Copyright: ImgViewer/32 2.44© 1992-2000 Don Bradner


Program Description

ImgViewer/32 is a program for viewing bitmapped images.  It is intended for those who want a quick viewer with zoom and easy-to-use editing tools.

Editing features include: Crop, Extract Edges, Mirror, Negate, Rotate, Re-size, Stretch, Sharpen, Soften, Blur, alteration of Color Balance, Brightness, Contrast and Gamma, and insertion of text.

Formats supported include .GIF, .JPG, .PCX, .BMP, .RLE, .TIF,.TGA, and .PNG.  Files may be converted among those formats (no creation of .RLE files).  ImgViewer/32 also supports writing of “progressive display” .JPG and .PNG files, which are normally used to speed drawing of Internet Web pages.  ImgViewer/32 will display animated GIF files but will not edit them.

File types may be 'associated' with ImgViewer/32 directly from the File Menu/Preferences dialog.  Once associated, the program may be started and an image displayed by selecting that image file in a file listing.  ImgViewer/32 is excellent for use with Internet Web Browsers and Newsgroup readers, as the program of choice for viewing GIF and JPG images.

ImgViewer/32 will reduce the colors in a 256-color or True-Color (16 million-color) image to 16 for VGA display, and will reduce True-Color (16 million color) images to 256 for displays of that depth.  This reduction will not change the underlying image unless an explicit color reduction is done using the Image Menu's Convert To option, so the file retains all of the original color depth.

Built-in support is included for Twain devices, such as scanners and digital cameras.  Images may be imported directly from the Twain-compatible device to ImgViewer/32.


Color Conversion

ImgViewer/32 can convert images to Black & White, 16 colors (for standard VGA), 256-GrayScale, 256-color palletized, and 24-bit (16-million color).  Choose “Convert to” in the image menu and choose one of the options.  The option represented by the current image color-depth will not be available for selection, but all of the others will be available.

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Caption Bar

The ImgViewer/32 caption bar will display information about the displayed image.  The format is NAME WIDTHxHEIGHTxCOLOR DEPTH.  If the tool bar is hidden the caption will also show current zoom percentage.  The Color Depth refers to the image’s own color depth, not the depth at which it is being displayed – the latter is never greater than your system display settings.


Speed vs. File Size

There is a tradeoff between program speed and the amount of compression used on images.  Uncompressed .BMP files will display far more rapidly than the most compressed .GIF files, with .PCX between for both speed and compression.  .TIF and .TGA are normally used for pictures containing 32,000 or more colors; neither offers significant compression over .BMP, and both are slower.  For 24-bit (16-million color) images, ImgViewer/32 can use .JPG format, which offers great compression, but is slower and will cause some loss of image quality.

If you have chosen an image file with more colors than your display can show there will be a small additional delay while the program changes the color depth.  ImgViewer/32 always displays color images at the maximum depth allowed by your monitor and video card.

For more information about the pros and cons of the file types, see File Formats.


Opening Files

The "Open File" Button is used to add a new image to the viewer.  Pressing this button is the same as choosing "Open" from the File menu; the keyboard shortcut is CTRL-N.  Pressing this button will cause a dialog box to appear for browsing through drives and folders looking for bitmap files which can be selected for viewing.  Files may be of types BMP, .RLE, .GIF, .PCX, .TIF, .TGA, .JPG, or .PNG.

When first opened, an image larger than the available screen area will be “zoomed-out” as much as is needed for the image to be displayed without scroll bars.  Conversely, an image that is smaller than the available area will be shown larger than it really is, up to 1600%.  The percentage panel to the right of the text tool will show 79%, or 124%, as examples, instead of 100%.  Use the zoom tool to make the image larger or smaller if desired.  You may use the Window Menu zoom options to turn off these auto-zoom properties if you always want the image to begin at 100%.

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ASP Ombudsman Statement

This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 157-F Love Ave., Greenwood, IN 46142 USA, FAX 317-888-2195, or send email to omb@asp-shareware.org.

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Ordering/Registration

Don Bradner

Arcata Pet Software

600 F Street

Arcata,CA 95521-6301

ImgViewer/32 copyright ©1992-2000 by Don Bradner.  Freely distributed copies of ImgViewer/32 are trial copies only, with purchase expected after 30 days of use.   Click here to print an Order Form and send it with 29.95 to the author at the above address See Author Support for information on contacting the author.

A toll-free order line is available at (800) 822-9085. Outside of North America please use (707) 822-6417.

Secure on-line ordering directly from the author is available at www.arcatapet.com (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, or Discover).  Registration Codes will normally be e-mailed within 24 hours; Disk copies may be ordered for $3.00 extra if requested (plus applicable sales tax).

The registration code will eliminate all nag screens and watermarks, and will put your name in the “About” box. This registration code will work for all future versions of ImgViewer/32 as well.  See Upgrading to new versions.

Commercial use: ImgViewer/32 may be used commercially, as long as there is a registered copy for each computer/terminal that is using it.  Site licenses are available, contact the author for details.

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Author Support

The author is very interested in supporting registered users of this program, and reasonable support is also available to unregistered users with problems.  Feel free to contact him in any of the following ways:

Mail:

Don Bradner

Arcata Pet Software

600 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521-6301

Phone: (707) 822-6417

Internet mail: don@arcatapet.com

Website: http://www.arcatapet.com


Edit Menu

The edit menu contains these options:

Undo

Redo

Undo Enable

Copy

Paste

Paste Into


Image Menu

When an image is displayed you may alter it in a variety of ways.  Choose any of the submenus  below to learn more about the use of these features:

Full Screen

Get Next

Get Previous

Auto Slide Show

Brightness/Contrast/Gamma

Color Balance

Sharpen/Soften/Blur

Resize

Rotate

Mirror

Convert To

Extract Edges

Negate

Wallpaper

Image Information


Resizing Images

You may make an image larger or smaller than its original size. Options include resizing by percentage, or to specific size, both while retaining proportions or allowing proportions to change (stretch).

