Copyright: Ulead Photo Express 2 Help


Album dialog box (Photo tab)

New album Creates a new album.

Delete album Deletes the currently selected album.

Properties (Album) Displays the properties of the selected album.

Album list A drop down list of albums that are currently loaded.

Scroll buttons Scrolls up and down loaded albums. Click to view other albums that are not currently displayed on the screen.

Albums Displays the various loaded albums.

Related info:

  Getting images

  Creating an album

  Modifying image and album data


Camera or Scanner dialog box

Select data source Selects the source from which to acquire your images (Displays all installed input devices).

Select source type  This allows you to select and change the type of device named (most of the time, Photo Express will automatically display the correct type).

Apply post processing Select this to automatically run the post processing window when scanning. This allows you to make quick simple changes (like adjusting brightness) at the time of image acquizition.

Show TWAIN data source (scanner only) Select this option to manually acquire images with your scanner’s software. Leave cleared to allow Photo Express to automatically scan your images.

Destination

Open to workspace Immediately opens the files in the Photo Express workspace once they have been aqcuired.

Save to album Saves the files to an album.

File name The name of the file to be acquired (multiple files will be saved sequentially: image0001.jpg, image0002.jpg…).

File type Selects the format for the files to be saved as (e.g. BMP or JPG).

Acquire Begins the acquisition process.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera


Import dialog box

Import module Displays a list of possible Import modules which are used to acquire images. This is commonly a video capture device.

Destination:

Open to workspace Immediately opens the files in the Photo Express workspace once they have been acquired.

Save to album Saves the files to an album.

File name: The name of the file to be acquired.

File type: Selects the format for the files to be saved as.

Import Begins the acquisition process.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images

  Video capture dialog box


Presets dialog box

The following is a general description of the Presets Panel that is common to many of the tools available in Photo Express. The specific type of operations and options presented in this panel will vary greatly from feature to feature, but they all share a similar structure. Often (but not always), there is a Custom tab behind the Presets tab. This tab has additional controls to refine and modify effects.

Preset effects Universal to Presets tab, these thumbnails display quick examples of how the feature will modify the active image. Simply click a sample and then click the Apply button. Alternately, you can double-click a sample to apply the transformation instantly.

Preview area Sets a user selected portion of an image as the effects thumbnail. note: This option is unavailable (and unnecessary) for Text presets, Gradients, Edges, Frames or Props.

Keep original shape In some effects that use Masks or Edges, this button maintains the current shape of the object, and the effect conforms to that shape. If it is not selected, the effect is applied as it appears in the Presets window.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects


Transform dialog box

Rotate by degree Rotates the image by a user selected number of degrees (0 to 359).

Flip vertically Flips the image vertically (upside down).

Flip horizontally Flips the image horizontally (backwards or mirrored).

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Straightening


Trim dialog box

Trim shape Provides a number or preset shapes from which to choose.

Soft edge Polishes (in pixels) the edges around the shape. This is useful for blending an object into the background image.

Create a new image Creates a new image based on the selection area (the original remains unchanged).

Apply Applies the selected trim.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creative trimming


Size dialog box

Active image Displays the properties of the currently active image.

Standard Displays a list of standard image sizes.

User defined Allows you to specify a particular image size.

Keep aspect ratio Maintains the ratio of X dimensions to Y dimensions (without stretching or squashing).

Res Displays information about the image’s resolution.

Apply Applies the resize to the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Resizing and printing


Sharpness dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset focus options.

Strength Allows fine modification of the sharpness of the image.

Radius Determines the grain or resolution of the change. Larger values yield a softer effect.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adjusting focus


Lighting dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset lighting options.

Brightness Controls the brightness/darkness.

Contrast Controls the level of contrast (definition).

Gamma Controls the gamma correction (Roughly equivalent to adjusting the mid tones). Gamma is an adjustment made to compensate for different kinds of monitors. Your monitor’s gamma can be adjusted in the Preferences dialog box.

Apply Applies modifications to the actual image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Controlling brightness and contrast

  Preferences dialog box


Color Balance dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset color options.

Color sliders Fine control of color selection in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow) or RGB (Red, Green, and Blue).

Apply Applies modifications to the actual image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adjusting color


Touch-up - Red Eye dialog box

Brush size Selects the size of correction tool.

Source tolerance Sets the strength of the effect.

Options

Remove red eye Select the color you want to remove. The Photo Express default red color works best for most common red eye problems.

Change eye’s color Replace the current eye color (any) with a different one.

Color boxes The left box is the color of the eyes in the original and the right box is the final color of the eyes.

Restore defaults Resets the panel options to their default settings.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Removing red eye


Touch-up - Scratch and Spots dialog boxes

Brush size Selects size of the correction tool.

Draw options Selects whether straight lines are drawn or use free hand.

Level Determines the strength of correction.

Restore defaults Resets the panel options to their default settings.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Removing scratches and spots


Shape dialog box (Selection)

Shape Determines shape of selection area: rectangle, square, ellipse or circle.

Options

Draw From Center Creates a selection area starting at the center and moving out.

Anti-Aliasing Removes jagged edges from selection areas. This is especially useful if you are creating an irregular selection area.

Move Selection Marquee Moves the outline of the selection area without moving its contents. Only available once you have created a selection area.

Mode Determines the selection behavior: new, add or subtract.

Selection

All Selects an entire image.

None De-selects anything currently selected.

Invert Inverts a selection area, deselecting all selected areas and selecting areas not currently selected.

Soft edge Polishes (in pixels) the edges around a selection area. This is useful for blending an object into an image.

Crop Crops an image or trims everything outside the selection area.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Making selections


Trace dialog box

Options

Anti-Aliasing Removes jagged edges from selection areas. This is especially useful if you are creating an irregular selection area.

Move Selection Marquee Moves the outline of the selection area without moving its contents. Only available once you have created a selection area.

Mode Determines the selection behavior: new, add or subtract.

Snap to edges Sets the tool to automatically connect lines.

Tolerance Determines the sensitivity of the Snap to edges. Higher levels of tolerance will snap more easily to edges (areas of high contrast). Setting the tolerance to zero will mean that the Snap to edges feature has no effect.

Selection

All Selects an entire image.

None De-selects anything currently selected.

Invert Inverts a selection area, deselecting all selected areas and selecting areas not currently selected.

Soft edge Polishes (in pixels) the edges around a selection area. This is useful for blending an object into an image.

Crop Crops or trims the area outside of the selection. Image files are required to be rectangular, so irregular areas will have border area added.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Making selections


By Color dialog box

Options

Anti-Aliasing Removes jagged edges from selection areas. This is especially useful if you are creating an irregular selection area.

Move Selection Marquee Moves the outline of the selection area without moving its contents. Only available once you have created a selection area.

Mode Determines the selection behavior: new, add or subtract.

Similarity Determines how closely matched colors must be to be included in the selection area.

All Selects an entire image.

None De-selects anything currently selected.

Inverts Selected areas are de-selected and areas which were not selected are selected.

Soft edge Polishes (in pixels) the edges around a selection area. This is useful for blending an object into an image.

Crop Crops or trims the area outside of the selection. Image files are required to be rectangular, so irregular areas will have border area added.

Expand selection Looks for similar colors in the entire image (When this option is selected, only adjacent pixels are checked).

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Making selections


Mask dialog box

Edge style previews Sample selection areas (masks) which can be used to make a creative selection area.

Keep original shape If you have already created an object using a selection tool and wish to apply the mask to it in the same shape, select this box. If left unselected, the mask will replace the previous selection area.

Apply Applies the selection area to the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects


Shadow dialog box (Selection)
Shadow dialog box

Shadow position Slide to adjust the location of the shadow vertically and horizontally.

Preview Shows how the effect will look when applied to the object.

Color Determines the color of the shadow. Click the color preview to select a new shadow color.

Transparency Determines the level of opacity of the shadow. This is useful for blending the shadow into the background.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge or blur to the shadow. This is also useful for blending the shadow into the background.

Apply Applies the shadow to the object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding shadows

  Adding shadows to text


Add/Edit Text (Format) dialog box

Format tab:

Text box Text entry box. Type your message here.

Font styles Bold, Italic, Underline and Justification (Left, Center, Right, and Vertical alignment).

Font Selects the font to be used.

Color Selects the color of the text.

Gradient Selects a gradient to use as the text color(s).

Texture Selects a texture to apply to the text.

New Creates a new text area.

Update Updates a previously created text area.

Save Opens a dialog box to save your text for future use.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Add/Edit Text (Phrase) dialog box

  Save Phrase dialog box


Add/Edit Text (Phrase) dialog box

Phrase tab:

Categories Lists the different groupings of saved phrases. This is useful to keep your phrase more organized.

Items Lists all previously saved items in the selected category.

Delete Removes the selected item from that particular category.

New Adds the selected item to the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Add/Edit Text (Format) dialog box

  Save Phrase dialog box


Save Phrase dialog box (Text)
Save Phrase dialog box

Categories Lists the available groupings of saved phrases.

note: You must enter a NEW category in the Save to  text box to save your phrase, or select one that you have previously created. Photo Express default categories cannot be modified.

Save to Adds a new category for the current text.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Add/Edit dialog box


Shape dialog box (Text)

Previews Sample text shapes and styles. Switch between the Horizontal and Vertical tabs to select the desired text path.

Apply Applies the selected shape to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text


Gradient dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effects options.

Linear Creates a gradient across the text top to bottom or left to right.

Rectangular Creates a gradient that radiates from the center in a square like fashion.

Circular Creates a circular gradient radiating from the center of the text.

From 0 to 255. To 0 to 255. Determines the color range of the gradient in terms of 256 color RGB values. Select widely disparate values for a very colorful gradient, or a narrow range for a more subtle gradient.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Hole dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Shape Determines the shape of the holes. Select a shape from the list.

Size Sets the size of the individual holes.

Variation Determines the variation in size between different holes.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Glass dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Reflection Sets the brightness of the reflected light.

Fuzziness Determines how soft the edge of the effect appears.

Color Determines the color of the glass.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Metal dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Reflection Sets the brightness of the reflected light.

Fuzziness Determines how soft the edge of the effect appears.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Emboss dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Thickness Sets the width of the embossing.

Amount Sets amount or depth of the embossing.

Light direction Determines the direction from which the light appears to radiate.

Bevel shape Determines the shape of the edge of the text: Smooth, Plateau or Steep.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Outline Emboss dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Thickness Sets the width of the embossing.

Amount Sets amount or depth of the embossing.

Light direction Determines the direction from which the light appears to radiate.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Texture Emboss dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Texture image Select an image from the list to use as a surface material texture.

Size Determines the size of the particles or grains used in the effect.

Transparency Determines the opacity of the text. High values blend better with the image.

Amount Sets the strength and density of the effect.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Concrete dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Roughness Sets the coarseness or the bumpiness of the concrete.

Light direction Determines the direction from which the light appears to radiate.

Color Sets the color of the concrete.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Sand dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Roughness Sets the coarseness or the bumpiness of the sand.

Light direction Determines the direction from which the light appears to radiate.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Lighting dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Elevation Sets the virtual height above the image from which the light shines.

Light direction Determines the direction from which the light appears to radiate.

Light color Sets the color of the light source.

Object color Sets the surface color of the object.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Fire dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Inside color Sets the color of the body of the text.

Middle color Sets the color of the middle of the edges.

Outside color Sets the color of the far outside edges.

Strength Sets the intensity of the effect, in this case the amount and height of the flames.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Snow dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Inside color Sets the color of the body of the text.

Middle color Sets the color of the middle edges.

Outside color Sets the color of the far outside edges.

Strength Sets the intensity of the effect, in this case the degree of melting of the snow.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Neon dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Color Sets the color of the neon.

Inside Select to have the effect radiate inward from the edges.

Outside Select to have the effect radiate outward from the edges.

Both sides Select to have the effect radiate both inward and outward from the edges.

Width Sets the width or thickness of the effect.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


Seal dialog box (Text Effects)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Color Sets the color of the ink.

Pressure Sets the strength of the effect, simulating the amount of pressure on the seal.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Presets dialog box


3D dialog box (Text)
3D dialog box

3D style previews Sample 3D text effects and styles.

Apply Applies the selected 3D effect to current text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Adding 3D text


Shadow dialog box (Text)
Shadow dialog box

Shadow position Slide to adjust the location of the shadow vertically and horizontally.

Preview Shows how the effect will look when applied to the text.

Color Determines the color of the shadow.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency of the shadow.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge or blur to the shadow.

Apply Applies the shadow to the currently selected text object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Adding shadows to text


Transform dialog box (Text)

Rotate by degree Rotates selected text object by degrees (0 to 359), clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Flip vertically Flips the selected text vertically (upside down).

Flip horizontally Flips the selected text horizontally (left to right).

Transform options Various options to distort the text:

Resize Makes the text selection bigger or smaller.

Rotate Freely rotates text manually.

Slant Skews or slants the text.

Perspective Gives the text an artificial sense of depth.

Distort Manual stretching and squashing of the text selection area.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding text


Paintbrush and Airbrush dialog boxes (Brush)

Shape Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Options Brush options: freehand (default), lines or connected lines.

Eraser Toggles the erase mode on and off.

Size sliders Control height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Color Sets the color of the paint.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge to the brush stroke. Higher values will allow the paint to blend more smoothly with the image.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency. Again, this will make the paint blend better with the image.

Restore Restores the default attributes of the tool.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Crayon, Oil, and Bristle dialog boxes (Brush)

Shape (Only available in Crayon tool) Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Options Brush options: freehand (default), lines or connected lines.

Eraser Toggles the erase mode on and off.

Size sliders Controls the height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Color Sets the color of the paint.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency. This will make the paint blend more naturally into the image.

Restore Restores the default attributes of the tool.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Clone dialog box - Source tab
Clone dialog box

Source tab:

Source The image you will clone from is displayed here. Move the cursor to the location you want to clone.

Zoom Controls the level of magnification of the source image.

1:1 Sets the size of the source image to be equivalent to the target image in the workspace.

Fit preview Displays the source image at a smaller size that will allow the entire image to be seen.

Select photo Images that are currently loaded into Photo Express that can be used as source images and from which you can clone.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using the Clone tool

  Selecting a brush

  Paintbrush and Airbrush dialog boxes (Options tab)

  Crayon, Oil, and Bristle dialog box (Options tab)


Paintbrush and Airbrush dialog boxes (Clone)

Options tab:

Shape Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Options Brush options: freehand (default), lines or connected lines.

Mode Selects the cloning alignment.

Relative Data will be cloned relative to the first mouse click.

Absolute Data can be cloned anywhere on the image, regardless of the original position. Select this option to clone multiple copies from the original image.

Frame Data will be cloned in the same position on the current frame as on the original image. This option cannot be used when cloning onto the same image.

Size sliders control height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge to the brush stroke. This helps make the stroke blend more smoothly with the image.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency. Higher values also improve the blending of the paint with the image.

Restore Restores the default attributes of the tool.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using the Clone tool

  Selecting a brush

  Clone dialog box (Source tab)


Crayon, Oil, and Bristle dialog boxes (Clone)

Options tab:

Shape (Only available in Crayon tool) Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Options Brush options: freehand (default), lines or connected lines.

Mode Selects the cloning alignment.

Relative Data will be cloned relative to the first mouse click.

Absolute Data can be cloned anywhere on the image, regardless of the original position. Select this option to clone multiple copies from the original image.

Frame Data will be cloned in the same position on the current frame as on the original image. This option cannot be used when cloning onto the same image.

Size sliders control height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency. This helps make the stroke blend more smoothly with the image.

Restore Restores the default attributes of the tool.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using the Clone tool

  Selecting a brush

  Clone dialog box (Source tab)


Retouch dialog box

Shape Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Size sliders Controls the height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Lighten Determines the level of lightening or darkening.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge to the brush stroke to help make the corrections blend more naturally.

Restore Restores the retouch tool’s settings to their defaults.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Retouching photos


Sharpen dialog box (Paint Tool)
Sharpen dialog box

Shape Determines the shape of the brush stroke: square, round, or linear.

Size sliders Controls the height and width of the stroke. Click the lock to maintain equal height and width.

