Colours by clicking its checkbox. The
checkbox is only enabled if some number of colours are first specified in the
Colours field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden>  ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Reserve Colours option is an optional parameter under the Colours dialog.
It refers to the number of colours to reserve such that the specified number of
colours (between 0 and 255) are reserved from the beginning of the palette.

Note:  The reserved colours will be set to black unless at least 16 colours are reserved.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. Dither Option ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Dither Option Dialog allows specification of the type of Dithering to apply
to the converted image. Eight dither types are available from the drop-down
list:

o   Floyd-Steinberg
o   Stucki
o   Jarvis, Judice, & Ninke
o   Stevenson and Arce
o   Sierra Lite
o   Halftone
o   Bayer
o   Halftone 2

The amount of Perturbation (if any) is also specified through this dialog, and
Serpentine Raster can be specified as well by checking that option.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden>  ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Perturbation is specified through the Dither Option dialog.  Specifying
perturbation adds noise to the image, which can help break up visible patterns
introduced by dithering.  The parameter specifies the magnitude of the noise.
Perturbation has no effect on the Halftone, Halftone 2, and Bayer dithertypes.

Using serpentine raster can also reduce visible dither patterns.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden>  ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of Serpentine Raster is accomplished through the Dither Option
dialog.  Using a serpentine raster can help reduce visible patterns introduced
by dithering.  Using a serpentine raster has no effect on Halftone, Halftone2,
or Bayer dither types.

Adding perturbation is another way of reducing visible dither patterns.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. False Colour Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The False Colour option sub-menu selection calls a file dialog to enable
selection of a file containing a palette to false colour an image.  The input
image is changed to use the palette found in the specified file.  This options
can be used to false colour a monochrome image.

The False Colour file selection dialog can also be accessed by right
mouse-clicking over the False Colour File entry field on the main window.

Note:  This option cannot be combines with the Spiff or Match Palette options.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. Gamma Correction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Gamma Correction option dialog is used to specify the gamma of an input
file, an output file, or a palette file.  This option can also be used to
perform gamma correction.

Gamma correction is specified by moving a slider to the desired value opposite
the input or output gamma.  If after a gamma has been changed, default values
can be re-specified ( i.e.,  none) which is useful in the case where the input
or output gamma is known or fixed.

By checking the Match to Palette check button, specifying the gamma of a
palette file is allowed. The particular palette file is selected by the method
described under Match Palette.

Choosing the "Okay" button on this window retains all settings, while choosing
'Cancel' cancels all specification of gamma and closes the window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. Match Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Match Palette option sub-menu calls the Match Palette file selection dialog
which allows a palette file to be selected.  Choosing 'Okay' approves the
filename to be entered in the Match Palette text field in the main window, and
the full path to be stored in a variable.  Choosing the 'Cancel' button will
cancel out any selection and remove the contents of the Match Palette text
field in the main window.

The Match Palette file selection dialog can also be accessed by right
mouse-clicking over the appropriate entry field on the main window.

Note:  Using the Match Palette option will automatically disable the Spiff
option and also False Coloring either by menu selection or direct editing in
the main window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6. Palette Selection Group ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Palette Selection Group sub-menu accesses a dialog which includes the
Heckbert Tuning, Palette Sorting, Palette Swapping, and Palette Selection
(Heckbert quantization method) options.  Options are selected by the
appropriate radio buttons.