The following options are available in the Resize submenu of the Image menu.  Click a button for more information.

 Resize to a specified size.  Same as the Resize tool button.

 Resize To Screen Proportional.

 Resize To Screen Stretch.

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Wallpaper

When an image is displayed in ImgViewer/32, you may set it as your current wallpaper with this option in the Edit menu.  The image may be centered or tiled by clicking the appropriate submenu item.  If you have Microsoft Plus! Installed you may also find that the image is stretched to full screen, which is the default in the Plus tab of the Display Properties dialog.  A file called “ImgViewer32 Wallpaper.bmp” is created in your Temp folder to create the wallpaper image.

There is also a submenu item to clear the desktop by removing the wallpaper.


Full Screen Viewing
Full-Screen Viewing

Sometimes it may be desirable to view an image without menus, scroll bars, and other objects.  This is particularly true when the image dimensions are the same as the screen size.  The Full Screen item in the Image menu toggles the display to a full, border-less window with the image centered in it.  The current zoom ratio screen and image positioning are preserved.  The F2 function key is a shortcut to this menu item.  To return to the regular ImgViewer/32 window click the mouse, or press the Enter or Escape key.

Combined with the Resize To Screen Proportional (shortcut F4) option, this is a convenient way to see an image at a size that is as large as will fit on the screen and with everything showing.  Use the combination F4 followed by F2.  The image must be at a 1:1 zoom ratio for this to work properly, since the Full Screen option maintains the zoom ratio.

Slide shows in Full-Screen mode are possible also.  Use the left and right keyboard arrows to move through the folder, or Ctrl-R to start an automated show.  Timing for Auto-Slide-Show is set in the File/Preferences Dialog.


Slideshow Viewing

Viewing of all of the images in a folder in a “Slide Show” fashion can be done using the left and right arrow keys, with the Get Next and Get Previous items in the Image menu, or with the VCR forward and reverse buttons in the toolbar.

The slide show may be automated by using the Image Menu “Auto Slide Show” item (or use the Ctrl-R keyboard combo).  The time between changes is set in the File Menu’s Preferences Dialog, under the Miscellaneous tab.  Many menu items and icon tools are disabled during an auto slide show.  To end the auto slide show, use the Image/Auto Slide Show (Ctrl-R) item again or press your keyboard’s Esc key.

If you do not want image files marked “hidden” to show during slide shows then you should uncheck the box marked “include Hidden Files in Slideshow” under the File/Preferences Miscellaneous tab.

Slideshows work in both regular windows, and in full-screen mode.  When the “ends” of the folder are reached in either direction the show will “wrap around” to the beginning or end of the folder.


Text Insertion
Adding Text to an Image

To add a text caption to an image, click the text tool, and then click the spot on the image where you want the text to appear.  A dialog will allow you to enter your text and select options for font, background color, etc.

Text that is typed into the box will be inserted at the point where the insertion control was clicked.  The clicked spot will mark the upper left-hand corner of the text.  Any installed True-Type font may be used.  Click the font button to select a font, or to change any of the font characteristics, including size, text color, boldness, Italics, etc.  Transparent text will be placed directly on the image, while solid text will have a background panel for which you may select a color.  When the text and background colors are identical there will be a note which says that, and you will not be able to see your text.

You may rotate the text in 90-degree increments by selecting the appropriate option.

After inserting text, if you find that it is not placed exactly where you want it, click the Undo button in the toolbar or choose Edit/Undo (if Undo is on) and the text will be removed.  Click a new spot with the text insertion tool and the text dialog will show again with text and characteristics exactly as last used.

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Image Information

This item in the Image menu shows a box with information about the size, color depth, and file name/format for the displayed image, as well as whether the image shown has been modified from the original.  For reference purposes, information about the current monitor display mode is also provided.


JPEG Quality Value

This item is only visible in the File Menu when a file has been loaded in JPG format or has been saved in that format.  It offers an opportunity to view or change the Quality setting without invoking the SaveAs dialog.  This is helpful if a JPG file has been altered and you are about to save it, but the Quality setting is in doubt.  Settings of 5 to 95 are allowed, with 75 being the default.  95 is the highest quality and will be the largest file.  5 is a very low quality but an equally low file size.


Undo
Undo/Redo

Whenever an operation has altered the underlying image there will be an opportunity to undo that operation.  After you perform an Undo, there will be a Redo option available These options will only be available if the Undo Enabled menu option is checked.

Each session of ImgViewer/32 starts with the Undo Enabled option in the condition that the last session ended.  Undo is enabled by default and, unless you are lacking sufficient disk space to store undo images, it is recommended that you not disable Undo.  When Undo is enabled there will be a copy of the previous image state stored in the folder pointed to by your TEMP variable whenever an undoable operation has occurred.  A 640x256 image at 256 colors requires about 300K of disk space, while a 1024x768 true-color image consumes almost 2.5 megabytes of disk space.

There are nine levels of Undo available.  If you perform a tenth alteration, you will still have 9 possible undoes, with the first one no longer available.  Of course the original image remains unchanged on disk until you explicitly save an altered copy.  You may move up and down the undo/redo list to look at all your changes.  Any new operation will add to the Undo list, and kill higher Redo options.  For example, if you have performed 6 changes and then undone to level 3, a new change will kill levels 4 through 6.