Sharpen Determines the level of sharpening or blurring.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge to the brush stroke to help blend the effect.

Restore Restores the sharpen tool’s settings to their defaults.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Emphasizing subjects


Fill dialog box

Single color Fills the selected area with a simple solid color.

Gradient Fills selected area with a gradient, blending two colors together.

Magic texture Fills the selected area with a texture pattern.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency for the fill to help blend the effect.

Apply Applies the fill to the image or selection area.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Using gradient fills


Pinch and Punch dialog boxes

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Power Determines the strength of the effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Ripple dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Direction Determines the direction of the ripples.

Frequency Determines number and density of ripples.

Amplitude Determines the size of the ripples.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Swirl dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Direction Determines the direction of the whirl.

Twist degree Determines the strength or tightness of the whirl.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Charcoal dialog box
Effects: Artist Type - Charcoal

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Balance Adjusts the brightness of the effect.

Stroke length Determines the length of the individual strokes in the effect.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Watercolor dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Stroke size Determines the size of the individual strokes in the effect.

Moisture level Determines the strength of the effect (water content of paint).

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Oil Paint dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Stroke detail Determines the strength of bristles in the brush stroke. High levels show more pronounced individual bristle strokes, while lower values yield a smoother stroke.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Warm and Cool dialog boxes

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Color Determines the color of the filter.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Tone dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Hue Determines the hue or color of the filter.

Saturation Determines the strength of the filter.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Light dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Light location Controls the location and direction of the light on the image.

Light control Determines the elevation (0 to 90 degrees) and width of the light source.

Exposure Determines the strength of the light source.

Color boxes Determines the color of the ambient light and the spot light.

Ambience brightness Determines the strength of the ambient light.

Light brightness Determines the strength of the spot light.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lighting effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Focus dialog box

Average, Blur, Sharpen and Emphasize Edges

Thumbnail previews Samples of the effect applied to thumbnails.

Thumbnail view Selects an area of the thumbnail to be displayed in the preview.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects

  Customizing effects


Thin and Fat dialog boxes

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Motion dialog box
Motion Blur dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Light source Determines the type of light source: Camera, Natural or Object. Camera creates motion as if the camera has been moved, while Object creates motion as if the object has been moved.

Angle Determines the direction of motion.

Moving offset Determines the strength of the motion.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Mosaic dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

X-axis size Determines the width of the squares.

Y-axis size Determines the height of the squares.

Equal width and height Locks the X and Y axis together so they are equal (square).

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Puzzle dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Background color Determines the color of the matte behind the puzzle.

Square size Sets the size of the puzzle pieces.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Wind dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Direction Determines the direction of the wind: right to left or left to right.

Moving offset Sets the strength of the wind.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Tile dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Background color Determines the color of the matte behind the tiles.

Square size Sets the size of the tiles.

Shift value Determines the randomness of the tiles (the higher the value, the more random the tiles).

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Gradient dialog box (Effects - Special)
Gradient dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Hue shift Determines the general colors of the gradient.

Gradient set of colors Shifts the colors across the gradient.

Repeat set of colors Sets the number of times the gradient is repeated.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Emboss dialog box (Effects - Special)
Emboss dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Lighting direction Sets the direction of illumination.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Coating Color Determines the general color of the processed image.

Depth Determines the depth or strength of the embossing effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


Turnpage dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Control points Allow fine control over the direction and extent of the effect. The red handle moves the entire corner, while the green handles control the angle of the corner.

Controls Move the preview through a number of preset effects.

Corner Sets the corner to which the turnpage is applied.

Type Turnpage style options: either lighter or darker.

Mode Sets the transparency features of the corner.

Background color Sets the background color behind the image.

Angle Slide the bulb icon to adjust the elevation of the light

Lighting Controls lighting. The top bulb sets the angle of elevation (height) of the light above the image. Adjust the spiral control to increase or decrease the tightness of the curl.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects

  Presets dialog box


In some effects, you can select one or more particles that you can move to another location and adjust the attributes. You can do this by moving your mouse over the Preview window. When the pointer changes to a 4-headed arrow, you can select the particles that you want to move or adjust their attributes. Notes to remember:

Ctrl or Shift key Click with your mouse if you want to select more than one particle.

Select All Select this option to move or adjust the attributes of all the particles on the Preview window.

To deselect Press Ctrl and click on a selected particle to deselect it, or click on the background image.

Adjusting attributes All changes are applied to selected particles.


Bubble dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Density Controls the number of bubbles.

Size Controls the size of bubbles.

Ambience Adjusts the color and strength of the ambient lighting.

Border Adjusts the color and strength of the border lighting.

Body Adjusts the color and strength of the body lighting.

Select all Selects all of the individual particles for modification as a group.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects

  Presets dialog box


Firefly dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Density Controls the number of fireflies.

Size Controls the size of individual fireflies.

Opacity Determines the transparency of the fireflies.

Softness Adjusts the soft edge of the fireflies.

Select all Selects all fireflies for modification as a group.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects

  Presets dialog box


Rain dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Density Controls the strength of the rain.

Length Determines the length of individual drops.

Width Determines the width of individual drops.

Body Determines the color and transparency of the rain.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects

  Presets dialog box


Snow dialog box (Effects - Particle)
Snow dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Density Changes the amount of snow from a few flakes to a blizzard.

Size Controls the size of individual flakes.

Body Determines the color and transparency of the snow

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects

 Presets dialog box


Cloud dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a thumbnail preview of the intended effect.

Controls Moves the preview through a number of preset effects. Click the right arrow to advance and the left arrow to go back. The middle arrows restore the preview to the selected thumbnail from the Presets tab.

Density Affects the number and thickness of the clouds.

Size Changes the size of individual clouds.

Opacity Determines the transparency of the effect.

Select all Selects all of the clouds to be modified together.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects

  Presets dialog box


Normal dialog box

Printer name Displays the default printer’s name and allows you to select other printers.

Paper size Selects the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout

Landscape or Portrait Select the orientation of the paper in relation to the image.

Title Enter a title for the image (this will be printed at the top of the page). Enter “&f” to print the file name of the image.

Fit to page Stretches the image to fill the entire page.

Center horizontally Places the image in the middle of the page, with equal spaces on the left and right.

Center vertically Places the image in the middle of the page, with equal spaces at the top and bottom.

Restore Returns all properties to their defaults.

Print range Select All or only the Current page (only when multiple images are selected).

Print Prints the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Thumbnails dialog box

Printer name Displays the default printer’s name and allows you to select other printers.

Paper size Selects the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout:

Landscape or Portrait Select the orientation of the paper in relation to the image.

Rows Determines the number of rows of thumbnails.

Columns Determines the number of columns of thumbnails.

Generate thumbnails from album cache This prints the thumbnails as you see them in the album. If deselected, the print function will generate new thumbnails from the source images.

Thumbnail range Select All to print all of the thumbnails in an album or only Selected to print the thumbnails outlined in blue (selected).

Print Prints the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Tile dialog box

Printer name Displays the default printer’s name and allows you to select other printers.

Paper size Selects the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout:

Landscape or Portrait Select the orientation of the paper in relation to the image.

Rows Determines the number of rows.

Columns Determines the number of columns.

Show cutting grid Displays a grid for cutting. This grid will also be printed.

Options Presents more options for printing including image size and offset values.

Print range Select All for a multi-page document or only the Current page (only when multiple images are selected).

Print Prints the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing - Tile


Poster dialog box

Printer name Displays the default printer’s name and allows you to select other printers.

Paper size Selects the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout:

Landscape or Portrait Select the orientation of the paper in relation to the image.

Print cutting grid Select to print a page with the cutting grid on it (so you know which pieces go where).

Keep aspect ratio Maintains the original image’s relative dimensions.

Poster size Indicate, in percent, centimeters or inches, the size of the printed poster (where 100% is the original size).

Print range Select All or only the Current page (only when multiple images are selected).

Print Prints the image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing posters


Save dialog box

Output folder Determines the folder into which the image or document will be saved.

Browse Opens the Browse dialog box to let you select a folder.

Previous folder Returns to the folder most recently browsed.

File name Enter a name for the image file.

Save as type Select a type of file or extension (e.g. BMP or JPG).

Data type Select the image format for saving the image. This will determine the colors to use to define the digital image.

Save to album Select to automatically insert the image file to the currently selected album. Click the drop down to select a different album.

Save Executes the save function.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Saving


E-mail dialog box

How to set your E-mail client Displays the possible e-mail client you can use as default. Select one and click the Setup button to find out how to set the selected e-mail client as default.

Setup button Displays a quick reference guide to setting up your e-mail client.

Send separate mails If multiple images are selected, this option allows you to send each image in a different e-mail. When unselected, all images are attached to a single e-mail.

Send Runs your mail client in order to send the images.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Sending images via e-mail


Fax dialog box

Layout

Fit to page Stretches the image to fill the entire page.

Center horizontally Places the image in the middle of the page, left to right.

Center vertically Places the image in the middle of the page, top to bottom.

Setup Sets up your fax modem software to work with Photo Express.

Send Runs your fax client and sends the fax.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Sending images via fax


Web Page dialog box (Basic)

Title The title of your web page (but not the heading). This is the text that you would normally enter between the <title> and </title> tags.

Output folder The name of the folder where the thumbnail and HTML files will be saved.

Browse Opens a dialog box to browse to a new folder.

Previous folder Moves to the previously browsed folder.

File name: Enter a name for the HTML file to be saved.

Row x Column Determines the layout of the page in rows and columns.

Thumbnail size Sets the size in pixels of the thumbnails to be created.

Destination Select To disk to save locally or To mail to e-mail the document and associated files.

Preview Runs your Web browser, and previews your web page in the browser.

Apply Saves your web page and its associated image files.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Web Page dialog box (More)

  Creating thumbnail albums for the web


Web Page dialog box (More)

Background

Color Selects the background color for the page.

Image file Sets an image as the background for the page.

Thumbnail image

Indexed Adds an index number to the thumbnails.

Alignment Select Left, Center or Right.

Frame border Sets the size in pixels of the border around the images.

Add background music:

File name Select the name of the MID or WAV file to use as background music.

Browse Opens a browse dialog box to locate files.

Preview Runs your Web browser, and previews your web page in the browser.

Apply Saves your web page and its associated image files.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Web Page dialog box (Basic)

  Creating thumbnail albums for the web


Calendar dialog box

Year Select the year for the calendar.

Month Select the month for the calendar (Weekly and Monthly tabs).

Week Select the range of days for the week for the calendar (Weekly tab only).

Orientation Select an orientation: Landscape or Portrait.

Delete template Deletes the currently selected template.

Save template Saves the template.

Add template Saves the template as a new template file.

Templates Displays a number of preset and user created templates.

Screen Displays the current calendar as a Windows wallpaper.

Clipboard Copies the current calendar to the Windows clipboard.

Print Prints the currently selected calendar.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Planner dialog box


Planner dialog box

Month Select the month you would like to plan.

Note color Use the notes function to add irregular events that occur. Select Text to identify notes on the calendar by a selected text color. Select Block to fill in the day on the calendar with a selected color.

Holiday color Use the holiday function to add regular or irregular holidays that occur. Select Text to identify holidays on the calendar by a selected text color. Select Block to fill in the holiday on the calendar with a selected color.

Holiday icons (Marks) Select an icon to represent the holiday or special event. Drag and drop to add an icon to a chosen day.

Calendar blocks Click a block to select it. Select an option whether to Add Note, Add Day-based Holiday, or Add Week-based Holiday.

OK Allows you to add data (holidays, birthdays, etc) to calendar days.

Cancel Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner


Morph dialog box

Type Select a kind of warping to apply: Smudge, Pinch, Punch, Ripple, Stone, Mirror, Horizontal, Vertical, Whirlpool or Diffuse. Select Restore to undo any changes you have made, returning the image to its original form.

Speed Determines the speed of the morph animation.

Storyboard Displays the key images that will be used to create the morph (Photo Express creates the intermediate frames).

Save to photo album Select this button to save the image to an album selected from the list below the check box.

Preview Select this button to render a faster preview of the final animation.

Show cursor Toggles the cursor on and off when using a warp tool.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Morphing


Wallpaper dialog box

Background color only Sets a solid color as your desktop background.

Use image as wallpaper Sets an image as the desktop wallpaper.

Display Selects how to display the image on your screen:

Center Places the image in the vertical and horizontal center of the screen.

Tile If the image is smaller than your screen resolution, multiple copies are tiled across the screen.

User defined Offsets the image by selected x and y values from the top left hand corner of the screen.

Fit in window Stretches or shrinks the image to fit the desktop window (only available if Center or Tile display modes are selected).

Apply Applies any modifications to the desktop wallpaper.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating screen art - Wallpaper


Screen Saver dialog box (Basic)

Transition effect Select a type of effect to display between images.

Delay Determines the length of time an image remains on the screen before a transition effect begins.

Update screen saver file list Select to automatically change the list of images in the screen saver memory.

Resize large images to fit screen size Stretches or shrinks an image to fit the window.

Apply Applies any modifications to the screen saver program.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating screen art - Screen Saver

  Screen Saver dialog box (Custom)


Screen Saver dialog box (Custom)

Subject Enter a subject name for your screen saver.

Music file list Displays music files to be played.

Add Background music Enter a sound file to use with your screen saver. This sound will play every time an image changes.

Delete sound file Deletes the currently selected sound file from the screen saver.

Delete all sound files Deletes all sound files from the screen saver.

Properties Displays the name, length and tempo of the selected sound file.

Repeat music Plays the selected music continuously for as long as the screen saver is running.

Apply Applies any modifications to the screen saver program.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating screen art - Screen Saver

  Screen Saver dialog box (Basic)


Slide Show dialog box (Basic)

Transition preview Displays a small preview of your chosen transition effect.

Transition effect Select a type of effect to display between images.

Delay Determines the length of time (in seconds) an image is displayed.

Control manually with keyboard or mouse Select to change images when a key is pressed or a mouse button is clicked.

Apply Applies any modifications to the slide show program.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating screen art - Slide Show

  Slide Show dialog box (Custom)


Slide Show dialog box (Custom)

Continuous play Select to have the slide show play until you manually stop it.

Resize large images to fit screen size Shrinks image to fit your display.

Hide pointer Hides the mouse cursor while the slide show is playing.

Subject Enter a subject name for the slide show.

Audio files to be played Lists the sound files to be used in the slide show.

Add a music file Adds a new music file to the slide show.

Delete music file Deletes the currently selected music file from the slide show.

Delete all music files Deletes all music files from the slide show.

Properties Displays the name, length and tempo of the selected sound file.

Repeat music Continuously loops the music for the length of the slide show.

Apply Applies any modifications to the slide show program.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Creating screen art - Slide Show

  Slide Show dialog box (Basic)


File dialog box (Photo or Project tab)

Currently browsed folder Displays the name of the current folder.

Browse Opens a dialog box that allows you to search for template or image files.

Recent folders Opens a list of recently accessed folders.

Sort Arranges template or image files in a specified order.

Select all Selects all templates or image files in the folder.

Templates or Images Displays all available template or image files in the currently selected folder.

Destination

Open to workspace Opens the project template or image into the workspace.

Save to album Saves the project template or image into an album.

Create shortcut  Creates a shortcut to the project template or image, but does not move it.

Copy  Duplicates the selected template or image and copies it to the Album.

Move  Cuts the selected template or image and pastes it to the Album.

Insert/Open Completes the Get procedure.

Back Returns to album mode.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images


Camera or Scanner dialog boxes (Place)

Select data source Select your source (camera name or scanner).

Apply post processing Select this to automatically run the post processing window when scanning. This allows you to make quick simple changes (like adjusting brightness) at the time of image acquizition.

Show TWAIN data source (scanner only) Select this option to manually acquire images with your scanner’s software. Leave cleared to allow Photo Express to automatically scan your images.

Add Adds the image to the template, while also retaining the default image.

Replace Replaces the default or current image in a template.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images


Import dialog box (Place)

Import module Displays a list of possible Import modules which can be used to acquire images.

Add Adds the image to the template, retaining the default image.

Replace Replaces the default or current image in a template.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images

  Video capture dialog box


Album dialog box (Place)

Album name Displays the name of the album that is currenlty selected.