As in the case of the other option dialogs, the 'Okay' button will not close
the window if no settings have been changed.  Because of the large amount of
choices in this window, a 'Reset' button is supplied which will reset all radio
buttons to their original states without closing the window.  Selecting
'Cancel' will reset all buttons and close the window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6.1. Heckbert Tuning ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Heckbert Tuning is selected under the Palette Selection Group dialog and
specifies the Heckbert quantization method to use.  Four methods are available:

o   Method 0 (default)
o   Method 1
o   Method 2
o   Method 3

The default produces good results for most images.  When reducing images to a
small number of colours method 1 might be a better choice.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6.2. Palette Sorting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Palette Sorting option is accessed from the Palette Selection Group dialog
and is used to sort the colours in the palette produced by Alchemy.  Five sort
types are available:

o   None
o   Popularity
o   Luminance (sort colours from lightest to darkest)
o   RGB
o   Luminance (sort colours from darkest to lightest).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6.3. Palette Swapping ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Palette Swapping option is accessed under the Palette Selection Group
dialog and is used to force certain colours to be in certain places when
generating a palette. Four swap types are available:

o   None (default)
o   IBM (colour 0 is black, 7 is white)
o   Macintosh (colour 0 is white, 255 is black)
o   Sun (colour 0 is white, 1 is black).

The default is based on the file type being written out.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6.4. Palette Selection ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Palette Selection is accessed under the Palette Selection Group dialog.  This
option alters the method which Heckbert quantization uses to select colours.
Three selection types are available:

o   Mean (default)
o   Median
o   Corner


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.7. Spiff ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Spiff Option dialog provides access to the three types of Spiff that are available:

o   Histogram Stretching
o   Histogram Linearization
o   Histogram Stretching with black and white ignored.

Spiff options are selected by choosing the desired radio button.  Spiffing an
image can enhance the image contrast by stretching the pixel colour values to
the full 0 to 255 range.

The 'Okay' button will not close the window if no settings have been changed.
Selecting 'Cancel' will reset all buttons and close the window.  Using the
Spiff option will automatically disable Match Palette and False Colouring
either by menu selection or direct editing in the main window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.8. True Colour ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The True Colour Option dialog enables the specification of the four types of
True Colour options: 15 bits, 16 bits, 24 bits, and 32 bits.  Specifying one of
these options will force the image to be true colour x bits (x = 15, 16, 24 or 32).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.9. Undercolour Removal ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Undercolour Removal option sub-menu calls the Undercolour Removal file
selection dialog which enables the selection of a file which contains the
undercolour removal information.  Undercolour removal is suggested when
converting images to a format which uses the CMYK colour space.

The Undercolour Removal file selection dialog can also be accessed by right
mouse-clicking over the Undercolour File text field on the main window.

Choosing 'Okay' approves the filename to be entered in the appropriate field in
the main window, and the full path to be stored in a variable.  Choosing the
'Cancel' button will cancel out any selection and remove the contents of the
Undercolour file text field in the main window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10. Other Colour and Palette Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Several miscellaneous colour and palette options are accessed by controls on
the Other Colour and Palette Options Window. This window is accessed by
choosing the Other Options sub-menu under the Colour&Palette menu in the main
window.  These options include the following:

o   Alpha Channel
o   Black and White
o   EGA Palette
o   Negate
o   Palette (Force Palette)
o   Swap RGB
o   Uniform Palette

The options listed above are all set by checkboxes.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.1. Alpha Channel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Alpha Channel option preserves the Alpha Channel
information when converting an image.  By default, Alchemy does not preserve
this information.

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.2. Black and White ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specifying of the Black & White option converts the input image to black and
white or grayscale.  If only two colour are specified using the Colours option,
then the image will become black and white.  Using any number of colours
greater than 2 with the Colours option in conjunction with the Black and White
option will result in a grayscale image with as many shades of gray as those
specified in Colours.

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.3. EGA Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selection of the EGA Palette option optimizes the image quality for display on
an EGA board and monitor.

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.4. Negate ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specification of the Negate option changes the image to a negative (equivalent
to a photographic negative).  When used on black and white images, black is
changed to white and vice versa.  On colour images, each of the red blue and
green channels are inverted separately (e.g., bright blue equals bright yellow).

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu..


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.5. Palette (Force Palette) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specifying the Palette option forces the output image to be paletted, typically
8 bits per pixel.  The actual number of bits per pixel is determined by the
Colours option.

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu..