Undo files have names beginning with ~IV and then 5 or 6 numbers, with an extension of .TMP.  The first four numbers are unique to the instance of the program, and the number 1-10 suffix identifies the changed image.  If a TEMP variable is not located, ImgViewer/32 will store these files in its own folder.  When the program is terminated normally these files are removed, but may get left on disk if there is an abnormal termination such as a power failure.  In that case you should remove them manually to keep from wasting valuable disk space.


Window Menu

Under the Window Menu you will find options which control the display of images. The first options, multiple and single, control whether ImgViewer/32 opens another copy of itself when an image is opened (if there is already an image showing). The next options, Adjustable and Fixed, determine whether ImgViewer/32 resizes to fit each image or remains at a size of your choosing. Adjust the size of a Fixed window by dragging on a side or corner. When ImgViewer/32 exits in Fixed mode it will remember where it was and open in the same location, and at the same size, the next time it is used.

The third set of options operate independently. Enlarge Small Images and Reduce Large images refer to how ImgViewer/32 will react when an image is smaller or larger than the available screen space, not counting the taskbar. If these options are unchecked, the image will be opened at its original pixel size.

The Window menu also has an option for hiding or showing the toolbar, and menu equivalents for selecting the four available tools.  Hiding the toolbar will increase the amount of space for showing an image.  All of the toolbar functions have equivalents in the File, Edit, Image and Tools menus.


File Menu

File Options:

Open

Close

Save

SaveAs

Rename

Delete

Acquire

Batch Conversion

Preferences

JPEG Quality Value

Progressive JPG

Print

Exit - Ends the program.


Rename

Use this option in the File Menu to change the name of the currently opened file.  This would be similar to using File/Save As, then deleting the former file.  A prompt will appear to enter the new file name.  Changing the extension does not change the file type.

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Batch File Conversion
Batch Conversion

Use this option in the File Menu to convert one or more files without first displaying them.  When this option is selected you will see a dialog to select a number of files (from a single folder only), and then a second dialog to select a destination and file type.  The second dialog has a Resize button; clicking this button will offer options for resizing the image during conversion.  As the conversion proceeds, you will be prompted for overwriting any files that might have the same name and folder as a converted file would receive.  After the conversion is complete you will be given an opportunity to delete the source files.

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Acquiring Images from scanners and cameras

ImgViewer/32 has the ability to capture images from Twain-compatible sources such as scanners and digital cameras.  This option includes selection of Twain source and Acquire/Acquire Batch options.  Acquire brings a single image into the viewer, while Acquire Batch allows multiple images to be obtained from the source.  After the multiple files are downloaded there will be a Save dialog with format and resizing options.  Attempting to use the Acquire or Acquire Batch options without first using the Source Selection will result in an error message but no harm, and there will likewise be an error using any of the options if there is no Twain source installed on your computer.


Tools
Taskbar Tool Icons

Click on one of the icons above for details on its function.  The taskbar may be hidden via the Tools menu, to provide more viewing area.


Arrow Tool

The Arrow is a pointer.  Clicking or dragging on the image will have no effect

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Cropping Images

The Crop Tool allows you to select an area of an image and then remove the entire image outside that area.  Make your selection by moving the mouse cursor to a starting corner of the area desired.  Press and hold the mouse button down, "sweeping" over the selected area.  A bounding box will display the chosen area, and the four text boxes in the tool bar will display the dimensions of the area chosen (in pixels).  When the cropping selection is completed, release the mouse button.

If the region you have selected is not quite right, you may choose to adjust the selected area.  This may be accomplished by directly editing the dimensions in the tool bar, or by moving one of the handles of the bounding box.  Do this by moving the mouse cursor to one of the corner or side handles and, after it has changed to a double-headed arrow, depress the left mouse button and move the corner or side as desired.

While first creating the cropping box, or whenever you “grab” one of the corners, holding down the Alt Key will constrain the rectangle to an exact square. The Alt Key will not have any effect if you have grabbed one of the side, top or bottom handles, only the corners.

When you have a selection that you wish to use, move the mouse cursor within the bounding box so that it becomes a scissors and then click the left mouse button.  The window frame will shrink to match your selection (unless using a Fixed window).  This action affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

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Zooming in and out

The zoom tool is used to enlarge or shrink the image as viewed.  Unlike the Image Menu's Resize options, this size change is not permanent and does not affect the underlying image.  There are several zoom functions, controlled by which mouse button is used and whether the Alt key is simultaneously depressed.  The panel to the right of the text tool will indicate the percentage of the original image size for the zoom level; 100% is the actual pixel size.

Left mouse button actions:

Zoom-in:  Clicking on an image with the left mouse button will enlarge the image by one step and center the enlargement on the spot clicked, if larger than fully displayable.  Maximum enlargement is 16:1, which will show as 1600%.  Steps are generally x:1 and 1:x in amount, such as 33%, 50%, 100% 200%, 300%, etc., but there are 3 intermediate steps at 75%, 125% and 150% for smoother zooming.

Zoom-out: Clicking on an image with the left mouse button while the Alt-key is depressed will reduce the image size by one step.  Maximum reduction is 1:16, which will show as 6%

Drag Zoom: Depressing and holding the left mouse button while dragging across a portion of an image will draw a rectangular bounding box on that portion.  When the mouse button is released, the image will be enlarged such that the long axis of the selected area is the maximum for the screen size, or 16:1 whichever is smaller.  Not in effect when the Alt-key is depressed (bounding box will be drawn, but ignored).