Album list Displays a drop down list of available album you can choose from.

Image thumbnails Displays thumbnails of the image files contained in the currently selected album.

Add Adds the file into the Photo Express project template.

Replace Replaces the default or saved image in a project with the newly selected image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images


File dialog box (Place)

Currently browsed folder Displays the name of the folder you are currently in.

Browse Opens a dialog box that allows you to search for images.

Recent folders Allows you to quickly return to folders you have already searched.

Sort Sorts the images in the folder by name, date, size or type.

File thumbnails Displays thumbnails of the image files contained in the currently selected folder.

Add Adds the file into the Photo Express project template.

Replace Replaces the default or saved image in a project with the newly selected image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images


Workspace dialog box (Place)

Workspace thumbnails Displays thumbnails of all active images and projects.

Add Adds the image to the template, retaining the default image.

Replace Replaces the default or current image in a template.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Getting images


Regular and Magic dialog boxes
Regular and Magic dialog box

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of the selected edge effect.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Edge color Sets the color of the edge of the image and frame.

Single color Adds a simple solid color frame. Click the color preview to select another color.

Gradient Adds a color gradient frame. Click the color preview to select new gradient colors or a new gradient style.

Texture Uses an image as a texture background. Click the color preview to select a new magic texture.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects

  Presets dialog box


Text dialog box (Edges)

Custom tab:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Controls Moves the image through preset effect options.

Stretch to fit edges Stretches the text to span the length of the side(s).

Text boxes Enter the text to appear on each edge: left, top, right, and bottom.

Font A list of fonts available on your computer.

Font style Choose a style of font: bold, italic or underline.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects

  Presets dialog box


Frame dialog box

Frame thumbnails Small thumbnails of available frames.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding frames


Background dialog box (Center)

Center tab:

Background thumbnails Displays thumbnails of available backgrounds.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using backgrounds

  Background dialog box (Tile)

  Background dialog box (Color)


Background dialog box (Tile)

Tile tab:

Background thumbnails Displays thumbnails of available backgrounds.

Texture size Sets the size of individual tiles in the background.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using backgrounds

  Background dialog box (Center)

  Background dialog box (Color)


Background dialog box (Color)

Color tab:

Background color Sets a simple solid color as the background. Click the color preview to select a new color.

Apply Applies selected effect to current object.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using backgrounds

  Background dialog box (Center)

  Background dialog box (Tile)


Props dialog box

Categories A List of different props, arranged in subject categories. Click to select another category from the list.

Prop thumbnails Displays thumbnails of available props.

Apply Pastes the selected prop into your image or project.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using Props


Shadow dialog box (Decoration)

Shadow position Shows a preview of the shadow.

Position sliders Determines the horizontal and vertical position of the shadow, relative to the position of the sliders.

Color Sets the color of the shadow. Click the color preview to select a new shadow color.

Transparency Determines the level of transparency. This increases or decreases the strength of the shadow.

Soft edge Adds a soft edge to the shadow. This is useful for blending the shadow into the background image.

Apply Applies the shadow to the selected image in the project.

Back Returns to the title panel for this effects group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Adding shadows


Photo Service dialog box

Photo Service shortcuts Displays a list of shortcuts to frequently used photo services.

New Adds an Internet address shortcut to the Photo Service Shortcuts list.

Delete Removes an Internet address shortcut from the Photo Service Shortcuts list.

Memo Displays your own notes about the selected Shortcut.

Update Memo Updates the text content of the Memo for the selected Photo Service shortcut.

Go Begins connecting to the selected photo service.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Noa usa thisa


Welcome to Photo Express


Procedures


Glossary (main)


Commands


Contacting


Quick guide


Menu commands - Index

Click a menu command for more information. If you prefer to find commands on an alphabetical list, click the Index button above and enter “menu commands”.

note: The commands on each menu are context sensitive, which means that the exact contents of a menu will vary depending on what is active (e.g. an image, an album or a project).

File Menu

Edit Menu

View Menu

Photo Menu (Only available with plug-ins installed.)

Help Menu


Photo Menu

This menu contains a list of all available PhotoShop or PhotoImpact compatible plug-ins like KPT or Alien Skin. Plug-ins are commonly used to create special effects or otherwise expand the abilities of an existing image editing application.

note: This menu will not be visible if you do not have any plug-ins installed.


Open

Close

Save

Save As

Open Template File

Acquire

Print Preview

Print

Send

Preferences

Exit


Copy

Paste

Delete

Search

Undo Before

Redo To

Cut

Clear


Actual View

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Sort By Name

Sort By Date

Sort By Type

Sort By Size

Increase Thumbnail Size

Decrease Thumbnail Size


Ulead Photo Express Help

About Ulead Products

Online Registration

About Photo Express


Program map

This is a map of the Photo Express user interface. Please click on an area to find more information about it.


Welcome to Photo Express

Photo Express is your one stop shop for image acquisition, storage, viewing, and editing.

Storing Photo Express is centered on an invaluable electronic photo album. As you acquire more and more images on your computer, organizing them quickly becomes a major problem. Photo Express solves this problem by seamlessly joining image acquisition to a simple system of clickable and customizable albums. These albums are effortless to use and the organizational features are quite impressive.

Expressing Photo Express has a huge range of image editing tools, from correcting the brightness of an image all the way to fancy Hollywood style special effects. These tools are always ready at the click of your mouse. Photo Express’ object oriented design and ready-made templates take image editing into another realm, even for a beginner.

Viewing You can jazz up your desktop with a practical calendar, create an on-screen slide show or even make a web page with Photo Express’ output options. And there are many more ways available to make showing off your photos and creative projects truly entertaining.

Related info:

  Creating an album

  Editing images

  Viewing images

  Program map


Getting started

Photo Express could not be easier to use, but your enjoyment of the program will be greatly enhanced if you take a minute to read this overview.

Photo tab This is where you will do most of your work. All of the standard tools found in a basic image editor can be found here, as well as many advanced features unique to Photo Express. You can open, adjust, paint, add text, create special effects, save and print your images. This section of the program is centered on the Photo Express photo albums, which are used to quickly access, store, organize, and display your image files.

  Editing images

Project tab This is where you can produce amazing and attractive creations. Don’t have to worry if you don’t have any photos ready at the moment, Photo Express package provides you with lots of samples that you can work with. Photo Express can get you started and give you ideas that will unleash your creativity. Calendars, business cards, greeting cards and morphing animations are all simple to create.

  Morphing

Templates and objects Photo Express projects make extensive use of templates. These templates each contain a number of discrete elements like text, an image, a frame and maybe a background. These elements are referred to as objects and can be moved and modified independently. This is of course incredibly easy and intuitive, but you have to remember that this is a special image file format that cannot be used by other programs. When you want to save or export your projects, you will need to change the format to one that can be used by other programs (i.e. JPG, GIF or BMP). Separate objects will no longer be available in the new format.

  Creating a greeting card


Editing images

Unless you have a darkroom in your basement, traditional print photography offers little or nothing in the way of flexibility. If you want to do something creative with your photos, you are limited to cutting and pasting (which are quite permanent activities). And if a picture is less than perfect when it comes back from the developer, you are stuck with it. Modern digital imaging, however gives you an amazing amount of creative freedom and expression, as well as the ability to fix up images that were shot under less than ideal conditions.

In Photo Express, you open an image by selecting it in an album and then clicking the Edit button. Images can be selected by simply clicking on them; selected images are outlined in green. When an image is active for editing, it will fill the workspace. It will also be visible on the Thumbnail scroll located at the lower left-hand side of the program, along with any other active images. Broad categories of tools (like Paint tools) are available as buttons below the Edit button. When you click one, the Toolbar at top changes accordingly, displaying a range of specific tools. Often, there may be another drop-down toolbar that appears with even more selections. The Options panel at right will have a plethora of specialized buttons and sliders, giving you detailed control over the attributes of a tool (like width and transparency). Every tool has a different set of controls. Quick and balanced effects can be instantly selected from the Presets tab as well. The editing environment flows from the left, clockwise around the top, and to the Options panel on the right; from general types of editing, to specific tools, and finally to fine controls.

Photo Express uses an object-oriented design in editing. When you make a selection area, and then change it in some way, this area becomes an object. Objects are independent of the rest of the image. Objects include Text, Props, Backgrounds, and Frames (among others). When you make changes, save your image as a Photo Express template (*.UPX) to keep the objects. If you want to send your images to a friend, use them on a web page or open them in another program, choose a different file format (*.BMP of *.JPG). Your objects, however, will be merged into the image and you will not be able to independently edit them.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos

  Understanding objects


Using this help

You will certainly find Photo Express to be intuitive, fun and versatile. To get the most out of your imaging tools, it is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with the software, including the help file. The help file is designed with three goals in mind:

As a reference When you have an immediate question like “What does the Express button do?”, simply run the online help from the Help menu or press F1. Then click the Index tab and type a word associated with your question. You should easily find a short definition for everything in the program, with links to related topics for even more information, if you need it.

As a guide Use the main help window, and choose a general topic of interest, like how to make a calendar. These topics are usually longer and can be browsed for hints and advice. Follow the Task Guide to work through specific projects and examples.

As a supplement to the manual Don’t forget the printed manual. The manual is eminently readable and enjoyable to browse through, giving a thorough introduction to the entire program. The examples and photos in it will present you with many excellent ideas.


Using the Task Guide

The Task Guide is a walkthrough tour of many of the features of Photo Express by way of some really fun projects. By selecting a project that interests you, you can learn nearly all of the basic elements of Photo Express, as well as many advanced techniques.

Each task in the Task Guide will show you how to complete a project step by step from start to finish. The territory typically covered ranges from acquiring images through editing and on to printing. Each step also contains links to additional definitions and related links. You should be able to complete a task in about ten minutes, but probably will want to spend more time playing with the many artistic and creative features you will be introduced to.

The Task Guide should probably be the first thing you should work through if you are new to image editing or are completely unfamiliar with Photo Express. Even advanced users may find a trick or two here and there to enhance their enjoyment of electronic imaging.

Related info:

  The Task Guide


Hot tips

Maximize your imagination! Check out these cool ideas.

Use the albums The Photo Express albums are incredibly useful, not only for organizing your images, but also for editing and creating attractive presentations. The first thing you should do is create a few albums. After that, you can add notations, watch slide shows, and edit - all from the same workspace.

Quick and easy editing Combine the image acquisition tools (which work seamlessly with your digital camera or scanner) with the post processing features and the Adjust tools of Photo Express. Your photos will never look better and you will never have to apologize for taking a poor photo.

Templates and objects Photo Express templates make creative projects a snap. Organized into various customizable objects, templates will not only get you started and give you materials to work with, they will also give you complete creative freedom to do whatever you can imagine.

Ctrl+Z The best way to figure out how Photo Express works is to play with it. If you see a button or a slider, click it. If you don’t like the result, get used to pressing Ctrl+Z to undo your last change. In fact, you can undo your last ten changes by repeating the process. If you never learn another shortcut key, remember this one (Ctrl+Z is the Undo shortcut in lots of Windows PC software).

Have fun! No, really. Play, push, drag, click, and warp everything in sight. Photo Express will warn you before saving changes to your heirlooms and you can undo most changes instantly if you like (see above). So don’t be afraid and experiment as much as possible.


Printer properties

Opens a standard Windows dialog box with printer properties and setup options.


Photo Express web extras

Takes you to Ulead’s Photo Express web site for tips, tricks, advice and lots of free extras to help you get the most out of your images.


Digital camera

Scanner

Getting images from a photo service


Adding 3D text

Adding a Turnpage effect

Adding frames

Adding shadows

Adding shadows to text

Adding text

Adjusting sharpness

Adjusting color

Controlling brightness and contrast

Cropping an image

Creative trimming

Emphasizing subjects

Removing red eye

Removing scratches & spots

Retouching and sharpening

Selecting a brush

Understanding soft edge

Using Text effects

Using the Clone tool


Printing basics

Printing (general)

Printing posters

Printing a project

Printing thumbnails

Tile


Saving (general)

Sending images via fax

Sending images via e-mail

Viewing a slide show

Viewing an album slide show

Viewing images


Creating an album

Creating thumbnail albums for the web

Controlling an album’s layout

Modifying an album’s data

Modifying an image’s data

Organizing your images

Opening an image


Creating Windows wallpaper

Inserting an image into a project

Modifying a template

Opening a template

Printing a project

Resolution, resizing and image quality

Saving templates and objects

Understanding templates

Using backgrounds

Using the Planner


Colorizing

Customizing effects

Morphing

Using Artist Type effects

Using Lenses effects

Using Edges effects

Using effects

Using gradient fills

Using lighting effects

Using props

Warping

Working with Particle effects


Creating objects

Making selections

Opening an album

Opening an image

Resolution, resizing and image quality

Saving templates as objects

Straightening

Understanding objects

Understanding templates


  E-mail

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Organizing your images

One of the most powerful features of Photo Express is undoubtedly the photo albums. You can organize all of your images, and perform all of the tasks that would normally require Windows Explorer, right from within the program.

Highlights of Photo Express Albums:

Creating albums

Modifying image and album data

Viewing images


Contacting Ulead Systems
United States

+1 310 523 9393

+1 310 523 9399

Ulead Systems
970 West 190th Street
Suite 520
Torrance, CA 90502

info@ulead.com

http://www.ulead.com


Contacting Ulead Systems
Germany

 49 531 220 7920

 49 531 220 7999

Ulead Systems GmbH
Wolfenbuetteler Str. 33
38102 Braunschweig
Germany

info@ulead.de

http://www.ulead.de


Contacting Ulead Systems
Japan

 81-3-5491 5661

 81-3-5491 5663

Ulead Systems, Inc.
No. 31, Hills 2
Setagaya Business Square
4-10-3 Yohga, Setagaya-ku
Tokyo 158-0097
Japan

info@ulead.co.jp

http://www.ulead.co.jp


Contacting Ulead Systems
International

+886 2 2764 8599

+886 2 2764 9599

Ulead Systems, Inc.
10F, #45 Tung Hsing Rd.
Taipei, Taiwan 110

info@ulead.com.tw

http://www.ulead.com


Preferences dialog box (Photo Express)
Preferences dialog box

The Preferences dialog box allows you to adjust the global attributes and general behavior of Photo Express.

Photo Express tab:

Generation quality Fair/Good/Best - Determines the quality of images used when working. High quality yields better images but is slower. Good is the default.

Show file thumbnail caption Determines whether a caption (file name) is displayed with a thumbnail image.

Associate picture files with Photo Express Determines whether image files (BMP, GIF, JPG, etc.) are automatically opened in Photo Express when double-clicked from Windows Explorer.

Enable Photo Express to specific system colors Determines whether Photo Express changes Windows system colors when active.

Automatically check album source files Allows Photo Express to check the links from thumbnails to source images automatically in the background.

Panel style Determine the type of user interface used by Photo Express. Select Slate or Cork.

Monitor gamma Adjusts the gamma correction of your monitor to match standards.

Plug-Ins tab:

Define additional folders for plug-ins Select a box at left and enter the path of the folder that contains additional plug-in special effects. You can also click the Browse button on the right to search for the folder.


Search dialog box

Search field Select a field in which to search for a word.

Keyword for search Enter the item/word to search for in the data fields of the album.

Find Click to locate the word in the fields of the album.


Gradient fill dialog box

This dialog box allows you to select the colors and orientation of a gradient fill.

Direction: Select a direction for the fill (e.g. left to right).

Color Select two colors to define the range of the gradient (click a color box). The middle button reverses the direction.

Color shift Shifts the brightness of the colors.

New template Adds the adjusted gradient to the list of preset gradient templates.

Update template Changes the currently selected gradient to reflect your adjustments.

Delete template Deletes the currently selected gradient template.


Texture Library dialog box

This dialog box allows you to select a texture for use as a fill.

Textures Click a texture to select it for use. The currently selected texture is outlined in blue.


Ulead Color Picker dialog box

This dialog box allows you to choose colors visually from a color palette. The first color tab shows the full color spectrum. Click on a color close to the one you want, then drag the cursor on the resulting brightness and contrast bar to the perfect shade.

Other color tabs Shows 88 color blocks, each containing related colors. Click on the color block you want and then fine tune it manually by changing the RGB values.