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.6. Swap RGB ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specifying the Swap RGB option results in a swap of the red channel for the
blue channel.  This option is usually only needed for an incorrectly written
file or when writing a file that will be read by a broken file reader.

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu..


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.10.7. Uniform Palette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Uniform Palette option specifies a uniform palette instead of using the
Heckbert median cut algorithm to generate a custom palette for an image.  This
options specifies a palette with entries which are evenly distributed in a RGB
colour cube.  The advantage of using a uniform palette is that is is faster
than a custom palette (at the expense of image quality).

This option is accessed through a checkbox on the 'Other Colour and Palette
Options' sub-menu..


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.11. Change Resolution ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Change Resolution option allows the image resolution of a converted image
to be changed.  This option is not the same as the Specify Resolution.

Changing the resolution of an image is a combination of changing the image DPI
and the image size (in pixels).  For example, printing an image that was
created at high resolution on a device that only supports low resolution will
cause the output to become larger than the original image. Changing the
resolution solves this problem.  You could also rescale an image to make it
smaller, but you would be required to calculate the scale factor in advance.

To change the resolution, enter the desired DPI in both the horizontal (x) and
vertical (y) directions, and choose a scaling method.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.12. Scale X-Y ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Scale X-Y dialog contains the options for scaling an image in the
horizontal (x) and vertical (y) directions. The scale units can be specified in
pixels, inches, or centimeters.  In addition, a scale factor can be specified
where a value such as 1.5 will cause the image to be enlarged 1.5 times in the
specified direction.

You can scale in one direction (dimension) only, and if the Preserve Aspect
Ratio option is chosen, the other remaining dimension will be scaled
appropriately to retain the original image aspect ratio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.12.1. Preserve Aspect Ratio ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Preserve Aspect Ratio option is accessed from the Scale X-Y dialog.  This
option preserves the aspect ratio when scaling.  If specified with either the X
or Y scaling option, Alchemy will choose the other dimension to preserve the
aspect ratio.  If specified with both X and Y scaling options, Alchemy will use
both values as a bounding box, reducing one dimension if necessary to preserve
the image aspect ratio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.13. Specify Aspect Ratio ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Specify Aspect Ratio option specifies the aspect ratio for the converted
image.  This option does not actually change the aspect ratio of the image, it
just adds the aspect ratio value to the output file.

Note:  It is not possible to specify both an aspect ratio and an Image
Resolution DPI value for an image.  This is because specifying the DPI implies
an aspect ratio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.14. Specify Image Resolution ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Specify Image Resolution option allows the specification of image
resolution in dots per inch (DPI) for the converted image.  You must specify
both a horizontal (x) value and a vertical (y) value even if they are both the
same.  This option is not the same as the Change Resolution option.

Note:  It is not possible to specify both an aspect ratio and Image resolution
because specifying image resolution (DPI value) automatically implies an aspect ratio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.15. Positioning Image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Positioning Image dialog includes a group of options which affect the
position of the converted image on the page.  These options include Mirror
Image, Flip Image, Center Image, and Offset Image.

These options can be combined in different ways for special effects.

Warning: Specifying Center Image or Offset Image in inches or centimeters (cms)
requires specifying a DPI value (e.g. Specify Image Resolution).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.15.1. Mirror Image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Mirror Image option is selected from the Positioning Image dialog.  This
option flips the converted image horizontally about a vertical axis.  It
results in the image being mirrored.  This option may be combined with the Flip
Image option to cause the converted image to be rotated 180 degrees.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.15.2. Flip Image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Flip Image option is selected from the Positioning Image dialog.  This
option flips the converted image vertically about a horizontal axis.  The Flip
Image option may be combined with the Mirror Image option to cause the image to
be rotated 180 degrees.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.15.3. Center Image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Center Image option is accessed from the Positioning Image dialog.  This
option changes the position of the converted image on the page.  It only
affects printer and plotter formats.

Enable the Page Size text fields by clicking the Center Image checkbox.  Enter
the width and height of the page in the appropriate fields.  To center the
image in one dimension, use 0 (zero) for the dimension that you do not want centered.