Right mouse button actions:

A pop-up menu will show, with Zoom-In and Zoom-Out that work as above.  Additional menu items will be available depending on the current window-type and zoom ratio:

Fit to Screen: This will enlarge or reduce the image to fit available screen space, accounting for the window borders and the system taskbar.   Size will be to the nearest one percent, in the range from 6% to 1600%.

Fit to Screen/2: Same as Fit to Screen, only for a size no greater than ½ of the available screen space.

Actual Pixels: This will return the image to a 1:1 (100%) normal size.

Zoom In x2 and Zoom Out x2: Like Zoom In and Zoom Out, but two steps at a time.

Cancel: Simply makes the menu go away with no action.

Center:  Clicking on an image with the right mouse button while the Alt-key is depressed will not show the pop-up menu, but will center the image on the point clicked.  Has no effect if the image is not larger than its window (no scroll bars).

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Copying to the Clipboard

The copy option in the Edit menu will copy a displayed image to the Windows Clipboard, where it can be pasted into other applications.  It can even be pasted back into the existing image with the Paste Into menu item.

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Pasting from the Clipboard

Pasting into an image

The Paste options in the Edit menu will only be active (not grayed) when the Windows Clipboard contains an image that can be read by this program.

With the Paste item, the pasted image will replace any image already displayed; a prompt will be issued to save the current image if it has been altered.  To use this option for Screen Capture, press the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard, which will place a copy of the screen on the clipboard.  Then use the Paste option and crop any unwanted material.

With the Paste Into item the cursor will change to a placement tool.  Click the upper left corner of the area where you want the pasted image to appear, and the image on the clipboard will be added to an existing image at that location.  This action is undoable if Undo is enabled.

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Load File dialog box

The Load file dialog is shown when the Add button is clicked, the File/Open menu item is selected, or as the first dialog in a Batch File conversion.  You may browse through your folders to find any image file that ImgViewer/32 recognizes.  A handy preview function is included.  Select a file and click the Preview button.  A small "thumbnail" version of the file will appear in the monitor to the left of the button.  When you have found an image that you wish to load, click Open.  To exit the dialog without making a selection, click Cancel.

There is an “Auto Preview” check box below the preview button.  If that option is checked, images will be immediately loaded into the preview box when selected in the file list.  If using a slower computer or large JPG images, you may find this is too slow, in which case un-check the box.

A red letter “A” will appear in the upper left corner of an image if it is an animated GIF file.

The Open File Dialog box is an enhanced version of the Explorer dialog, with all of the normal features of such dialogs for file management, including list and report views, editing of file names, file deletion, folder creation, etc.  It supports drag and drop from other Explorer windows or the desktop.  Enhancements include:

Returns to last folder used.  The folder that opens will be the last folder from which a file was opened, including by association.  If that folder is not available (for example on a removable disk), the program folder will be used as a default.

Remembers View.  If you left the dialog in Report View, that is what you will see the next time you open it.  This is not persistent, so changing folders will revert to List View.

Remembers position.  If the last file loaded was from the dialog, the dialog will return to that spot in the folder.  It will also synchronize with arrow-key viewing of sequential files.  If you delete or add files via another tool the synchronization may be lost and you may need to scroll to get to the exact position.  Loading a file by association or by drag and drop will make the next open begin at the start of the folder.

Change single/multiple window type.  If an image is currently open, the dialog will display a check box that allows you to choose whether to open a new window or replace the existing image.  This box will not be present if there is no current image.  The initial state of the box will be the same as that chosen in File/Preferences, and changing the state will also affect the Preferences selection.

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Save As dialog box

The Save As dialog is shown when Save As is chosen in the File Menu.  Use this option when you wish to save a file under a new name or file type.  Note that the file extension is governed by the option selection at the lower right of the dialog.  If you name a file "MYFILE.BMP" and select .GIF as the extension, the file will be saved as "MYFILE.GIF" and the type will be .GIF.  When you choose a file type, you may check the "Make Default" checkbox for that extension.  If you change folders, the new folder will be the one shown the next time that you use the dialog.  The .RLE filetype that is supported for loading a file is not supported for saving.

The Save As Dialog also is displayed if Save is chosen or the Save button is clicked and the file does not yet exist.  This can happen when the file was obtained by pasting from the Windows Clipboard.  A third circumstance for this dialog is as the destination dialog for Batch File conversion; in this case you will not be able to select a filename, just a destination folder and file type.

When the .JPG file type is selected, a “JPG Quality Value” option will be available.  The value shown determines how much compression will be used and how much of the original image quality will be retained.  Higher numbers equal larger files and higher quality.  At very low numbers the quality will be terrible but the file will be very small.  Numbers allowed range from 5 to 95 with default of 75.

For both .JPG and .PNG file types, an additional option will be shown: “Progressive,” which means an image designed for display on a web page in which the image is decoded in two passes.  On the first pass, every-other pixel is displayed, and on the second pass the intermediate pixels are filled in.  This is a new extension to the JPEG format, so it is possible that older viewers might not be able to read files created as Progressive.  You may want to limit the option to images intended for display on Web pages.

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Resize

This toolbar and Image menu option will allow you to re-size an image.  You will see a dialog box with various options.  If you want to re-size an image to 80% of its original size, input 0.8 in the Scale box.  To re-size 125%, enter 1.25.

You may also enter a new width and/or height directly - if the Proportional Re-size checkbox is checked, the other dimension will also change to keep the same proportions.  Otherwise, the image will stretch to accommodate the new width or height.

You may also invoke this option with the F3 function key as a shortcut.