Red value Enter a new value for the red channel here if you don't want to use the eyedropper.

Green value Enter a new value for the green channel here if you don't want to use the eyedropper.

Blue value Enter a new value for the blue channel here if you don't want to use the eyedropper.

Before / After block The left side shows the color under the mouse pointer. The right side shows the color defined by the red, green, and blue value boxes. When you click on the image, both colors become the same.


Thumbnail dialog box

This dialog box allows you to choose what image or portion of image is used as a thumbnail for the Presets tab.

Select thumbnail image Click this button to open the dialog box allowing you to select a thumbnail image.

Select all Click to select the entire image.

Preset selection Selects an preset square size as the thumbnail area. This area can be moved by dragging to select any square portion of the image.

Free selection Allows you to select a rectangular region of any size by clicking and dragging.


Eyedropper dialog box

Preview image Use the eyedropper tool to select a color directly from this image.

Red color box Displays the currently selected color’s red value and allows the user to manually adjust it.

Green color box Displays the currently selected color’s green value and allows the user to manually adjust it.

Blue color box Displays the currently selected color’s blue value and allows the user to manually adjust it.

Color preview box Displays a sample of the chosen color.

View tools

Zoom In/Out Magnifies the preview image.

1:1 Restores view to the actual size.

Fit screen Resizes the preview to fit the screen.

Panning Click and drag on the preview image to pan.

RGB and Hex values Displays the color values of the pixel the eyedropper tool is currently over in terms of red, green, and blue or in hexadecimal notation.


Slide Show Options dialog box (Album)

Transition effect

Random Select to have Photo Express pick a different effect for each transition.

Click one of the following effects Select an effect from the presets below.

Effect presets Click on a sample transition to select it.

Play sound annotation Select this option if you want to play any sound annotations you have included with the image thumbnails.

Delay time Determines the amount of time a transition lasts. For example, if you set the delay to 5 seconds, one complete transition will take 5 seconds.


Save Phrase dialog box

This dialog box allows you to customize and save personal phrases to the Phrase tab.

Categories Select a group under which category to save your phrase to.

Save to Displays the category you have selected.

Save Saves the phrase to the chosen category.


New Photo Album dialog box
New Photo/Project Album dialog box

This dialog box allows you to enter the initial data for a new photo or project album. All data can be revised at a later date.

Look in Browse for a folder location.

Folder name Enter the folder where the album will be stored.

Album name Enter the name of the album.

Fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 Default field topics are suggested for you, but can be modified. Later, when you insert photos into your album, these fields will be available for adding specific data.

Description Enter a sentence or two describing the general contents or theme of the album.

Icon (Project album) Select an icon to appear on the “cover” of the album, serving as a representation of the contents.

Related info:

  Creating an album


Font and Color dialog box

Sample text A preview of your text as it will appear with the style modifications.

Effects and alignment

Italic Standard Italic font style.

Bold Standard bold font style. Can be used in conjunction with the Italic style.

Shadow Adds a simple drop shadow to the text.

Raised Adds a border around one edge of the text giving it a raised feel.

Alignment Select an alignment: Left, Center or Right

Align vertically Sets the text vertically top to bottom, instead of left to right.

Colors

Text Sets the color of the text object.

Shadow Sets the color of the drop shadow (You must have a shadow applied first to adjust the color).

Grid Sets the color of the grid lines that separate the days on the calendar.

Background Sets the color of the background of the text box on the calendar.

Font list Displays all available fonts.

Related info:

  Creating calendars


Morph Save As dialog box

Save in: Select a folder in which to save your animation.

Folder options This is a standard Windows browse folder dialog box. Use the buttons and menus to find and select a folder.

Save as type

BMP Saves the morph animation as a series of bitmap files (e.g. NAME000.BMP, NAME001.BMP, NAME002.BMP etc.).

GIF animation Saves the animation as a single GIF animation.

Note: Support for GIF animations is only available in the full version of Photo Express 2.

Frames Use the slider or enter the number of frames in the animation.

Save Click to finish adjusting the text object.

Related info:

  Creating a morph animation


About Ulead Products

Ulead Systems, Inc. produces dozens of industry leading, award winning software products to customers worldwide. Click this item to find out about just a few.


Online Registration

This will run the automatic procedure, using your Internet connection, to register your copy of Photo Express with Ulead Systems, Inc. Registration is fast, free and highly recommended. Registration information is strictly for Ulead Systems internal use only and will allow you to take advantage of special upgrade offers.


Move Object Up

Move the selected object up one layer, towards the front or foreground of the image.


Move Object Down

Move the selected object down one layer, away from the front or towards the background of an image.


Delete (Object)

Deletes the currently selected object.


Merge

Combines or merges the currently selected object with the background or base image.


Merge All

Combines or merges all of the objects in an image project with the background or base image.


Duplicate

Copies or duplicates the currently selected object.


Remove Shadow

Deletes or removes a shadow that has been applied to an object.


Remove Frame

Deletes or removes a frame that has been applied to an object.


Remove Edge

Deletes or removes an edge effect that has been applied to an object.


Adding images to an album

1.	Open an album into the Photo Express workspace.

2.	From the Command panel on the left, Click Get.

3.	Select a source from which to get your image (e.g. Camera or File).

4.	The procedure will vary depending on the source, but at this point, you should make sure you have selected Save to album on the Options panel at the right.

5.	Click Insert when you have located and selected your image(s).

Note: This procedure works for both Photo and Project albums.

Related info:

  Opening an album

  Creating an album


About Photo Express

Opens a dialog box with information about this version of Photo Express.


Paste (Album)

Pastes an image thumbnail and its associated data into an album.

[Ctrl+V]


Dialog boxes

Dialog boxes in Windows software are usually pop up windows that prompt the user for more information in order to complete common tasks like saving and opening files. In Photo Express, dialog boxes also include the Options panel on the right side of the program. Here you will find many of the same controls that are in standard dialog boxes, as well as hundreds of special features unique to Photo Express. Watch the Options panel for these controls and don’t be afraid to experiment. Click the Index button above and type “dialog boxes” to see a complete listing, or click the Help button on the lower right part of the Options panel for specific information about the current dialog box.


Printing posters - quality and resolution

Photo Express makes it easy for you to turn your favorite photos into large posters. While this procedure is as easy as opening an image and clicking Print: Poster, it should be noted that printing a small image out at a very large size will yield poor results. Just as in conventional photography, enlarging an image too far will make a very grainy image. Here is a list of items to consider:

1.	Where will the image be viewed? If you want to cover the side of a building, and your viewers will be a long distance away, significantly enlarging an image may not be a problem. If you want to put the picture on your bedroom wall, a grainy image may look terrible.

2.	How much ink do you want to use? Printer ink, and paper for that matter, is not free. A large image may cost a significant amount of money as well as take a long time to print.

3.	How big is the original image? You can see how big the final poster will be in the number of sheets of paper it uses. When you have it the size you want, check to see how big it is as a PERCENT of the original (Click the list on the Poster size area on the Options panel). 200% is twice as big and should not be a problem, while 1000% is 10X as big and may be quite grainy (but it may not either).

4.	Print a test page. Select one sheet (from an important area of your poster) and test it out before you print the whole thing. This will give you a good idea of how the completed project will look.

Related info:

  Printing posters


Understanding objects

The Photo Express image editor and project editor use the idea of independent “objects” to make image processing a real joy. Objects include, but are not limited to: text, frames, shadows, images and parts of images. Individual objects each have their own properties and attributes. For example, while a text object has size, font style, and color attributes, an image object would certainly not have font style attributes.

Why objects? Think of objects as analogous to real world objects. They can be moved in front of or behind other objects. They have individual characteristics and can be changed without altering other parts of an image.

Saving objects When you save a template or image file that has objects in it, save it with a Photo Express 2 extension: *.UPX for an image (Photo tab) or *.TPX for a template (Project tab). These are proprietary formats and you will not be able to view these images outside of Photo Express.

Merging Merging means that an object or objects are combined together into one unit, just as in a standard electronic image. This should be done when you want to save permanent changes because it cannot be undone. When you want to view the image outside of Photo Express you will need to save it in a standard image format like *.JPG or *.BMP. Objects will be automatically merged in these cases.

Hot tip:  Many times, an object’s properties are accessible by simply right-clicking on the object. Select an option from the menu that appears.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects


Understanding templates

Photo Express projects are organized around templates (*.TPX files) and are available on the Project tab. Templates are nothing more than a preset collection of objects, attractively arranged and ready for customization. In most cases, you can right-click on any object in a template to modify and customize it. If you have made changes that you are particularly happy with, you can save the template as a new template on your hard drive, in your own personal template albums. So, while the preset templates are always available to get you started and give you ideas, they in no way limit your creative potential. Templates are easily organized into Photo Express albums.

Related info:

  Task guide

  Making selections

 Understanding objects

 Creating objects


Using the planner

 When you create a calendar with Photo Express, you can customize individual days to display personal holidays, birthdays and other important events.

1.	Click the Planner button on the lower Shortcut bar. This will open the Planner dialog box that will have the days on your calendar laid out.

2.	Select a day by clicking on it.

3	Select Add Note form the drop down menu. This will allow you to edit a single day and date.

-If you select Add Day-based holiday, the holiday will be repeated on that day (e.g. July 4th) every year.

-If you select Add week-based holiday, a holiday will be added on a weekday of the same time every year (e.g. Mother’s day is the second Sunday in May).

4.	Enter any text notation you desire.

5.	If you want to add a clip art icon (Mark) to a day, drag and drop the icon from the right onto the chosen day.

This procedure will not work on a yearly calendar. Output quality will vary greatly depending on whether you are using the calendar as your desktop wallpaper, saving it as an image or printing it out. This is especially important for the clarity of text notes added to a calendar with very small day boxes.

Related Info:

 Creating a calendar

 Planner dialog box


Understanding resolution

Usually, when you are working with images that remain in an electronic format on your computer (e.g. on a web page) you will not have to worry about resolution. When outputting an image to a printer, however, resolution becomes an important issue. You may find that an image that works nicely as your Windows wallpaper prints too small. Here is some advice to help you out:

Resolution Resolution is simply the number of pixels per inch (or centimeter) in an image. A 600 pixel wide image at a resolution of 100 pixels/Inch will be six inches wide. If we double the resolution (200 pixels/inch) the image will be half the size (three inches). Photo Express, on the other hand, compensates for resolution changes. If you double the resolution, the size of the image will also double automatically.

Resizing Resizing is a method of changing an image’s dimensions. By using the Size tools on the adjust tab you can make an image smaller or larger by adjusting either its size directly or by adjusting its resolution. Once again, changing the resolution will automatically change the size of the image when it is printed.

Image quality Image quality is obviously dependent upon the quality of the original image. When printing an image, the quality of your printer is also paramount. Beyond that it is important to understand that by lowering the resolution of an image (and thus making it larger) you are not actually modifying any pixels in the image and are retaining the original quality of the image. When you change the size of the image, however, Photo Express (or any image editor) creates new information, or deletes information that no longer fits. This may not be noticeable, but it does alter the image. Therefore, you should change the size of an image by adjusting its resolution whenever possible. (Increasing an image’s resolution will also make it smaller, but above certain resolutions, your printer or even your monitor will be unable to display these changes.)


Resolution, resizing and image quality

These samples simulate some of the issues surrounding resolution and printing.


Printing basics

Printing images is not nearly as simple as printing text documents. There are four important factors to consider:

Image quality Perhaps it is obvious, but a printed image can only be as good as the original. What might not be as obvious is that an image which is small but of high quality may not print well. This is because when the image is printed, it may be scaled up and appear grainy on paper.

Printer quality Even though your printer may have been advertised as “Photographic Quality,” it may not be able to output at such levels. A minimum for printing images should be about 300X600dpi, with 720X720dpi being a better target for photos, although even at this resolution the quality will not be as good as a photo.

Paper quality Even a good printer will not be able to create quality images on poor paper. Printer paper today comes in MANY different qualities and you have to choose carefully, especially for bubble or ink jet printers. Low quality paper often ‘bleeds’, running colors together. At the other end, high quality glossy photographic quality paper produces excellent results, at costs of up to US$3 a sheet.

Resolution issues Image resolution is important in printing, and can be difficult to understand. Keep in mind that an image’s resolution will not affect the way an image appears on a monitor, but will be a critical factor in determining the quality of printed images.

Related info:

  Resolution, resizing and image quality

  Printing (general)


Troubleshooting e-mail problems

Photo Express can automatically send your images and projects to friends and family over the Internet. Most users will find their e-mail programs have already been configured correctly. In some cases however, you may need to setup your e-mail program first. This procedure will make your e-mail programs work with most other e-mail aware application you might have.

Outlook Express

Netscape Messenger

Eudora

Note: MS Outlook should not require any additional setup.


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Outlook Express

1.	Run Outlook Express.

2.	Click Tools: Options.

3.	Click the General tab in the Options dialog box.

4.	Select Make Outlook Express my default e-mail program.

5.	Select Make Outlook Express my Simple MAPI client.

Note: If you have more than one e-mail application set as MAPI compliant, Photo Express will use the system default client.


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Netscape Messenger

1.	Run Netscape Messenger.

2.	Click Edit: Preferences.

3.	Select Mail server under Mail & Groups from the Category list.

4.	Click More Options.

5.	Select Use Netscape Messenger from MAPI-based applications in the More Mail Server Preferences dialog box.

Note: If you have more than one e-mail application set as MAPI compliant, Photo Express will use the system default client.


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Eudora

1.	Run Eudora.

2.	Click Tools: Options.

3.	Select MAPI from the Category list.

4.	Check Always under Use Eudora MAPI server.

Note: If you have more than one e-mail application set as MAPI compliant, Photo Express will use the system default client.


Understanding soft edge

When placing an image or object into an image, many times sharp, rough, and bumpy edges ruin the effect you are trying to achieve. By setting the soft edge of the object, you can determine how much an edge will blend into the background image. The soft edge is determined by size and transparency. Starting with a large selection area and a large soft edge will allow you to experiment with the effect. The simplest type of soft edge can be created when you make a selection. Click Edit: Selection - Adjust and use the Soft edge control on the Options panel for the Shape, Trace, and By Color tools. Then make a selection area to see what effect it has on your image.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects


Adding thumbnails to an album

1.	From the Command panel, click Get and select the album that you want to insert thumbnail(s) to.

2.	Select the source of the image you want to add: Camera, Scanner, Import or File. (For Project tab, only File is available).

3.	In the corresponding Options panel, select Save to album.

4.	Depending on your source, click Acquire, Import or Insert to add the thumbnail to the current album.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Creating an album

  Acquring images - Scanner

  Acquiriing images - Digital camera


Not for you


Glossary A - M
Glossary

To find out the definition of a term used in this help, click the appropriate button.

  3D	  Custom tab 	  Fill

  Album 	  Data source 	  Frame

  Anti-aliasing 	  Data type 	  Gamma

  Artist Type 	  Decoration 	  Gradient

  Base image 	  Digital 	  Grayscale

  BMP 	  Digital camera 	  HTML

  Brightness 	  Digital photo 	  Hue

  By color 	  Digitizing 	  Import

  Camera 	  Download 	  Input device

  Client 	  Edges 	  JPEG

  Clipboard 	  Effects 	  Lossy

  Clone 	  Export 	  Magic texture

  Color balance 	  Express 	  Mask

 Command panel	  Field 	  Mode tabs

  Context Sensitive Help 	  Morph

  Contrast 	  File


Glossary N - W
Glossary

To find out the definition of a term used in this help, click the appropriate button.

  Object 	  Saturation 	  Touch-up

  Options panel 	  Scanner 	  TPL

  Paint tools 	  Scratch 	  TPX

  Panel 	  Screen Saver 	  Trace

  Photo Service 	  Selection 	  Transition effect

  Photo Tab 	  Share	  Transparency

  Pixel 	  Shortcuts bar	  True Color

  Post processing	  Slide show	  TrueType fonts

  Poster 	 Soft edge	  Turnpage

  Presets 	  Storyboard	  TWAIN device

  Progress bar 	  Templates	  UPX

  Project Tab 	  TGA	  Vector data

  Props 	  Thumbnail	  Wallpaper

  Resolution 	  Thumbnail scroll	  Warping

  Retouch tools 	  TIF	  Workspace

  Toolbar


3D

3 (three) Dimensional or not flat (two-dimensional) but rather creating the illusion of a real object.