The Center Image option may be used in conjunction with the Offset Image option
to offset the image from the center of the page.

Warning: If you specify the page size in inches or centimeters, a DPI value
must also be specified (i.e., Specify Image Resolution).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.15.4. Offset Image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Offset Image option is accessed from the Positioning Image dialog.  This
option changes the position of the image on the page.  It affects only printer
and plotter formats.

Enable the Offset Image entry fields by clicking the Offset Image checkbox.
Enter the amounts to shift horizontally and vertically in the appropriate
fields. To center the image in one dimension, use 0 (zero) for the dimension
that you do not want centered.

The Offset Image option can be used in conjunction with the Center Image option
to offset the image from the center of the page.

Warning: If you specify the offset size in inches or centimeters, a DPI value
must also be specified (i.e., Specify Image Resolution).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.16. Convolve ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Specifying the Convolve option applies any one of many convolutions to an
image.  Convolutions include such filters as sharpen or blur.

Selection of a convolution can be made by opening the Convolve file selection
dialog and choosing a convolution file, or by directly editing the Convolve
file text field in the main window.  In the latter case, if the full path is
not supplied, the program will look for the file in the default directory.

The Convolve file selection dialog can also be accessed by right mouse-clicking
over the Convolve file text field in the main window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.17. PS- Input Page Size ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Input Page Size option allows the user to specify the size of the
Postscript input image.  Alchemy always assumes that the Postscript file being
read is created for a 8.5" x 11" device.  For input images that are not the
default size, either or both the horizontal (x) or vertical (y) dimensions can
be specified.  The units used to measure the size is also selectable, with
inches being the default unit of measurement.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.18. PS- Output Page Size ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Output Page Size option is used to specify the size of the output image if
different than the input image size.  The output page size defaults to the
input page size.  When specifying a output size that differs from the input
size, Alchemy also needs the input size (if different from the default 8.5" x
11") and the output dots per inch value in order to properly scale the image.

To change the output size from the default value, unselect the appropriate
check box. Unselecting this checkbox will allow changes to be made to the
output page size.

Units can also be specified in inches (default), centimeters, pixels, or a
factor.  Specifying a factor causes the size value to be treated as a scale
factor (i.e., 5x means 5 times as large).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.19. PS- Page ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Page option allows rendering of a particular page in a multipage Postscript
file.  By default, the first page is only converted.

The Page text field will be set to default (page 1) unless changed.  To convert
all pages, select the Convert All check box to the right of the Page text
field.  Checking this option actually causes the  'Multi-Page' option in the
main window to be selected.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.20. PS- Specify Image Resolution ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Specify PS Image Resolution option allows for the specification of image
resolution in dots per inch for the Postscript output image.  Both a horizontal
(x) and a vertical (y) value must be specified even if they are the same.

This command is identical to the standard Specify Image Resolution used outside
of Postscript processing. However, if both are specified when processing a
Postscript file, Alchemy will default to the DPI values specified with the PS
version of the command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.21. PS- Use Bounding Box ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Use Bounding Box option determines whether a bounding box from the header
of an EPS file is used to Specify Image Offset and Input Page Size.  If this
information is present in the header, this option is equivalent to setting
those options individually.  Values present in a header will take precedence
over image offset or input page size values specified manually.

This option is useful for reading EPS files whose origin do not begin at 0,0.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.22. PS- Preserve Aspect Ratio ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When specified, the Preserve PS Aspect Ratio option preserves the image aspect
ratio when scaling a Postscript file.  If this option is specified along with
Output Page Size, Alchemy will use the values specified in the output page
size, and will reduce one dimension if necessary to preserve the aspect ratio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.23. PS- Rotate ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Rotate option allows the Postscript file to be rotated in 90 degree
increments.  The rotation angle is measured in a counterclockwise direction.