This dialog is also displayed when the Resize button is selected in the File SaveAs dialog during batch conversions.  The resize dialog in this case differs by having an option button to choose either Scale or Width/Height.  Entries made will be applied to all images in the batch.  An example would be for use in producing similar-sized thumbnails of a number of images, such as might be used on a web page.  Select the images, choose a destination folder and file type, then press resize.  In the resize dialog, select the Width/Height option, check the Proportional Resize box, and enter a number such as 100 for width (or height).  All of the resulting images will have a fixed width (or height) with the other dimension adjusted to maintain proportions.

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Resize To Screen
Resize To Screen Proportional and Stretch

Operates the same as Resize except that the dimensions are fixed for the computer screen.  The Proportional function has a Shortcut of F4, and maintains the same image proportions as the original.  The Stretch function has a Shortcut of F5 and alters the image as necessary to completely fill the current screen size.  Both options are undoable.

Combined with the Full Screen (shortcut F2) option, this is a convenient way to see an image at a size that is as large as will fit on the screen and with everything showing.  Use the combination F4 followed by F2.  The image must be at a 1:1 zoom ratio for this to work properly, since the Full Screen option maintains the zoom ratio.

This function, which alters the image, should not be confused with the “Fit to screen” option when an image is right-clicked.  That option only alters the zoom ratio, and does not affect the underlying image itself.

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Rotate

The Rotation submenu has options to rotate an image in 90 degree increments left or right (counter-clockwise or clockwise), 180 degrees, and By Degree.  Rotating 180 degrees is not the same as Mirror Vertical, which changes the orientation of the image.  Rotating 90 degrees 4 times in the same direction will restore the original image.

The By Degree option asks for a value, which must range from -359 to +359 degrees (the plus sign is not necessary).  Negative numbers are counterclockwise, and positive are clockwise.  Since the resulting image will not be square on the vertical and horizontal axes, the image will enlarge and the new corner areas will fill with black.

Each of these options affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

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Mirror

There are two mirror choices in the Image Menu.  Mirror Horizontal will flip the image displayed left-to-right.  Mirror Vertical will flip the image top-to-bottom.

Each of these options affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

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Negate

Negate, in the Image Menu turns a positive image into a negative; that is, all colors become their opposites in RGB color space.  Black becomes white, yellow becomes blue, red becomes cyan, etc.

This option affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

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Extract Edges

Extract Edges, in the Image Menu, produces defined edges of all objects in an image.  Following the extraction with a Negate operation can often heighten the effect.

This option affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

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Brightness/Contrast/Gamma adjustment

The Brightness, Contrast and Gamma controls allow some alteration of these characteristics of an image displayed. When this option is selected from the toolbar, the Image Menu, or by the keyboard-shortcut CTL-B, a floating dialog with three slide bars will appear on the screen.  There will be a small thumbnail of your image to the left of the bars.  Sliding the top control will affect the thumbnail's overall brightness, while the second bar will affect the contrast between light and dark portions of the thumbnail.  The third bar controls Gamma, which will affect the brightness of the mid-tones primarily.  Using the three together will have various effects, which will be immediately visible in the thumbnail when the mouse button is released.  When editing is completed to your satisfaction, press the OK button, or if you feel that the original image is preferable, reject the edited version in favor of the original by clicking the Cancel button.  The reset button returns all of the values to their original point while allowing you to continue experimenting.  The Preview button applies your editing to the main image without committing you making the changes.

This option affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

ImgViewer/32 will “remember” the position of the adjustment dialog and pop up in that position the next time it is used.  The position is shared with the color balance and Sharpen/Soften/Blur dialogs.

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Color-balance adjustment

The Color Balance control allows adjustment of the Red, Green, and Blue color components. When this option is selected from the toolbar, the Image Menu, or by the keyboard-shortcut CTL-L, a floating dialog with three slide bars will appear on the screen.  Using the three together will have a combined effect, which will be immediately visible in the thumbnail when the mouse button is released.  When editing is completed to your satisfaction, press the OK button, or if you feel that the original image is preferable, reject the edited version in favor of the original by clicking the Cancel button.  The reset button returns all of the values to their original point while allowing you to continue experimenting.

You can use this option to “colorize” a greyscale image, such as adding green and red to produce a sepia-tone image.

This option affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

ImgViewer/32 will “remember” the position of the adjustment dialog and pop up in that position the next time it is used.  The position is shared with the brightness/contrast/gamma and Sharpen/Soften/Blur dialogs.

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Sharpen and Sharpen More
Sharpen/Soften/Blur

The Sharpen/Soften/Blur control allows adjustment of these properties of the displayed image.  Using the three together will have a combined effect, which will be immediately visible in the thumbnail when the mouse button is released.  When editing is completed to your satisfaction, press the OK button, or if you feel that the original image is preferable, reject the edited version in favor of the original by clicking the Cancel button.  The reset button returns all of the values to their original point while allowing you to continue experimenting.

Sharpen is the opposite of Soften, so if both settings are identical there will be no change in the image based on those settings.  If the Sharpen setting is higher, the image will be sharpened, while a larger Soften setting will soften the image.

Sharpen/Soften will be applied first, followed by Blur.  Soften and Blur sound similar, but Soften works on areas of high-contrast only, while Blur affects every pixel.

This option affects the underlying image, but is undoable if the Undo Enable option in the Edit Menu is checked.

ImgViewer/32 will “remember” the position of the adjustment dialog and pop up in that position the next time it is used.  The position is shared with the brightness/contrast/gamma and color balance dialogs.