Album

A database that displays a visual representation of image files analogous to a real world photo album.


Anti-aliasing

The blending the edges of text or of an object to remove the jagged appearance.


Artist Type

Contains a set of tools you can use to make your images appear as if they were hand-painted.


Base image

The original image file opened in the workspace.


BMP

Bitmap file format. An image made up of a pattern of different colored dots or “pixels.”


Brightness

In Photography, light reflected by the copy. It is a description of how much light appears to emanate from an image; also referred to as luminance. The two extremes of brightness are black (no light) and white (all light): black represents 0% brightness, while white represents 100% brightness.


By color

Tool for creating selections based on color(s).


Camera

(Digital Camera) A device used for collecting digital photos and uploading them to your computer.


Client

A broker for other programs. Email clients transmit email on behalf of the Windows operating system.


Clipboard

In MS Windows, a data space that contains duplicates of 'copied' data temporarily.


Clone

Copies areas of an image onto the same image or onto another.


Color balance

The correct combination of cyan, magenta and yellow to reproduce a photograph without a color cast, produce a neutral gray, or reproduce the colors in the original scene of object.


Command panel

The large panel on the left side of the Photo Express interface that holds all the commands and functions.


Context Sensitive Help

The help you get when you click the '?' icon in a program, and then click a feature to see what it does.


Contrast

The difference between light and dark values in an image. High contrast results in sharp transitions from light to dark, while lower contrast yields more subtle transitions.


Custom tab

Contains options of a selected tool or effect that you can modify to better suit your needs.


Data source

When capturing images, this is the place the images originally come from (i.e. a scanner or digital camera or video camera.)


Data type

A digital representation used by computers to describe the amount of color information (in bits) contained in an image (e.g. 256 color or grayscale). The data type of an image controls the amount of information that the image can retain and therefore its displayed appearance.


Decoration

Contains tools and effects that can add creative touches to simple images and enhance them.


Digital

A data storage method where an image information is converted into a series of numerical values. These values, in turn, can be read by computers and reproduced on a computer monitor


Digital camera

A camera that stores photographs as digital information instead of on film.


Digital photo

A photo stored as digital data and not physically on film.


Digitizing

The process of converting analog input to a digital form so that it can be used by the computer.


Download

The process of copying images from one computer to another or from one device to a computer.


Edges

A special effect that lets you add torn paper edges to the borders of a picture.


Effects

Tools that you can use to enhance your pictures or modify their appearance according to your purpose.


Export

Process of sending data out of a program or computer to another location.


Express

Contains tools where you can quickly create calendars, screen arts, slide shows, and morphing.


Field

Functions like a database entry information that you can use to easily find items in your collection of images in an album. You can then perform a search for items using these field groupings.


File

How data is stored in a single unit within a computer. Each image is its own file.


Fill

The process of applying color into a region.


Frame

An effect that lets you put a picture frame around your images.


Gamma

A measure of contrast in photographic images that is important in how an image displays on a computer monitor.


Gradient

A gradual transition between two or more colors.


Grayscale

An image data type containing a maximum of 256 different shades of gray. This normally means 254 different grays plus black and white.


HTML

HTML is the dominant language for publishing hypertext on the World Wide Web. It is a non-proprietary format, based upon SGML and can be created and processed in a wide range of tools from simple plain text editors to sophisticated WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) authoring tools. HTML uses tags like <h1> and </h1> to structure text into headings, paragraphs, lists, hypertext links and more.


Hue

The quality of a color that sets it apart from other colors with the same base. For example, yellow and orange are different hues.


Import

The process of putting your image files on your computer.


Input device

Equipment that allows you to upload images to your computer.


JPEG

A compression method that was developed to create a standard for sending images over digital communication lines. Although it is a lossy compression method, most high and true color images compressed with it show little or no degradation; thus it has become one of the most popular formats in use today. The methods used to achieve JPEG compression vary and are and difficult to explain.


Lossy

A method of reducing file size by discarding non-essential data. The resulting file size is much smaller than a lossless compression format (such as BMP) but some information will be permanently lost. Depending on the level of compression, this can be barely noticeable with images such as photographs that do not have clearly defined edges.


Magic texture

Contains random color patterns that you can use to fill an object or selection with, or use it as background.


Mask

A selection area used to isolate a portion of an image while editing. By using a mask, you can protect parts of an image from unwanted changes. Masks can be much more elaborate than a simple selection area.


Mode Tabs

Photo Express contains two tabs allowing you to work in two different modes. The Photo tab is mostly concentrated on enhancing your images while the Project tab allows you to save templates out of your projects so you can quickly and easily recreate them in the future.


Morph

Smooth transformation of one image’s appearance into another. It is simply a way of processing a warping sequence, creating a strangely animated image.


Object

An identifiable component that is self-contained. In Photo Express there are image, frame, shadow, text, and background objects (and a few others), each with their own characteristics and attributes.


Options panel

This is located at the right side of the Photo Express program UI (User Interface). This is where you can modify the attributes of a selected tool in order to achieve desired results.


Paint tools

Offers a range of brushes you can use to apply “electronic paint” to your images.


Panel

Panels are found at the two sides of Photo Express program UI (User Interface). The left panel (Command)contains the different commands available in the program. The right panel (Options) changes accordingly displaying all the options of a selected tool.


Photo Service

An on-line service that allows you to download images taken with a conventional camera that have been processed into an electronic format.


Photo Tab

Contains the tools you need to organize your image files as well as enhance them to better suit your needs. You can also create calendars, slide shows and screen savers from your images.


Pixel

The smallest component that makes up an image. Computer images are made up of rows of pixels, each of which can be a different color. This is usually used as the unit of measurement for an image. The term is derived from the shortening of the word “picture element” or “picture cell”.


Post processing

Automatically corrects the image for common problems when acquiring from a digital camera or a scanner.


Poster

A printing function in Photo Express that enables you to turn your photos into larger posters. The program resizes each portion of the images and prints them out on several pieces of paper that can be taped together.


Presets

Settings of different effects and functions provided in Photo Express that appear as thumbnails in the panel. You can quickly enhance your image by simply clicking and dragging or double clicking a thumbnail to apply to your image


Progress bar

This displays the percentage of completion of a process. It is located on the left of the UI.


Project Tab

This tab contains fun projects and useful templates for creative expression.


Props

Provides objects that you can add to your projects that will make them more interesting and fun.


Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels per inch (or centimeter) in an image. Resolution is usually not an issue in on screen images, but can be important when printing.


Retouch tools

Retouching or repairing old or damaged photos can be a rewarding and fun activity with Photo Express.


Saturation

A way of describing the purity of a color. If a color is saturated, it appears very strong. Increasing a color’s saturation makes it appear quite vivid while reducing saturation makes the color seem washed out. For example, fire trucks and pink carnations are both red. But the red in the fire-truck is saturated while that of the carnation is not.


Scanner

An input device that translates the pattern of light and dark (or color) into a digital signal for processing by computer software.


Scratch

A common problem when scanning old folded or crumpled photos. Some image data are missing when scanned, causing image imperfections.


Screen saver

Screen Savers are moving images that, in the bad old days, prevented damage to your monitor whenever you left your computer idle for a long time. Screen Savers are no longer necessary with modern monitors, but remain popular as entertaining desktop diversions.


Selection

Selections and selection tools are used to create areas of an image that can be modified independently of the rest of an image. Selections can be drawn by hand, chosen by color or shape, or made based on a preset grayscale mask. Selection areas can be converted to objects.


Share

This button contains tools for outputting your photos or projects. You can save or send them to friends via Email, by Fax, or output them to an HTML file.


Shortcuts bar

This toolbar, located at the bottom of the Photo Express workspace, contains commonly used menu commands for easy access.


Slide show

This button displays the files from an album in an on screen slide show. You can define how the slide show is presented by setting the transition effects, the sound track, and the delay timing.


Soft edge

Adds a soft edge to the brush or selection area. The higher the value the more blending of the edges.


Storyboard

This displays a sequence of warped images to use as key frames in a morph animation.


Templates

Templates are project designs that are most commonly used. By creating templates, you will be able to save time in the design stage. You can easily and quickly plug in desired images and text to your project.


TGA

Targa (TGA) This format, one of the principal True Color image formats, can store image data with up to 32 bits per pixel. Compared to TIF and JPEG, which are other options for True Color images, TGA is relatively simple and therefore widely used in imaging programs. The only drawback to this format is that it lacks a good compression scheme.


Thumbnail

A small, low resolution representation of an image.


Thumbnail scroll

A small window located at the bottom left of your screen. This holds all the images and projects that you have open at this session. You can click the red arrow to unroll the scroll and choose the image you want to currently work on.


TIF

Tagged Image File Format (TIF) This is a standard file format for many imaging programs which support all data types from monochrome up to 24-bit True Color, as well as many color models and compression schemes. An even more powerful aspect of TIF is that its files can move easily between platforms like a PC or a Mac, making it an ideal format for storing image data.


Toolbar

Located at the upper section of the program UI that contains the available tools of a selected command.


Touch-up

Fix imperfections in your photos.


TPL

A file format for saving templates in the previous version of Photo Express.


TPX

A file format for saving templates in Photo Express 2.


Trace

A selection tool for creating irregularly shaped areas.


Transition effect

A process in which one image replaces another, using an animated sequence, in an on screen slide show. These are analogous to transitions between scenes in a movie or on television.


Transparency

Specifies the visibility of one object or image over another. It affects how much you can see through an object or the intensity of an applied effect.


True Color

A data type that provides almost real-life accuracy in reproducing color. True Color images are at least 24-bit data types which means that at least 16.7 million colors are possible.


TrueType fonts

Fonts introduced by the Microsoft Corporation in 1992 that applied a WYSIWYG font technology. This means that the printed output of TrueType fonts is identical to what appears on the screen.


Turnpage

An effect that curls up a corner of an image to make it look like you are turning a page.


TWAIN device

An industry standard that enables image input devices, (such as scanners) and imaging software, (such as Photo Express) to communicate with each other. That way you can scan your images directly into the workspace of the program you want to edit it in.


UPX

A file format for saving images in Photo Express 2 that retains object information.


Vector data

Mathematical descriptions determining the length, position and direction in which lines are drawn to form certain types of electronic images.


Wallpaper

A function where you can set your photo or the calendar you have created as the Windows’ wallpaper.


Warping

Strange tools that allow you to twist, bend, melt, smear, and otherwise distort an image. You can create animation from the process of transformation as morphs.


Workspace

The place where your image or project is displayed to be able to work on or view them (the large middle section of Photo Express).


don’t use this ol topic


Shortcut bar

Select a shortcut bar for more information:

Get

Edit

Print

Share

Express: Calendar

Express: Morph

Express: Wallpaper / Screen Saver / Slide Show


Get Shortcut bar


Edit Shortcut bar


Print Shortcut bar


Share Shortcut bar


Express (Calendar) Shortcut bar


Express (Morph) Shortcut bar


Express (Wallpaper / Screen Saver / Slide Show) Shortcut bar

This toolbar is displayed in Album (Get) mode:

This toolbar is displayed in Edit mode:


Tabs

Click on a tab for an overview of its functions. Within Photo Express, click a tab to switch between image viewing and editing and creating projects.


Command panel

Click on a button for more information.

Photo Tab	Project Tab

These buttons are context sensitive depending on which tab (Photo or Project) is selected and control all aspects of creative editing, saving, printing, opening, etc. This is the most important set of buttons in Photo Express, and these buttons control the rest of the workspace. By moving your mouse over or clicking a button, different options will become available. Watch the Toolbar for additional choices, as well as the Options Panel, for fine control of your tools.


Toolbar

This panel changes depending on the context of the program, giving you special selection options. Often an additional panel of options will be available below the button. Fine tuning an effect or an edit is accomplished by defining parameters in the Options panel on the right. Select a Toolbar from below:

Get

Edit

Adjust (Photo & Project tabs)

Place (Project tab only)

Selection (Photo tab only)

Text (Photo & Project tab)

Paint (Photo tabs)

Effects (Photo tab only)

Decoration (Project tab only)

Print

Share

Express


Get toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Adjust toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Place toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Selection toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Text toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Paint toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Effects toolbar

Click below for more information:


Edit - Decoration toolbar

Click below for more information:


Print toolbar

Click below for more information:


Share toolbar

Click below for more information:


Express toolbar

Click below for more information:


Options panel

This panel provides the finest level of control for all of Photo Express’ functions. This panel, like many others in the program, is context sensitive and often changes depending on what you are doing with the program. For more information about a specific panel, click the Index tab in the Photo Express Online Help and type Options panel. This will display all the different Options panel that is included in the program. Select from the list the command you want to find more information about. If you need help while using the Options Panel, click  [image]  to open the Photo Express Online Help.


Album Control bar

Click on a button for more information.

These buttons are for controlling how an album of images is displayed in the workspace.


Photo tab

The Photo tab contains everything you need to organize and edit your images.

Related info:

  Editing images

  Retouching photos

  Organizing your images


Project tab

This tab contains fun projects and useful templates for creative expression.

Related info:

  Task Guide


Thumbnail scroll

This scroll displays all images and projects that are currently open and active in the Photo Express workspace (even if they are not visible). Use the tack to lock the scroll open.

Related info:

  Task Guide


Photo Express icon

Clicking this icon will automatically connect you to Ulead’s web site for online registration, easy updates, special offers and a plethora of tips, tricks, and ideas.

Related info:

  Task Guide


Copy (Shortcut bar)
Copy

Copies the selected image thumbnail(s) into the Windows clipboard, making it available to be pasted into another album.

[Ctrl+C]

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Paste (Shortcut bar)
Paste

Pastes an image from the Windows clipboard (from another album or even another application) into an album.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Delete (Shortcut bar)
Delete

Deletes a thumbnail from an album.

Note: This does not affect the original source file, it only removes the thumbnail from the album.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Sort By Name

Sorts thumbnails in an album alphabetically by name, in either ascending (A-Z) or descending (Z-A) order.


Sort By Date

Sorts thumbnails in an album by the date their source files were last modified.


Sort By Size

Sorts thumbnails in an album by the size of the file, from smallest to largest.


Sort By Type

Sorts thumbnails in an album type or extension (e.g. *.BMP and *.JPG).


Change Thumbnail Size

Changes the size of the thumbnails displayed in the album incrementally to display one large thumbnail (and its associated field data), four smaller thumbnails, or sixteen thumbnails on one page at a time.


Search

Searches an album for thumbnails that match the specified criteria in the Search dialog box.

[Ctrl+F]

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Context Sensitive Help

Sets the cursor to Help mode. Once you are in this mode, click on any object in Photo Express to learn more.


Show / Hide Shortcut bar

Hides or reveals the bottom Shortcut bar.


Panning tool

When the size of an image exceeds the boundaries of the workspace, you can use this tool to scroll around an entire image.

Related info:

  Understanding objects


Zoom In/Out

Zooms in or out on an image or project. Left click on the image to zoom in and right click to zoom out.

Related info:

  Program map


Undo

Undoes the most recent changes made to a document.


Redo

Redoes the most recently undone procedure or change. You can redo up to ten changes that have been undone.


Object level

Moves the selected object up or down one level (away from or back towards the background).

Related info:

  Understanding objects


Font

Displays a menu for modification of text in a project. This includes font name, style, (bold, italic underline) and size.

Related info:

  Adding text


Add current month

Adds small thumbnail monthly calendar to a project. Click once to add a month and then right-click the new object to modify its properties.

Related info:

  Creating calendars


Restore

Restores the calendar template to its last saved state.

Related info:

  Creating calendars


Calendar object properties

Depending on what object you have selected in the calendar (e.g. background, text or date), this button displays a list a properties that can be modified.

Related info:

  Creating calendars


Planner

Displays the Planner dialog box, where you can add notes and regular events such as holidays to your calendar.

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner


Get (Photo tab)

Acquires an image file from a source, selected from the top panel, and opens it in the workspace.