Using this option can change the Input Page Size from the default.  For
example, not specifying an input page size while rotating 90┬░ or 270┬░ causes
the input size to change from the default 8.5" x 11" (portrait) to 11" x 8.5"
(landscape) orientation.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.24. PS- Colour Mode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Colour Mode option is used to specify whether to render the Postscript
Image in one of the following modes:

o   Black and White
o   Gray Scale
o   Colour

If Colour Mode is not specified, Alchemy defaults to rendering the image in 1
bit Black and White.  If an image contains no color or grayscale, rendering
will default to the next lowest rendering type in terms of complexity.  For
example, if colour mode is specified and the file only contains grayscale, the
file will be rendered in grayscale.  Because the amount of disk space and
processor demands increase dramatically when rendering colour or grayscale
images, do not specify these options unless it is necessary.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.25. PS- Image Offset ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The PS Image Offset option allows the converted Postscript image to be offset
from its 0,0 origin.  Values are specified for both the horizontal (x) and
vertical (y) dimensions, with a choice of inches (default), centimeters, or
pixels as units.

Positive numbers will shift the image horizontally left and vertically up with
respect to the page.  Note that offset is disabled unless the corresponding
checkbox is selected.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.26. PS- Margins ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Margins option is used to strip margins (borders) from the edge of a
converted Postscript file, and is useful to trim away any non-printable areas
when outputting hardcopy from a laser printer, for example.

Selection of Margins is disabled unless the user selects the corresponding
checkbox enabling the margin specifications.

When specifying margin trim values, entering a value for the left side will
cause the exact same value to be entered in the right side as that is the
default.  If this is not desired, the right side can then be changed directly.
The bottom and top trim values function in the same manner.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.27. PS- Clip ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When specified, the Clip option trims white space around the edges of the
Postscript image.  This option can reduce output file size, and is most useful
when converting EPS clip art or other files for importation into other software.

Note that clipping occurs after the image is scaled to full size.  Therefore, a
8.5" x 11" image may convert to a smaller image when clipped even if a 8.5" x
11" Output Page Size was specified.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.28. PS- Pre-load Fonts ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Pre-load Fonts option specifies whether or not to pre-load all of the
Postscript fonts installed in the fontmap when Alchemy is invoked.  The default
is not to pre-load fonts which causes Alchemy to load fonts only as they are needed.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.29. PS- Antialias ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When specified, the Antialias option specifies the amount of antialiasing to
perform. Several antialiasing modes are selectable as follows:

o   No antialiasing
o   Antialias factor 2.25
o   Antialias factor 4
o   Antialias factor 9
o   Antialias factor 16

The default is No antialiasing.  Antialiasing can improve the quality of a
rendered image for printing on grayscale or color hardcopy devices by averaging
a number of pixels together to convert black and white data into grayscale
data.  The factors shown above are the number of pixels that are averaged to
produce each output pixel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Command Line Arguments Glossary ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When running Alchemy in text mode, many arguments can be supplied on the
command line.  These arguments, or options are grouped as follows:

o   General options
o   Output formats A through L
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Colour options
o   Scaling and Filtering options
o   Postscript input options

These arguments only have to explicitly specified when Image Alchemy PS is run
from the command line in a text mode OS/2 session (windowed or full-screen).
Alcahest PM automates this process through the process of selecting options
through the GUI. They are provided here as a reference only.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Arguments- General Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

General options {manual page number}:

-$  :Conserve memory {188}
-x  :Display image stats {189}
-.  :Do not alter output file name {190}
-h  :Display help screen {191}
-U  :Multi-page mode {read.me}
-=  :Override Input Type {192}
-o  :Overwrite existing file {194}
-?  :Program information {195}
-Q  :Quiet (no status messages) {196}
--. :Use input directories for output {read.me}
--W :Enable warnings {197}
--  :Enable wildcard mode {198}

Move to another option page:

o   Output formats A through L
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Colour options
o   Scaling and Filtering options
o   Postscript input options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Arguments- Output Options A-L ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Output file formats A through L {manual page number}:

 ADEX {79}..................... --A
 Gem VDI Image {107}........... --g
 Adobe PDF {80}................ --d
 GIF {109}..................... -g
 Alias PIX / Vivid IMG {175}... --I
 GOES {111}.................... --G
 Alpha BMP {82}................ -M
 Histogram {read.me}........... -H
 Autologic {83}................ --a
 Hitachi Raster {113}.......... --h
 AVHRR {84}.................... --R
 HP PCL {114}.................. -P
 Binary (BIF) {86}............. -B
 HP RTL {119}.................. --r
 Calcomp {89}.................. --l
 HP-48sx {123}................. --H
 CALS {91}..................... --c
 HSI JPEG {124}................ --j
 Core IDC {92}................. --B
 HSI Palette {125}............. -l
 Cubicomp {94}................. --P
 HSI Raw {126}................. -r
 Dr. Halo CUT {96}............. --C
 IBM Picture Maker {127}....... --i
 ER Mapper Raster {100}........ --m
 IFF/ILBM {128}................ -i
 Erdas LAN/GIS {102}........... --e
 Img Software Set {129}........ --Q
 Fargo Primera {read.me}....... --k
 Jovian VI {130}............... --J
 First Publisher {104}......... --F
 JPEG {131}.................... -j
 FOP {105}..................... --f
 Lumena CEL {134}.............. --L

For more information see the page number specified in the { } brackets after
the format name.

Move to another option page:

o   General Options
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Colour options
o   Scaling and Filtering options
o   Postscript input options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. Arguments- Output Options M-Z ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Output file formats M through Z {Manual page number}:

 Macintosh PICT {135}.......... -m
 SGI Image {159}............... -n
 MacPaint {137}................ --t
 Spot Image {160}.............. --S
 MTV {138}..................... --M
 Stork {162}................... -K
 Multi-Image Palette {139}..... -L
 Sun Icon {164}................ --N
 OS/2 BMP {141}................ -O
 Sun Raster {165}.............. -s
 PCPaint/Pictor {142}.......... -A
 Targa {167}................... -a
 PCX {144}..................... -p
 TIFF {169}.................... -t
 PDS {147}..................... --p
 Utah RLE {172}................ --u
 Portable BitMap (PBM) {149}... -k
 Verity Image Format {read.me}. --E
 PostScript {97}............... -e
 VITec {174}................... -T
 Puzzle {151}.................. --U
 Windows BMP {176}............. -w
 Q0 {152}...................... --q
 WPG {179}..................... -W
 QDV {153}..................... --D
 XBM {180}..................... --b
 QRT Raw {154}................. --T
 XPM {182}..................... --x
 RIX {155}..................... -R
 XWD {185}..................... --w
 Scodl {156}................... --s

For more information see the page number specified in the { } brackets after
the format name (read.me refers to the read.me file included with Alchemy).

Move to another option page:

o   General Options
o   Output formats A through L
o   Colour options
o   Scaling and Filtering options
o   Postscript input options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Arguments- Colour Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Colour and palette options {Manual page number}:

-I  :Alpha channel {read.me}
-b  :Black and white {202}
-c  :Colours in output image {203}
-d  :Dithering type {205}
-E  :EGA display optimization {207}
-F  :False colour {208}
-Gi :Specify gamma of input image {209}
-Go :Specify gamma of output image {209}
-Gp :Specify gamma of palette {209}
-f  :Match palette {211}
-N  :Negate  {213}
-8  :Paletted output {214}
-zh :Palette selection tuning {read.me}
-S  :Spiff {218}
--n :Swap RGB  {220}
-15 :True colour output (15 bits per pixel) {221}
-16 :True colour output (16 bits per pixel) {222}
-24 :True colour output (24 bits per pixel) {223}
-32 :True colour output (32 bits per pixel) {225}
-C  :Undercolour removal {226}
-u  :Uniform palette {227}