 Related Topics


Save Changes Button

Pressing the Save Button is the same as choosing Save in the File Menu, and will save the image that is currently displayed.  This function will overwrite the existing file, and there will not be a secondary “do you want to” prompt.  This action will also clear the Undo buffer, so it is not a reversible procedure. The button has “active” and “disabled” states, with the active state indicating the file has been altered and changes have not yet been saved.

If the file does not exist, such as after a Paste operation, or the file is in a format which can be read but not written by ImgViewer/32 (RLE), you will be prompted to use Save As instead.

 Related Topics


Save As

Save As in the File Menu is used to change the name, folder, or file type of an image.  It is also invoked if the image does not yet have a name, such as when a Paste from the Clipboard has occurred, or a scanner or camera image has been acquired.

For more information, see the Save As Dialog Topic.

 Related Topics


Close
Close (file menu)

Close in the File Menu will remove the current file, with a prompt to save if changes have been made, and then will present a blank window until another file is opened.

 Related Topics


Delete
Delete (file menu)

Delete in the File Menu (or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl-D) will delete the currently displayed file from your system, but will leave the image displayed.  The deletion method is Windows standard, with the file moved to the Recycle Bin if the bin is available.  Usable with slide shows as an image management tool.

 Related Topics


Preferences

This item in the File menu will display a dialog where you can set a number of preferences that will persist from session to session.

Associations

Select the Associations tab to make ImgViewer/32 the default application for any type it can open.  Associating a file type allows you to start the program and load an image by selecting that image in Explorer or any equivalent file listing.  Associate supported file types by checking their box under the Association tab.  If you remove the association later (by re-selecting the item to remove its check mark), Windows will prompt you for a program to run that type the next time you select an image of the disassociated type.  When you want to re-associate the type with ImgViewer/32 it is best to do some from this dialog rather than from the Windows prompt.  Associations made from the Windows prompt do not always work well with ImgViewer/32.

ImgViewer/32 does not “grab” any associations without your permission.  If you have other programs that do, you may tell ImgViewer/32 to take the association back the next time it is run, by checking the box marked “Restore these associations every time program starts.” This will only affect associations that you have checked. You will not have to re-enter the preferences dialog and manually establish the association in the future.

Miscellaneous

You may choose to have up to 10 recently opened images displayed in the File menu for easy reopening.  Select the Miscellaneous tab and enter a number between 0 and 10 in the box provided.  Zero will remove all filenames from the menu.  This dialog page also includes a setting for the time interval in automatic slide shows, with a range from 0.1 to 60 seconds. If you do not want image files marked “hidden” to show during slide shows then you should uncheck the box marked “include Hidden Files in Slideshow.”


Help Menu

The Help Menu provides two options: Topics, which displays the Contents/Index/Find Help Dialog, and About/Register, which provides current version and registration information for ImgViewer/32.  For Help, pressing the F1 function key is often a better method than using the help menu.  It will display the same Contents/Index/Find dialog if no particular action is underway, or a specific context help for many actions.


File Formats

Information on the file formats supported by ImgViewer/32:

.BMP and .RLE

Files with .BMP extensions are bitmapped images created by tools like Windows Paintbrush.  .BMP is the native format for Windows wallpaper.  There are a few .BMP files distributed with Windows specifically for use as wallpaper.

This is the fastest format available, but requires the most disk space.  It does not require any decompression by ImgViewer/32, so the only time required to display is the time it takes to read the image from the disk.  This format is usable for all color levels from 16 to 16-million.  .RLE is a compressed form of .BMP.

.GIF

The Compuserve Graphics Interchange Format, pronounced "Jiff," offers great compression of images up to 256 colors without loss of quality.  It is not usable for images with more colors.  This format is generally the best choice when disk space is limited and the image has no more than 256 colors.  There is a small delay while ImgViewer/32 decompresses the image for display, although the faster the computer the shorter the delay.  The .GIF format contains compression technology that is patented by the Unisys corporation, and as of 1/1/95 became liable for royalty  payments by software developers.  See the full statement in the README.TXT file.

Animated GIFs, commonly found on websites, may be viewed fully animated in ImgViewer/32.  The program will not allow editing of these images.

.JPG

Files with .JPG extensions are "JPEG" compressed.  JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Committee.  This format is only suitable for 24-bit (16-million color) images, although ImgViewer/32 will allow you to save 256 color images.  It is also "lossy," which means that the compression involves some loss of quality.  The resulting file size is quite small, but takes a long time to decompress and display. JPEG is particularly unsuited for images with large areas of solid colors and sharp edges.

JPEG does a very good job of compression, and with most pictures the resulting image is comparable to the original.   There is a variable amount of compression available, with greater loss of quality as the image is further compressed. Whenever the File SaveAs dialog is invoked and .JPG is selected as the file type, there will be an “Options” button visible that allows you to change your quality factor.  ImgViewer/32 will store your setting in its global configuration, so if you establish a standard quality factor for your needs it will be the future default.  When ImgViewer/32 does not find a previously selected setting, the default is 75.  ImgViewer/32 allows a quality setting of 5 to 95, with 5 being the most compressed and 95 being the least compressed.  A 622,134-byte test file produced sizes of 5,381 bytes at a setting of 5, and 75,809 bytes at a setting of 95.  The image was very deteriorated at the lower setting, while it was indistinguishable from the original at 95.  Further testing for this image showed very acceptable results at a setting of 75, with a file size of 25,554 bytes.

Editing a JPEG image and saving it in .JPG format again will result in additional losses of quality.  Editing should always be performed on the original 24-bit image before compression is done.