Album

Camera

Scanner

Import

File

Photo Service

Related info:

  Getting images

  Opening an image

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Get (Project tab)

Gets or acquires a template file, from an album or local disk, and opens it in the workspace.

Album

File

Related info:

  Getting images

  Opening an image

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Edit (Photo tab)

General image editing tools that allow you to adjust, modify, and create a wide range of changes, from simple painting to advanced particle effects.

Adjust

Selection

Text

Paint

Effects

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos


Edit (Project tab)

Editing tools for working on template projects.

Place

Adjust

Text

Decoration

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Modifying a template


Place (Project tab)

Places or replaces an image into a project. Images can be retrieved from the following locations:

Album

Camera

Scanner

Import

File

Workspace

Related info:

  Acquiring images

  Opening an image


Adjust (Photo tab)

Tools for improving and altering images. Click an icon below for details:

Transform

Trim

Size

Sharpness

Lighting

Color Balance

Touch-up

Note: When working on a project template (on the Project tab), only image objects can be adjusted. Backgrounds, frames, and text objects will be unaffected.

Related info:

  Retouching photos


Selection (Photo tab)

Creates a selection area to control modifications. Click on an icon below for more information about a specific selection tool.

Shape

Trace

By Color

Mask

Shadow

Related info:

  Making selections

  Adding shadows


Text

Adds text to an image. Click on an icon to find out more about a particular text tool:

Add/Edit

Shape

Effects

3D

Shadow

Transform

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects

  Adding shadows to text


Paint (Photo tab)
Paint

Tools for painting on an image. Click an icon below for more information:

Brush

Clone

Retouch

Sharpen

Fill

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Effects (Photo tab)
Effects

Special effects, modifications and artistic tools. Click an icon below for more information:

Warp

Artist Type

Color

Focus

Lenses

Special

Particle

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Decoration (Project tab)
Decoration

Adds creative touches to simple objects. Click an icon below for more information:

Edges

Frame

Background

Props

Shadow

Related info:

  Using Edges effects

  Adding frames

  Using backgrounds

  Using Props

  Adding shadows


Print

Options for outputting your image or project to a printer. Click an icon below for more information:

Normal

Tile

Poster

Thumbnails ( For photo albums only.)

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Share

Options for saving, e-mailing or otherwise outputting your images or projects. Click an icon below for more information:

Save

E-mail

Fax

Web Page

Related info:

  Saving

  Sending images via e-mail

  Sending images via fax

  Creating thumbnail albums for the web


Express (Photo tab)

Fun things to do with your images. Click an icon below for more information:

Calendar

Morph

Wallpaper

Screen Saver

Slide Show

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Creating screen art

  Morphing


Express (Project tab)

Templates and fun projects using your own images.

Calendar

Morph

Wallpaper

Screen Saver

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Creating screen art

  Morphing


Get: Album

Sets Photo Express to album mode, which displays all of your image and template albums on the right, allowing you to easily view, edit, and otherwise organize your images.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Opening an image


Get: Camera (Photo tab)
Get: Camera

Gets and opens an image into Photo Express from a correctly connected digital camera.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Digital camera


Get: Scanner (Photo tab)
Get: Scanner

Gets and opens an image into Photo Express from a scanner.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner


Get: Import (Photo tab)
Get: Import

Captures and opens a frame into Photo Express from a video camera connected to a capture device or other miscellaneous source.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Video capture dialog box

  Opening an image


Get: File (Photo tab)
Get: File

Gets and opens an image stored on your computer into Photo Express.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Opening an image


Get: Photo Service (Photo tab)
Get: Photo Service

Opens a connection to your photo service to allow you to download images you have had processed there.

Related info:

  Getting images from a photo service


Place: Workspace

Places an image file that is already active in Photo Express into the current project.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Opening an image


Adjust: Transform

Straightens or aligns a scan that is not quite perfect, or rotates an image through a complete 360 degrees.

Related info:

  Straightening


Adjust: Trim

Trims or crops an image in any number of easy preset shapes.

Related info:

  Creative trimming


Adjust: Size

Changes the size and/or resolution of an image.

Related info:

  Resizing and printing


Adjust: Sharpness

Applies a number of preset filters to sharpen, blur or otherwise change the apparent focus of an image.

Related info:

  Adjusting sharpness


Adjust: Lighting

Adjusts the apparent lighting of an image. Useful for creating emphasis in a picture.

Related info:

  Controlling brightness and contrast


Adjust: Color Balance

Adjusts the color of an image to make it more accurate or allow complete creative control of artistic coloring effects.

Related info:

  Adjusting color


Adjust: Touch-up

Tools to fix minor blemishes on images. Click an icon below for more information on a specific tool:

Red Eye

Scratch

Spots

Related info:

  Removing red eye

  Removing scratches and spots


Adjust: Touch-up - Red Eye

Removes or erases ‘red eyes’ on subjects, often caused by flash photography. Also can be used to change the natural eye color of a subject.

Related info:

  Removing red eye


Adjust: Touch-up - Scratch

Removes scratches from an image.

Related info:

  Removing scratches and spots


Adjust: Touch-up - Spots

Removes specks and spots from an image.

Related info:

  Removing scratches and spots


Selection: Shape

Creates a selection area based on a pre-selected shape.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: Trace

Allows you to draw a freehand selection area.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: By Color

Creates a selection area based on a color or colors in an image.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: Mask

Creates a mask over the base image and objects making certain portions of the mask more transparent and softer. Preset masks come in many interesting and creative shapes.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: Shadow

Adds a drop shadow to an object.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects

  Adding shadows


Text: Add/Edit

Adds simple text with user selected font, color, and style.

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Shape

Warps or bends text to fit a selected outline or shape.

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Shadow

Adds a drop shadow to text.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Adding shadows to text


Text: Effects

Special modifications and effects.

  Gradient	  Concrete

  Hole	  Sand

  Glass	  Lighting

  Metal	  Fire

  Emboss	  Snow

  Outline Emboss	  Neon

  Texture Emboss	  Seal

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Gradient

Sets the text color to a gradient, gradually fading from one color into another.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Hole

Makes the text appear as if it is composed of holes in a material.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Glass

Creates text that appears to be made out of colored glass.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Metal

Creates text with a metallic finish.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Emboss

Embossed text appears to be raised or punched out of a piece of paper.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Outline Emboss

Creates an embossed or raised text effect using the edges or outline of the letters.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Texture Emboss

Creates embossed text with a bumpy or textured feel.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Concrete

Make text that appears to be made out of concrete.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Seal

Make text that appears to be a stamp or seal.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Sand

Creates text that appears to be made out of sand.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Lighting

Simple elegant 3D text based on color and lighting effects.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Fire

A spectacular effect simulating flames rising from text.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Snow

Covers text with a thin layer of melting snow.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: Effects - Neon

Simulates a neon sign effect applied to text objects.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Using Text effects


Text: 3D

Adds a three dimensional look to text objects.

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Transform

Allows you to rotate and spin text through three dimensions.

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Alignment

Aligns the text to the left, to the right or in the center.

Related info:

  Adding text


Brush and Clone tools

This is a collection of powerful, expressive, and easy-to-use painting and cloning tools. Click a tool to get a definition and an example. Remember, the best way to learn about a tool is to try it out (and click undo if you don’t like the results).

Paintbrush

Airbrush

Crayon

Oil Paint

Bristle

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Brush / Clone - Paintbrush tool

This is a standard graphics program painting or cloning tool.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Brush / Clone - Airbrush Tool

Tool with a lighter feel and a softer edge than the paintbrush.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Brush / Clone - Crayon Tool

Rough edges and an irregular look simulate a crayon when painting or cloning.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Brush / Clone: Oil - Paint tool
Paint: Brush / Clone - Oil Paint Tool

Thick and opaque, this painting tool simulates an oil painting brush stroke.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Brush / Clone Bristle tool
Paint: Brush / Clone - Bristle Tool

The bristle tool really shows the individual, coarse hairs or bristles in a brush stoke.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Fill

Fills an image or selection area with a solid color, a gradient from one color to another or a Photo Express Magic texture.

Related info:

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Retouch

This painting tool adjusts brightness or darkness by paint stroke, allowing fine control of modifications.

Related info:

  Retouching and sharpening


Paint: Sharpen

This painting tool adjusts the contrast by paint stroke, allowing fine control of modifications.

Related info:

  Retouching and sharpening


Effects: Warp

Changes the normal appearance of an image by distorting or bending portions of it.

Pinch

Punch

Ripple

Swirl

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects


Effects: Warp - Pinch

Bends, warps or pulls the image towards the paint tool.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects


Effects: Warp - Punch

Bends, warps or pushes the image away from the paint tool.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects


Effects: Warp - Ripple

Creates a wavy rippled effect. Select to apply ripples from the center or edges of the image.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects


Effects: Warp - Swirl

Creates a swirling spiral effect.

Related info:

  Warping

  Customizing effects


Effects: Artist Type

Changes an image into a painting or drawing, simulating brush or pencil strokes.

Charcoal

Watercolor

Oil Paint

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Artist Type - Charcoal

Changes a photograph into a charcoal drawing - in full color.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Artist Type - Watercolor

Changes a photograph into a watercolor painting. Adjust the “wetness” of the paint to determine the amount of water to apply in each brush stroke.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Artist Type - Oil Paint

Changes a photograph into an oil painting with strong brush strokes.

Related info:

  Using Artist Type effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Color

Changes the overall color balance of your image, much like the color balance on your television.

Warm

Cool

Tone

Light

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects


Effects: Color - Warm

Adjusts the balance of the colors red and yellow to create a warmer look.

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects


Effects: Color - Cool

Adjusts the balance of the colors blue and cyan to create a cooler look.

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects


Effects: Color - Tone

Adjusts the hue and saturation of an image to change the overall tone of an image or selection.

Related info:

  Colorizing

  Customizing effects


Effects: Color - Light

Changes the apparent position, intensity and color of the lighting of an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lighting effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Focus

Makes an image more sharp or clear, or soft and blurry. This tool can be used to emphasize edges as well.

Average

Blur

Sharpen

Emphasize Edges

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects


Effects: Focus - Average

Averages the sharpness or contrast values across an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects


Effects: Focus - Blur

Blurs the image and smears colors together.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects


Effects: Focus - Sharpen

Increases the sharpness or contrast values across an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects


Effects: Focus - Emphasize Edges

Finds and emphasizes edges making them sharper and more distinct.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Emphasizing subjects


Effects: Lenses

Simulates using differing camera lenses and alters the focus in an image.

Thin

Fat

Motion Blur

Mosiac

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Lenses - Thin

Squeezes an image towards the center.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Lenses - Fat

Stretches an image outward form the center.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Lenses - Motion Blur

Simulates lateral motion of the camera or the object.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Lenses - Mosaic

Breaks an image up into large blocks, simulating a digital, pixilated effect.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special

A number of beautiful, strange, and interesting effects.

Puzzle

Wind

Tile

Gradient

Emboss

Turnpage

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Puzzle

Breaks an image into separate squares and mixes them up, something like a puzzle.

Tip: Can be printed and cut to create a real puzzle.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Wind

Laterally blurs an image, creating a strongly blowing wind effect.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Tile

Breaks an image into separate and jumbled squares.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Gradient

Creates a colorful gradient field and applies it to the currently selected image or area.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Emboss

Turns the image into a pressed paper or raised image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Special - Turnpage

Turns up the virtual corner of an image to give an image the feel of a page with a rolled corner.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Customizing effects


Effects: Particle

Special effects, modifications and amazing artistic tools.

Bubble

Firefly

Rain

Snow

Cloud

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Effects: Particle - Bubble

Adds colorful and reflective bubble(s) to an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Effects: Particle - Firefly

Adds colorful and glowing fireflies to an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Effects: Particle - Rain

Adds a touch of gray rain to an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Effects: Particle - Snow

Adds snow, just a few flakes or a blizzard, to an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Effects: Particle - Cloud

Adds foggy translucent clouds to an image.

Related info:

  Using effects

  Working with Particle effects


Decoration: Edges

Creates a cut, ripped border around an image object.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects


Decoration: Edges - Regular

Creates a cut or ripped border around an image object.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects


Decoration: Edges - Magic

Creates a colorful and fanciful border around an image object.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects


Decoration: Edges - Text

Creates border around an image with a text message repeated on the frame.

Related info:

  Using Edges effects


Decoration: Frame

Puts a frame around an image object.

Related info:

  Adding frames


Decoration: Background

Adds a background or texture to a project.

Related info:

  Using backgrounds


Decoration: Props

Places a clip art object into a project.

Related info:

  Using Props


Decoration: Shadow

Adds a drop shadow to any object.

Related info:

  Adding shadows


Print: Normal

Prints a single copy of an image or project on a single sheet of paper.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Print: Tile

Prints a number of copies of an image onto a single sheet of paper.

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing - Tile


Print: Poster

Prints a large image or project onto multiple pieces of paper that can be joined together to create a poster.

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing posters


Share: Save

Saves the image file or project to your computer or a local network drive.

Related info:

  Saving


Share: E-mail

Runs the user’s e-mail client (e.g. Eudora) and attaches the images.

Related info:

  Sending images via e-mail


Share: Fax

Prepares the image in a format suitable for faxing and uses your fax software and modem to send.

Related info:

  Sending images via fax


Share: Web Page

Outputs image thumbnails to a Web page that can be uploaded to the Internet.

Related info:

  Creating thumbnail albums for the web


Express: Calendar

Creates a weekly, monthly or yearly calendar based on user images.

Related info:

  Creating calendars


Express: Morph

Uses warping effects to create a bizarre animated morph.

Related info:

  Morphing


Express: Wallpaper

Loads a user image as Window wallpaper.

Related info:

  Creating wallpapers


Express: Screen Saver

Uses a series of selected images as a screen saver.

Related info:

  Creating a sceen saver


Express: Slide Show

Uses a series of images to create a slide show.

Related info:

  Creating a slide show


Play

Plays a slide show of the pages in the active album.

Related info:

  Viewing an album slide show


Stop

Stops a currently playing album slide show.

Related info:

  Viewing an album slide show


Transition Effects

Opens a dialog box with transition options for an album slide show.

Related info:

  Viewing an album slide show


Go to first album page

Goes to the first page in the album.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Previous page

Goes to the previous album page.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Next page

Goes to the next album page.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Go to last album page

Goes to the last thumbnail page.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Thumbnails selected

Shows the number of thumbnails currently selected over the total number of thumbnails in an album.

Related info:

  Organizing your images


Morph tools

Creates an exciting but strange animated warping sequence, morphed between two user created images.

Related info:

  Morphing


Morph tools: New frame

Adds a new frame to the morphing storyboard.

Related info:

  Morphing


Morph tools: Delete frame

Subtracts a frame from the morphing storyboard.

Related info

  Morphing


Morph tools: Play

Plays a morph animation. To adjust the speed of the morph, click Stop and use the speed control on the Options Panel.

Related info:

  Morphing


Morph tools: Stop

Stops a currently playing morph animation.

Related info:

  Morphing


Morph tools: Reset

Resets the current frame to its original state.

Related info:

  Morphing


Morph tools: Save

Saves the current morph animation as a GIF animation or as a series of bitmaps.

Note: GIF animations cannot be created with the SE version of Photo Express.

Related info:

  Morphing


Progress bar

Displays the progress (as a percentage) of the completion of the current operation.


Preview window

Displays a preview of the effect or adjustment as applied to a thumbnail of the image.


Donta usa mea


Open

Displays the Open dialog box for selecting files to place in the workspace.

[Ctrl+O]


Open Template File

Opens a Photo Express template file (*.TPX).


Close

Closes the currently opened image or template and prompts you to save any changes made on the file.

[Ctrl+W]


Save (File menu)
Save

Saves the contents of the workspace.

[Ctrl+S]


Save As

Saves the contents of the workspace as an image file with a new user determined name and file type. This also works for Photo Express templates.


Acquire (General)
Acquire

Opens a submenu for selecting an input device for acquiring images. It also offers the Troubleshooting command that displays a quick reference guide to solving problems with input devices (sources).