Move to another option page:

o   General options
o   Output formats A through L
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Scaling and Filtering options
o   Postscript input options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. Arguments- Scaling and Filtering Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Scaling and filtering options:

--_ :Center image {read.me}
--y :Change image resolution {read.me}
-yf :Convolve image {read.me}
-^  :Flip image {230}
--^ :Mirror image {231}
-_  :Offset image {232}
-+  :Preserve aspect ratio {233}
-X  :Scale image to new horizontal size {234}
-Y  :Scale image to new vertical size {237}
-D  :Specify aspect ratio {239}
-D  :Specify image resolution in DPI {241}

Move to another option page:

o   General options
o   Output formats A through L
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Colour options
o   Postscript input options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. Arguments- PostScript Input Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

PostScript input options {Manual page number}:

 -Za mode  :  Antialias mode {29}
 -Zc mode  : Clip white space from image edge {30}
 -Zm mode  :  Colour mode {31}
 -Z_ x y  :  Image offset {32}
 -Zi x y  :  Input page size {33}
 -Zm x1 y1 [x2 y2]:  Margins {35}
 -Zo x y  :  Output page size {37}
 -Zp page  :  Page number {39}
 -Zf flag  :  Pre-load fonts {40}
 -Z+    :  Preserve aspect ratio {41}
 -Zr angle :  Rotate page {42}
 -Zd dpix dpiY:  Specify image resolution {43}
 -Ze mode  :  Use bounding box from eps files {44}

Move to another option page:

o   General options
o   Output formats A through L
o   Output formats M through Z
o   Colour options
o   Scaling and Filtering options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Copyright and Trademark Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Alcahest PM GUI, Alcahest PM documentation and help file resources are
Copyright (C) 1996 J. F. Kaminsky.  All rights reserved.

For further information about Alcahest PM, please contact:

J. F. Kaminsky, NEGC Software
2522 North Proctor Street, Suite 135
Tacoma, WA  98406
e-mail: [e-mail]
Technical support: [e-mail]

Single User License: $24.95. To order by major credit card, please contact BMT
Micro. Quantity discounts for corporate and educational sites apply. Please inquire.

The Image Alchemy PS (v1.8) program for OS/2 is copyright 1990-1994 by Handmade
Software, Inc. and was written by Marcos H. Woehrmann and Allan N. Hessenflow.
Image Alchemy PS is a Trademark of:

Handmade Software, Inc.
48820 Kato Road, Suite 110
Fremont, CA  94538  USA
Phone: [phone]
Internet: [e-mail]

All other products that may be mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Ordering Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BMT Micro is now handling the marketing of Alcahest PM. Demo versions of
Alcahest PM may be downloaded from BMT's WWW site. Quantity pricing for
corporate or educational sites apply per the following schedule:

1-4 copies....................$24.95 each
5-9 copies....................$23.50 each
10-24 copies..................$22.00 each
25-49 copies..................$20.00 each
50-99 copies..................$18.00 each
Site license (one location)...$1250.00
Site license (all locations)..$2000.00

To order Alcahest, contact BMT Micro at the following address:

BMT Micro
P.O. Box 15016
Wilmington, NC  28408
Phone orders: 1-800-414-4268
Fax orders: 1-800-346-1672 (24 hours/7 days)
internet: http://www.bmtmicro.com

BMT Micro accepts payment by the following credit cards:

o   o Visa
o   o Mastercard
o   o Discover
o   o American Express
o   o Diners Club
o   o Carte Blanche

Cashiers check, personal check and Eurochecks in DM are welcome. Please read
the BMTOrder.txt file located in the Conversion Pro application directory. For
ordering and other questions, visit BMT Micro at the following sites:

o   Via AOL: bmtmicro
o   Via MSN: bmtmicro
o   Via Compuserve: 74031,307
o   Via Prodigy: HNGP66D
o   World Wide Web: http://www.bmtmicro.com
o   [e-mail]
o   e-mail: [e-mail]