ImgViewer/32 supports “Progressive-Display JPG,” which means an image designed for display on a web page in which the image is decoded in two passes.  On the first pass, every-other pixel is displayed, and on the second pass the intermediate pixels are filled in.  This is a new extension to the JPEG format, so it is possible that older viewers might not be able to read files created as Progressive.  You may want to limit the option to images intended for display on Web pages.  When saving a JPEG file you will have an option to check to make the file Progressive, and it will always default to off.

.PCX

.PCX is a format developed by the Z-Soft corporation for their line of PC Paintbrush programs.  Windows Paintbrush is also able to read and save this format.  It provides some compression for images with color levels up to 256 when compared to ,BMP files, but not as much as a ,GIF.  There is less noticeable delay when using .PCX than with .GIF. The .PCX format can use color levels up to 16 million, but file size actually increases when 24-bit files are used.

.PNG

.PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a new format designed as a successor to .GIF.  Unlike .GIF, it is not burdened by LZW-compression licensing requirements.  It also takes advantage of newer compression techniques to make a file size generally smaller than .GIF at 256-colors.  Unlike .GIF, the format may also be used to produce loss-less 16-million color images.  These images will be far larger than .JPG images, but will be somewhat smaller than .BMP, .PCX, .TGA and .TIF uncompressed images.

ImgViewer/32 supports “Progressive-Display PNG,” which means an image designed for display on a web page in which the image is decoded in two passes.  On the first pass, every-other pixel is displayed, and on the second pass the intermediate pixels are filled in.

.TIF and .TGA

.TIF is the extension used with Tagged Information File Format (TIFF) files  .TGA is called "Targa."  Both are primarily formats for storing 24-bit (true-color) 16-million color images and gray-scale images in desktop publishing.  Tiff files may contain more than one picture.  If that is the case, ImgViewer/32 will only read the first image. .TIF is usable for all color levels, 16 to 16-million, while .TGA is usable from 256 to 16-million.


The Author


Entering Registration Info

When you register ImgViewer/32, you will receive a registration code that can be entered via the “Enter Reg Code” button in the Help/About dialog (the button will not show if the program is already registered). The code is in two parts. One is your name, and the other is a serial number. If either is incorrectly entered the registration will not be accepted, so be sure to type them in exactly as they are sent to you. When they are accepted they will produce a small file called IV32_REG.KEY in the ImgViewer/32 folder.

The program checks for this key file whenever it starts. It will eliminate all nag screens and watermarks, and will put your name in the “About” box. This registration key will work for all future versions of ImgViewer/32 as well.  See Upgrading to new versions. If you move the program to another folder, be sure to move the key or re-enter your registration code.

 Related Topics


About/Register Dialog

The About box provides information about the current version of ImgViewer/32, author contact and website information, and information about the registration status of the program. Registered users will see their name in the Registered To box, while unregistered users will see “Unregistered Trial Copy used” and the number of days the program has been installed on this computer. There will also be buttons for printing a registration form, and for entering the registration code that will be given when you register.

 Related Topics


Files
Files and Uninstalling

When ImgViewer/32 is installed, a program (UNINSTAL.EXE) and a data file (INSTALL.LOG) are placed in the ImgV32 folder.  The following information is provided to aid in removing the program in case those files are lost or damaged.

Files distributed with ImgViewer/32

IVSETUP.EXE This file contains all of the program files.  Running it will install all of the files where they belong, and will also produce a record and program that can be used to uninstall this package.

README.TXT A file that explains the program.

Files installed by ImgViewer/32

Main Program folder files

IMGV32.EXE, IMGV32.HLP, IMGV32.CNT, README.TXT, UNINSTAL.EXE, INSTALL.LOG.

Windows\System folder

OIK32.OCX (Graphics Engine)

Registered users will have one additional file: IV32_REG.KEY.  This file must be in your IMGV32 folder, and will keep the startup shareware screen from appearing.  If you upgrade to a new version of ImgViewer/32, do not delete this file - it will work with all future versions.

Files created by ImgViewer/32

In normal use, ImgViewer/32 creates temporary undo files in the folder pointed to by your TEMP variable.  If you do not have a TEMP setting in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, ImgViewer/32 will make them in its own folder.  These files are always ~ivxxxxx.tmp where xxxxx is a number.  When the program terminates normally these files are removed, but if there is abnormal termination, as for example a power failure, the files will remain until manually removed.  You may delete these files without problem if there is no instance of ImgViewer/32 running.

Uninstalling ImgViewer/32

If the UNINSTAL.EXE program and INSTALL.LOG file have been left intact in the ImgV32 folder, running that program will remove all files that were installed with ImgViewer/32.  If the UNINSTAL program has been removed, use the file list above to determine which files to remove.


Using a mouse wheel

If you have a Microsoft Intellimouse or other mouse equipped with a mouse wheel, ImgViewer/32 supports standard up/down scrolling and has additional functions for the wheel in combination with system keys.

The Shift key in combination with the wheel will slideshow forward and backward.

The Ctrl key in combination with the wheel will zoom in-and-out.

The Alt-key in combination with the wheel will scroll left and right.


Distribution

ImgViewer/32 is shareware and may be freely distributed as long as all of the files are included and no fee is charged beyond a reasonable fee for distribution.  Shareware vendors should contact the author for specific requirements.  Registered users note:  Do not distribute your IV32_REG.KEY file.

The author (see Ordering/Registration) reserves all rights.


Troubleshooting

If your difficulties are related to slow operations with specific images, see Speed vs. File Size

If you have an image that ImgViewer/32 will not display, it may be in a format that cannot be used.  There are some variations of .GIF and .PCX that are known to make problems for ImgViewer/32.  There are some non-standard versions of JPEG that will cause problems.  If you can load them into another image editing program you may be able to save it in a usable format.