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquire: Scanner

Sets Photo Express up to acquire an image from a scanner.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquire: Digital Camera

Sets Photo Express up to acquire an image from a digital camera.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquire: Troubleshooting

Opens a help file to aid in fixing common image acquisition problems.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Print Preview

Displays a submenu with options for previewing a project as it will appear when printed.

Normal Displays a preview of an image in normal print settings.

Tile Displays a preview when an image is repeated or tiled filling the whole page.

Poster Displays a preview when an image is printed on a number of different sheets of paper intended to be taped together to create a poster.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Normal

Displays the currently selected image on screen as it would appear on paper if printed.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Tile

Displays the currently selected image on screen as it would appear on paper if printed multiple times on a single sheet of paper.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Poster

Displays the currently selected image on screen as it would appear on paper. A poster is an image that has been enlarged and will print on a number of pieces of paper.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print (File menu)
Print

Sends image or project data to the default printer.

[Ctrl+P]

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Printer Setup

Opens a dialog box for setting your printer properly and also testing the communications link between the computer and printer.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Thumbnails

Opens a dialog box to set up printing the selected thumbnail images.

Related info:

  Printing

  Printing thumbnails

  Understanding resolution


Preferences

Opens a dialog box for defining Photo Express’ behavior and other settings.

[F6]


Send

Runs the default e-mail client for sending image(s) online.

[Ctrl+M]

Related info:

  Sending images by e-mail


Recent Files

Displays the last few files that were visited. Clicking a file name in this list opens it in the workspace.

Related info:

 Opening an image


Exit

Closes Photo Express program.

[Ctrl+Q]


Undo Before

Displays a list of recent changes you have made and allows you to undo them.

[Ctrl+Z]


Redo To

Displays a list of recent changes which have been undone, and allows you to re-apply them.

[Ctrl+Y]


Cut

Removes a selection area or image(s) and places it to the Windows clipboard.

[Ctrl+X]


Copy (Menu command)
Copy

Copies a selection area or image to the Windows clipboard without removing it from the workspace.

[Ctrl+C]


Clear

Permanently removes the selected area or object from the active window. (If you clear a selection area, Photo Express fills the space with the background color.) Use this command to delete information without affecting the contents of the clipboard.

Note: If nothing is selected, Photo Express replaces the base image with the current background color.

[Del Key]


Paste (Menu command)
Paste

Pastes the current contents of the Windows clipboard into the workspace.

[Ctrl+V]


Delete (Thumbnail)
Delete

Removes the thumbnail from an album.

Note: This does not affect the source image in any way.

[Del Key]


Search

Opens a dialog box providing options to perform a search on the images in the active album.

[Ctrl+F]


Sort By Date

Sorts the thumbnails chronologically by date.


Sort By Name

Sorts the thumbnails alphabetically by name.


Sort By Extension

Sorts the thumbnails by file extension or type of data (e.g. BMP).


Sort By Size

Sorts the thumbnails in ascending order by file size.


Increase Thumbnail Size

Makes the thumbnail images appear larger.

[+ Key]


Decrease Thumbnail Size

Makes the thumbnail images appear smaller.

[- Key]


Actual View

Resizes the image to 1x (100%) magnification (the original size). note: Templates are quite large and will not display at their actual size.


Zoom In

Increases the magnification factor of the image.

[+ Key]


Zoom Out

Decreases the magnification factor of the image.

[- Key]


Help Menu

Offers the following commands for information:

Ulead Photo Express Help General program help.

About Ulead Products Information about other Ulead products.

Online Registration Enables you to quickly register Photo Express with your modem.

About Photo Express Opens a dialog box containing version information.


Calendar background popup menu

Gradient Fills the background with a range of colors.

Background Color Opens a palette that contains the different colors you can choose from to use as background.

Clear Background (only available when you have already specified a background) Deletes the current background.


Calendar image popup menu

Fit To Page Resizes the image to fill the background.

Keep Aspect Ratio Toggles between maintaining or not the horizontal and vertical proportions of the image when resizing.

Add/Remove Shadow Toggles between adding or not a drop shadow effect.

Add/Remove Soft Edge Toggles between applying or not smoothening of edges of the active selection to blend with the background.

Transparency Sets the level of opacity or transparency of the image.


Edit (Right-click)
Edit

Opens the selected thumbnail in the Photo Express workspace.


Select All

Selects all of the thumbnails in an album.

[Ctrl+A]


Play Sound

Plays any sound annotation that has been associated with the selected file.


Set As Album Thumbnail

Sets the currently selected thumbnail as the album’s cover image.


Soften

Softens or blurs the edges of a selection area.


Rename

Renames the selected source file.


Photo Properties

Displays an image’s properties and attributes.


Sort

Sorts the album thumbnails according to user defined criteria.


Delete (Album)

Deletes the current album.

Note: This procedure does not affect the image source files in any way.

Related info:

  Creating an album


Rename (Album)

Allows you to change the name of the selected album.


Relink

Relinks and updates album thumbnails with their associated source files.


Properties (Album)

Displays and allows modification of an album’s properties and its associated data.

Related info:

  Creating an album


Import (File menu)
Import

Imports an image from a source, commonly a video camera.


Import From Album

Imports the field data from a PhotoImpact Album into Photo Express.

[Ctrl+I]


Modifying a template

1.	Open a template.

2.	Click on the object you wish to modify.

3.	Select the tool that modifies this type of object. Typically a template will have a key image, a background image, some text and perhaps a frame.

Text objects - Click Edit: Text

Image objects - Click Edit: Adjust

Miscellaneous objects - Click Edit: Decoration (This can include frames, shadows, backgrounds, clip art props and edge decorations.)

4.	New objects (props) can also be added to existing templates.

5.	When you have modified the template to your own liking, you can save it as a new template by clicking Share: Save and then choosing a name and location for the new template.

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Understanding objects

  Using Props


Opening an image

Open an album into the Photo Express workspace from the Photo tab. One should be open already by default when you first run the program. To make a different album active, click the album’s thumbnail in the Options panel on the right.

Double-click on the image thumbnail in the album to edit.

-or-

Click the thumbnail once and then right-click the thumbnail and select edit.

-or-

Select the thumbnail and then click the Edit button. From the edit button you can also select an editing tool.

-or-

From the File Menu, select Open.

-or-

Click Get and then select File from the toolbar. On the Options panel at right, set the destination to Open to workspace and click the Open button.

Related info:

  Opening an album


Printing
Printing (general)

1.	Open an image (or a project).

2.	Click File: Print.

-or-

Click the Print button.

3.	Select the print operation you wish to execute: Normal, Tile or Poster.

4.	A preview of how your image will appear when printed will be shown in the workspace.

tip: Use the + and - keys to zoom in and out of the preview. Use the arrow keys to precisely position the image on the paper.

5.	Use the Options panel to adjust the finer details of printing.

6.	Click the Print button at the bottom of the Options panel when ready.

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Resizing and printing

  Printing basics

  Understanding resolution

  Printing thumbnails

  Printing posters


Printing thumbnails

1.	Open an album into the Photo Express workspace.

2.	Click Print: Thumbnails.

3.	In the Options panel, choose whether you wish to print the entire album (All) or only the selected thumbnails.

4.	Select thumbnails by clicking on them. Holding the Shift key and clicking will select a range of thumbnails, and holding the Ctrl key while clicking will allow you to select multiple, non consecutive thumbnails. Selected thumbnails will be outlined in green.

5.	Click Print.

Related info:

  Opening an album


Resizing and printing

1.	Open an album into the Photo Express workspace.

2.	Open an image by double-clicking its thumbnail.

3.	Click Adjust: Size.

4.	In the right panel, adjust the size of your image. The easiest method may be is to select User defined and input your desired size. You can change Inches to Percent to get a better idea of the amount of resizing.

5.	Click Apply.

6.	Click Print: Normal. You can also adjust the size of the image as it appears here.

7.	Click the Printer icon at the bottom to adjust your printer’s settings. The DPI of your printer will also affect image quality.

Related info:

  Opening an album

  Opening an image

  More information on printing posters

  Printing basics

  Understanding resolution


Printing - Tile

Printing multiple copies on a single page.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Print: Tile.

3.	A preview of the image will appear in the workspace. Photo Express will automatically tile the image a maximum number of times on a sheet of paper.

4.	Sometimes, changing the layout can increase the number of images that can be printed on a single page.

5.	Use the Options button for more control over the printing process.

6.	Click Print.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Creating name cards


Printing a project

1.	Open a project from the Project tab.

2.	Click Print.

3.	Select Normal, Tile or Poster.

4.	Click the Print button.

Related info:

  Opening a template

  More information on printing posters

  Resizing and printing

  Printing basics

  Understanding resolution


Printing posters

Photo Express makes it easy for you to turn your favorite photos into large posters. Photo Express does this by printing out a photo on several pieces of paper which can then be taped together. Small images will not print well at larger sizes: this procedure is analogous to enlarging a printed photo. The quality of the final printed poster will not be apparent in the on screen image, so you should print a test page first.

1.	Get a finished image ready to print. If you have been recently editing an image and it is still active in the workspace or on the Thumbnail scroll at the bottom of the workspace, simply click on it to make it active in the Photo Express workspace.

2.	Click the print button and select Poster from the Toolbar.

3.	Choose the dimensions of your poster.

4.	You image will now be broken up into a number of rectangles, corresponding to the size of a sheet of paper in your printer. The small squares with the red check marks represent sections that will be printed.

5.	Check one box and print a test page. (This is of course optional, but is strongly recommended.)

6.	After you have printed your poster, it is simply a matter of lining up and taping the various sections together.

Related info:

  Printing

  Printing posters - Quality and Resolution

  Resizing and printing


Adjusting color

It is often the case that colors in an image from a digital camera are not as vivid as you remember. You can quickly adjust the colors to make the image better. Or you can use some extreme settings to create an artistic effect in an otherwise normal image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Color Balance from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Select a color filter preset from the Options panel at right.

5.	Use the Custom tab on the Options panel to fine-tune your processing.

6.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Colorizing


The first image is a bit drab and gray. The second image has been subtly adjusted and looks much better.


Straightening

Many times a scanned image will not be perfectly aligned or centered.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Transform from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Use the Options panel on the right to rotate or flip the image.

5.	You can also rotate the image freehand by clicking and dragging the round handles on the corners of the image.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Removing scratches and spots

Sometimes when you digitize an old photo by scanning, scratches will become glaringly obvious on the new digitized image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Click Touch-up from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace and select Scratch from the sub-menu.

4.	Use the Options panel to fine-tune your modifications and adjust the attributes of the correction tools.

5.	Move your cursor to the defective portions of the image and use the tool like any other paint tool. Short small strokes seem to work best, frequently stopping and starting a new stroke. If you “over correct”, you can quickly undo the change by pressing Ctrl+Z, or by clicking the Undo button.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos


Controlling brightness and contrast

Images shot in low lighting conditions or in shots with high contrast (inside a room with a sunlit window) can have dark areas side by side with overexposed washed out areas. Clever use of the Lighting tool in Photo Express can rectify this situation.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Lighting from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Use the Options panel to modify options and fine-tune your processing.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections


These images clearly show how an image can be improved by using the Lighting tool in concert with the Selection tool.


Framing an object

Sometimes your key image can get lost in a creative and elaborate project. It is easy to bring the emphasis back to the main image by framing it.

1.	From the Project tab, click Get and open a project.

2.	Select the object you want to add a frame to. This is most commonly an image object, specifically your key image, but it doesn’t have to be. Text objects, however, cannot be framed.

3.	Click Decoration and select Frame.

4.	From the Options panel on the right, select a frame you like by clicking on it.

5.	Click Apply to add the frame.

6.	The position and size of the frame can be controlled from the workspace by clicking the handles around the edge of the frame and dragging.

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Saving templates


Adding shadows to selection or object
Adding shadows

A simple drop shadow adds depth to an image, especially on a web page.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Selection.

3.	Create a selection area and convert it to an object by moving it anywhere on the image, or click on an existing object.

4.	Click Shadow on the Toolbar. You can modify the attributes of the shadow from the Options panel.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Understanding objects

  Creating objects


Creating objects

1.	Open an image on the Photo tab.

2.	Click Edit: Selection.

3.	Use the Trim, Trace, Shape, By Color or Mask tools and click and drag to create a selection area.

4.	Click the selection area again and drag it a bit. You will notice that the part of your image that was selected now floats as a separate piece.

5.	The selection area is now an object and can be transformed and changed independent of the rest of the image.

tip: If you hold the Shift key while moving the selection area, the original selection area will be filled with white. This is like cutting the object out.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections

  Understanding objects


Adding a turnpage effect

A turnpage effect simulates a rolled up corner on an image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Special - Turnpage.

3.	Click a Turnpage thumbnail from the Options panel.

4.	Click the Custom tab for more control over the effect.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Turnpage dialog box


Adding text

Photo Express makes adding text to an image more fun than just picking a font.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Text.

3.	Select Add/Edit from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Enter your text in the box on the Options panel.

5.	Click Insert.

6.	To reposition the text, click and drag it around the image.

7.	Adjust the size of the text by clicking and dragging on the sizing handles. Larger changes can be made using the option available in the Options panel.

8.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Using Text effects

  Adding shadows to text

  Adding 3D text


Adding 3D text

Text effects are a spectacular way to spice up any image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Text.

3.	Select 3D from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Select a style of 3D text from the Options panel (Presets).

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Adding text


Adding shadows to text

Text effects are a spectacular way to spice up any image.

1.	Open an image with a text object or create a new text object.

2.	Select the text object by clicking on it.

2.	Click Edit: Text.

3.	Select Shadow from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Use the Options panel to select a position and color for shadow.

5.	You can create a softer, more natural looking shadow by playing with the Transparency and Soft Edge controls.

6.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Adding text


Using Text effects

Text effects are a spectacular way to spice up any image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Text.

3.	Click Add/Edit and enter some new text. If the image already has a text object in it, you can apply the effect to it by selecting the text.

4.	Select Effects from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

5.	Choose an effect from the list (e.g. Neon).

6.	Watch the Options panel (on the right) for details you can modify.

7.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Adding text


Removing Red Eye

When you use an electronic flash for indoor photography, the retinas of some people’s eyes can sometimes reflect a red light back into the camera.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Touch-up: Red Eye from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Use the Options panel to fine-tune the adjustments.

5.	When Remove redeye is selected, Photo Express will search for a default red color in the eye and replace it with black. You can select Change eye’s color to use this tool to replace a color. Click the left box to select a color to replace and click the right box to select the replacement color.

6.	 Use the eraser tool to gently remove the reflections.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos


The first image has imperfections and shows a typical example of “Red Eye”. In the second image, the red-eye has been removed and the subjects’ eyes have been returned to their original color.


Adjusting sharpness

Photo Express does not actually adjust the focus of your images, but can simulate this effect with the Sharpness tool. An image that is out of focus can be improved with this procedure, but it is impossible to make it perfect. Adjusting the focus can be used to create some nice artistic effects.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Sharpness from the Toolbar on the top.

4.	Select a balanced adjustment from the Presets tab or use the Custom tab to fine-tune the adjustments. Both can be found on the Options panel on the right.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos


Making selections

Selection areas are very important in image editing. By carefully selecting some areas and excluding others, you can control with some precision the extent and detail of an effect or transformation.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Selection.

3.	Choose a selection tool from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	Use the Options panel to fine-tune the adjustments.

5.	Click the mouse on your image and drag to create a selection area (this is not necessary for the mask tool).

6.	Select another procedure or effect (e.g. Effects: Color Balance or Paint: Brush). Your modifications will now be limited to the selection area you have created.

Note: To subtract from or add to a selection area, select Subtract or Add from the Mode list on the Options panel.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Creating objects

  Understanding objects


Using gradient fills

Control the extent of a fill by creating selection areas.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Selection to limit the gradient fill to a specific area.

3.	Click Edit: Paint.

4.	Select Fill from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

5.	Use the Options panel and select Fill.

6.	Double-click the color box to change the colors in the gradient.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections


By carefully making an exact selection area around the subject, the gradient fill used in the background looks interesting, blends nicely, and emphasizes the subject.


Getting images from a photo service

1.	Select the Photo tab.

2.	Click Get.

3.	Click Photo Service from the toolbar at the top of the workspace.

4.	If this is your first time using Photo Express in conjunction with your photo service, click the Insert web site shortcut button and enter the URL of your service.