Registration Form
ImgViewer/32 Version 2.44

Order/Registration Form

To Print this form, use the Options/Print Topic, above.

To edit in WordPad or a word processor, use the Options button and copy this form to the clipboard, then paste it into the word processor of your choice.  Edit and then print.

Price is US$29.95.

With a credit card you may order toll-free in North America: (800) 822-9085

Outside of North America please call: (707) 822-6417

FAX orders accepted at (707) 822-6570

You may also order online at www.arcatapet.com (secure).  Registration codes are normally e-mailed with no shipping charge or sales tax; add $3.00 to have disk copies sent as noted below.

By mail, with check, credit card, or money order in US Dollars to:

Don Bradner/Arcata Pet

600 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521-6301

Number of copies desired ____x 29.95 =	$___________

California residents add $2.17/copy sales tax (disk copy only)	 ___________

US add $3.00 for Priority Mail (disk copy only)	 ___________

Non-US add $3.00/copy for airmail (disk copy only)	 ___________

Total	 ___________

Check here to have disks mailed (and include appropriate fees above).  Software will be sent on 1.44 meg 3-1/2 inch disks with the latest version and a registration code.

Your Name:                 	___________________________________________________

Mailing Address:      	___________________________________________________

City/State/ZIP/Country: __________________________________________________

Daytime phone number (______)_________________ e-mail address_______________

If paying with a credit card: Card type  VISA    MasterCard   AMEX    Discover/Novus

       Card Number:  ________________________________ Expiration Date: ________

       Signature to authorize charge: ________________________________________

(optional) Where did you get ImgViewer/32?

 ImgViewer/32 home page (www.arcatapet.com/imgv32.html) ______________________

 Other Internet Site.  What site? __________________________________________

 Friend     Other _________________________________________

Comments to the author are welcome.  Tell me what you like, or would like changed.

Thank you for ordering!


What Is Shareware?

Shareware distribution means “try before you buy.”  If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, the author expects to be compensated for his efforts to produce the program.  Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.  With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed material.  With ImgViewer/32, you get the latest version plus a registration key that permanently enables the program and future versions as well.

Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality.  (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!)  Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, with the copyright holder retaining all rights, with the exception that the shareware author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group, while copying of commercial software is generally prohibited.

Because the overhead is low, prices are low also.  Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


Drag and Drop

ImgViewer/32 supports Drag and Drop of files to the program or its icon.  Select an image file an explorer window and drag it by holding the left mouse button down until you are over the ImgViewer/32 window, or the program icon.  Release the mouse button, and the file will be loaded.  If you drop files that are not of a type recognized by ImgViewer/32, an error message will be generated.  If you drag more than one image, only the first will be displayed.

Whether a new program window is created or the existing window is loaded with the new image depends on your settings in the Window Menu’s Multiple/Single Options.


Printing Images

The Print dialog is accessed from the File menu, and is only available when an image is loaded.  The dialog displays a representation of the printed image.  The black outer area is the full paper size, while the white inner area represents the printable area reported by the printer driver.

Adjusting image placement may be done by grabbing the thumbnail with the mouse and moving the image to the desired location, or by using the centering checkboxes.  Image size is adjusted by altering the scaling or by using the “Fit to Page” option.  You may adjust the scaling so that the image is larger than the paper, and only the displayed portion will print.

A button at the bottom of the dialog allows you to change printers when more than one are installed, and to change the printing properties for the selected printer.  Changes made will become the default for the program until you change it again.  They will not affect your Windows default.  ImgViewer/32 remembers the printer used last time, but does not save any changes to orientation or other printing properties from session to session.  It does remember them for additional printing in the same session.


Upgrading to new versions

New versions of ImgViewer/32 will appear regularly.  Users provide good ideas for new features, and old features are always being improved.  When a new version is released, it is uploaded to several Internet sites.  Jumps to available file locations will be found on the ImgViewer/32 page www.arcatapet.com.

Registered users are not required to re-order the program to upgrade.  Future versions will use the same registration key as the current version.  Registered users without access to one of the above sites may request disk copies from the author for a fee of $5 ($7 for non-US).

Registrants will always receive the most current version.

If you are pleased with ImgViewer/32, you may also be interested in other programs by the same author.  WWPlus32 is a versatile Windows wallpaper tool that lets you use your GIF and JPG files (and other formats) as wallpapers.  WWSaver32 uses the same structure as WWPlus32, but as a screen saver with transition effects.  You can find WWPlus32 and WWSaver32 in the same places where ImgViewer/32 is found.  They are available from the author's homepage at www.arcatapet.com.


License and Warranty

LICENSE AGREEMENT. You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.

DEMO VERSION. You are hereby licensed to: use the Demo version of this software for a 30 day evaluation period; make as many copies of the Demo version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original Demo version to anyone; and distribute the Demo version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means.  There is no charge for any of the above.

Commercial Shareware vendors should read the included VENDINFO.DIZ file for details on distribution rights.

Unregistered use of ImgViewer/32 after the 30-day evaluation period will result in a banner being displayed across each image displayed in the program.  The demo version is otherwise identical to the registered version.

REGISTERED VERSION. Registered users may not distribute their registration key file or serial numbers.

LICENSE AND ROYALTIES. One registered copy of ImgViewer/32 may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people, but not both.

You may access ImgViewer/32 through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will simultaneously access the software through the network.

GOVERNING LAW. The laws of the State of California shall govern this agreement.

Disclaimer of Warranty. THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.  Because of the various hardware and software environments into which ImgViewer/32 may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data handling procedures dictate that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it.  The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.  ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.