5.	Select your photo service from the shortcuts list.

6.	Click Go to run your browser and automatically jump to your service provider’s site.

7.	Follow the instructions of your service to retrieve your images.


Creating an album

1.	Click the Get button and then click the New Photo Album button.

2.	Select a folder location and a name for your album. You can choose any location you like: some people prefer to keep all of their albums in one folder and some like to keep each album in the folder with the images it contains.

3.	Fill in any additional fields. These fields are optional, but will help you remember the details of the album’s contents at a glance.

4.	Click OK to create the empty album.

5.	Click the Get button and select a source for the images you wish to insert.

6.	In the Options panel on the right, select Save to album to save the images in the new album file.

7.	Select whether you want to add these images as shortcuts, leaving the source files in their original location(s) or whether you prefer to remove the source files and move them to the location of your newly created album. You can also copy the images to the new folder and leave the original images in the source folder as well.

8.	Click insert to finish creating your album.

Note: This procedure works for both Photo and Project albums.

Related info:

  Opening an album

  Opening an image

  Opening a template


Opening an album

1.	Click Get.

2.	From the Options panel on the right, use the navigation buttons to find the album you want.

3.	Click the album once to open it. You can also quickly find an album by name by selecting it from the drop down list.

Note: This procedure works for both Photo and Project albums.

Related info:

  Creating an album


Modifying image and album data

You can add text, descriptions, notes, dates or any other information you like to images to help you organize and remember them. This information is saved in the album file, and does not in any way affect the original image. In both cases, you can simply right-click on the thumbnail image or the album, select Properties from the menu, and enter descriptions in the text boxes.

Related info:

  Modifying an album’s data

  Modifying an image’s data


Modifying an album's data
Modifying an album’s data

1.	Click on an album in the right panel to open it into the workspace.

2.	Click the Properties button or right-click the album and select properties.

3.	Make any changes you want to the Description.

4.	You choose a cover image of a Project album by selecting an icon.

5.	Click OK when finished.

To rename an album, right-click the album and select Rename from the menu. You can also double click the name as it appears below the album.

Related info:

  Modifying an image’s data


Modifying an image's data
Modifying an image’s data

1.	Right-click on a thumbnail in an active album.

2.	Select Properties.

3.	Enter data in the various fields.

4.	Click Update to save the data and then Close to return to the album.

Related info:

  Modifying an album’s data


Viewing images

The Photo Express default is for active albums to be displayed in the workspace in groups of four images (2X2). There are, however, a number of other viewing options at your disposal:

Controlling an album’s layout

Viewing an album slide show

Viewing a slide show


Controlling an album's layout
Controlling an album’s layout

To change the standard layout, click the Thumbnail size buttons at the bottom of the workspace [image], or Click View: Increase/Decrease Thumbnail Size. At the largest size, one thumbnail will be displayed at a time, along with its corresponding data.

You can also organize the ordering of the thumbnails By Date, By Name, By Type (extension e.g. *.BMP) or By Size. Additionally, you can simply click and drag thumbnails around within an album to change their order manually.

Related info:

  Viewing an album slide show


Viewing an album slide show

1.	Open an Album in the workspace by clicking the Get button and selecting an album from the right side of the program.

2.	Click the Slide Show properties button on the Album bar, select a transition effect, and set a delay time.

3.	Click OK.

4.	Click the Play button on the Album bar to begin the show and use the Stop button to end the show.

note: You will need to have at least two pages in your album to use this feature.

Related info:

  Slide Show Options dialog box (Album)


Viewing a slide show

1.	Open an Album in the workspace by clicking the Get button on the Photo tab and selecting an album from the right side of the program.

2.	Select the image thumbnails you want to use in your show. Holding the Shift key and clicking will select a range of thumbnails, and holding the Ctrl key while clicking will allow you to select multiple, non consecutive thumbnails. Ctrl+A selects all. Selected thumbnails will be outlined in green.

3.	Click Express: Slide Show

4.	Select a transition effect and set a delay time from the Options panel.

-or-

Select Control manually with keyboard or mouse to control slide changes manually with keystrokes and mouse clicks.

5.	Click Apply to view the show.

Related info:

  Slide Show dialog box (Basic)

  Slide Show dialog box (Custom)


Sending images with e-mail
Sending images by E-mail

This procedure works from Edit mode or right from Album mode.

1.	Select the image(s) you wish to send. Click an image in an album to select it. Selected images are outlined in green.

2.	If necessary, select your mail client from the drop down list. Click the e-mail Setup button for information about how to configure your mail client.

3.	If you want to send more than one image and want to send them in different e-mails, select Send separate mails.

2.	Click the Send button.

3.	This will automatically launch your e-mail program and start composing a new message with the selected images already included.

4.	Simply enter an address, subject and a message, then send your e-mail as you normally would.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting e-mail problems


Creating Windows wallpaper

1.	Select an image from the Photo Express workspace.

2.	Click Express: Wallpaper to use the image as your new wallpaper.

3.	Click the Apply button to finish.

To set a calendar as Windows Wallpaper, simply click Screen from the right panel when you are finished creating your calendar.

Related info:

  Creating a calendar


Saving
Saving (general)

This works for saving edited images and templates (not albums).

1.	Click: Share.

2.	Select Save from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

3.	Enter a File name in the Options panel and click Save.

Related info:

  Understanding objects

  Understanding templates


Sending images via fax

1.	Select the image(s) you wish to send.

2.	Click the Share button.

3.	Select Fax.

4.	This will run your default fax program and set up a basic fax with the included image(s). Proceed as you would for sending any other fax.

Note: Microsoft Fax must be installed on your computer to send faxes.


Saving templates and objects

1.	When working on a template in the Project tab Click: Share.

2.	Select Save from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

3.	Enter a File name in the Options panel and click Save.

Note: This will save your template in a format proprietary to Photo Express. This allows object information to be retained, but limits the template from being opened in other applications.

Related info:

  Understanding objects

  Understanding templates


Creating thumbnail albums for the web

1.	Select an image(s) from an opened album.

2.	Click Share.

3.	Click Web Page.

4.	In the Basic tab, select a title for your web page.

5.	Select an output folder. This is where the HTML documents for your web page and associated images will be saved. They can then be uploaded to your Web site.

6.	Set up the layout of the page by entering the number of rows and columns.

7.	Choose a size for your thumbnails. 96 pixels is a good recommended minimum size.

8.	Select To disk to save the page locally. You can upload it to your web site later.

note: Further options are available on the More tab, but these are all optional. Additional modifications can be made using any HTML editor after Photo Express has created the basic page.

9.	Click the Preview button to see your web page. Click Apply to save the page.

tip: On the Basic tab, select To mail as the Destination if you want to share your file with a friend by e-mail. This will package the HTML document and thumbnail images into a single EXE file for convenience.


Inserting an image into a project

1.	Click the Project tab.

2.	Select a project album (greeting card, name cards, etc.) and select a template from the workspace.

3.	Click Edit: Place.

4.	Select a source for your images (e.g. Camera or File).

5.	Locate the image you want to insert and click Add to put the image into the template as a new object or Replace to substitute the image for the default.


Customizing effects

There are an incredible number of effects in Photo Express, each having a range of individual controls and adjustments. The short process below only covers the absolute basics for all effects. Details on changing an individual effect can be quickly found by selecting the effect, clicking the Custom tab (where available), and clicking the Help button on the lower right.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select an effect. (e.g. Click Edit: Effects and select Particle - Bubble)

3.	On the Options panel (at right), select the Custom tab.

4.	All available options can be modified here. Click Apply when finished.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Opening a template

1.	Click the Project tab.

2.	Select a project album from the panel on the right (greeting card, name card, etc.).

3.	The template album will open into the workspace displaying thumbnail samples.

4.	Select a sample template by double clicking it, right clicking it an selecting Edit, or clicking it and then clicking the Edit button.

This will open a template. From here you probably will want to insert your own image and otherwise personalize the project. Use the tools found under the edit button and along the toolbar on the top.


Using Artist Type effects

Changing your image from a simple photograph into a natural media painting is easy.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects - Artist Type and select a variation: Charcoal, Watercolor or Oil Paint.

3.	Click a preset variation from the Presets tab for a quick default effect.

4.	Click the Custom tab for fine control of the brush strokes and strength of the effect. Move the sliders to the right for more intense results. Watch the preview to see your changes in real time.

5.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Opening an image


The Artist type effects can be used in surprisingly subtle and interesting ways. The first image is Oil Paint, the second is Watercolor and the last is Charcoal.


Working with Particle effects

Particle Effects are effects that add objects (particles) to your image in a realistic way.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects - Particle.

3.	Select a type of particle to work with: Bubble, Firefly, Rain, Snow or Cloud.

4.	Use the Options panel to fine-tune the adjustments. You can move individual particles, change their colors and generally adjust the strength of the effect.

5.	Click Apply.

Tip: The Bubble effect is the coolest. Check out the reflections on the bubbles’ surface.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Particle effects can be adjusted to make subtle enhancements or wild special effects. These four images show how the bubble effect can be used in subtle or dramatic ways.


Warping

Warping your images can be interesting, funny or just plain bizarre.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects - Warp.

3.	Select a type of warp style to work with: Pinch, Punch, Ripple or Swirl.

4.	Use the Options panel to fine-tune the adjustments.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Faces are universally important in conveying emotion and thoughts for human beings. That may explain why using the Warping tool on an image of a face can be most startling and strange. Check out this before and after sequence.


Using the Clone tool

The Clone tool can be used to quickly copy a section of an image and seamlessly paste it into another part of the image. Use it can be used to repair damaged images or even ‘clone out’ part of a photo, like a person who walked into the camera shot unexpectedly. Or clone the face of your favorite person onto a cherished photo.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Paint - Clone.

3.	Select a type of brush to use. Specific attributes of the brush can be modified with the Options panel on the right.

4.	Move the cursor to the source image on the Options panel. Click on the area you wish to clone. A cross-hair appears and is locked on your source image. This is the area you are going to clone from.

5.	Now click and drag over the area you want to change in the image on the workspace.

6.	The cloned area will gradually appear in the damaged area.

Tip: Use short strokes and release the mouse button often. This will allow you to undo mistakes easily, without losing your progress. Click the Undo button, or press Ctrl+Z to undo up to ten changes, one at a time.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Retouching photos


In the original photo, a person walked into the camera range unexpectedly. The retouched photo clones a bit of the background to seamlessly remove him from the image.


Selecting a brush

Photo Express offers the aspiring artist a wide range of brushes to making electronic art a truly creative process. The many choices and options may be a bit bewildering to the beginner. The best way to find the right tool for your project is to try it out yourself, remembering Ctrl+Z to undo changes you don’t like. Check out the brush example below for more information:

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Paint - Brush (or Clone).

3.	Select a type of brush to use.

4.	Specific attributes of the brush can be modified with the Options panel on the right. If you have a pen tablet, you can set up its behavior using the Pen pressure drop down list.

5.	To paint, simply click and drag on your image.

6.	If you make an error and want to remove paint, select the Eraser on the Options panel. Click and drag on the image to remove paint. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Z to undo the last paint strokes.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Here are some examples of the default brushes. Changing the size, transparency and soft edge attributes of the tool can make fine control over the brushes.


Colorizing

You can colorize an image to make a gray day sunny, spruce up a dull image or create a beautiful enhancement.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects - Color and select a variation: Warm, Cool, Tone or Light.

3.	Click a preset variation, or click the Custom tab for finer control.

4.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Adjusting color


The first image is a bit drab and gray. The second image has been subtly adjusted and looks much better. In the final image, the color has been changed in an interesting and artistic way.


Using Lighting effects

The lighting tool in Photo Express can be used to emphasize or highlight portions of an image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects: Color - Light.

3.	Click on the Custom tab on the Options panel (at right).

4.	The preview image has a lighting control on it (the green and red balls joined by a line). The red ball is the position of the light and the green ball controls the direction. Click and drag to change use these handles.

5.	The control in the middle is for elevation. The two green handles set the width of the lighting while the red handle controls the elevation of the light above the page as well as the apparent distance from the page.

6.	Use the Exposure, Ambience and Light brightness controls to adjust the color and intensity of the light.

7.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Opening an image


The Lighting tool dramatically brings out the subject in this image.


Using Lens effects
Using Lenses effects

Lenses effects can be used to adjust an image in a number of interesting ways. You can create a fish-eye effect with the Fat lens or simulate camera (or subject) motion with the Motion lens. The Mosaic lens simulates a pixilated or digitally distorted image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effects - Lenses.

3.	Select a variation: Thin, Fat, Motion Blur or Mosaic.

4.	You can quickly select an effect by clicking on a preset thumbnail or click the Custom tab for additional control.

5	In general the strength of an effect can be controlled with the various sliders on the bottom of the Custom tab.

6	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Emphasizing subjects

There are three effective ways to emphasize the subject of an image that is too “busy” or cluttered. Click on a topic below to find more specific information.

Using Lenses effects

Retouching and sharpening

Using Lighting effects


Creative trimming

The Trim tool can be used to create more than just simple selection areas. The many preset designs can be used as a beginning point for more elaborate projects. As an example, check out this brief procedure on creating your own postage stamps.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust - Trim.

3.	Select the Stamp Trim shape from the Options panel (Don’t click Apply just yet.).

4.	The selection area will appear on your image. The eight handles around the outside can be used to resize the area. You can move the selection area around by simply clicking and dragging.

5.	Resize and align your stamp. Make sure Create a new image is selected.

6.	Click Apply. This will crop or trim your image around the trim shape.

7.	Select the Text tool and add a price and message to your stamp.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Adding text


With a little imagination, the apparently boring Trim tools can be used to spectacular effect.


Using Edges effects

Edges effects can be used to quickly spice up a simple image in a project.

1.	Open a template from the Project tab.

2.	Click Edit: Decoration - Edges.

3.	Select a variation from the drop down panel.

4.	Select an edge style from the Presets tab, and then click the Custom tab to adjust other attributes such as color.

5.	For more advanced effects, you can select a gradient or texture to decorate the edges. If you are working on a text frame, enter the text you want repeated around the edges and modify the font properties.

6.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Opening a template


Even the simplest Edges effect is a good way of making an image on a Web page (or in any document) really stand out.


Using Props

Props can be thought of as high quality clip art that can be freely used to jazz up simple projects, or add a touch of humor to normal images.

1.	Open a template from the Project tab.

2.	Personalize the project template with your own image.

3.	Click Edit: Decoration - Props.

4.	Props are arranged by categories that can be selected from the drop down list.

5.	Select a prop by clicking on it and clicking Apply.

6.	Props are objects, just like everything else in a project, and can be freely resized, repositioned, and otherwise modified to make their addition more natural.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Using backgrounds

While backgrounds may seem unimportant, they really add to the general ambience of a project. Simply changing plain white to a texture or gradient can do wonders.

1.	Open a template from the Project tab.

2.	Personalize the project template with your own image.

3.	Click Edit: Decoration - Background.

4.	If you want to add a texture (like rock or grass), select Center or Tile. There are different kinds of textures in the two tabs. To select a colored background (either solid or a gradient), click the Color tab.

5.	You can change the size of the texture with the drop down list at the bottom of the Options panel. This can have the effect of making the grain of the texture coarser or finer.

6.	Click Apply when you have found a texture you want to use as the background.

Related info:

  Opening an image


Textures can be some of the most interesting background and when effectively used can dramatically enhance an image’s composition.


Retouching and sharpening

The Retouch and Sharpen tools can be used to make a subject really stand out in an image. Lighting works by lightening or darkening an area and Sharpen finds edges and increases the contrast. Both tools work like a painting tool or brush stroke, so you really have a lot of control over these effects.

1.	Open an image in the Photo tab.

2.	Click Edit: Paint. From the Toolbar, select Retouch or Sharpen.

3.	The Options panel at the right contains the controls you will use to adjust the size and strength of the brush stroke. Use the Soft edge feature to blend you modifications smoothly and seamlessly into the image.

4.	Like all painting tools, you can’t use this effect on objects unless it is selected. Select an object by clicking on it. You cannot use these tools on text objects.

Related info:

  Opening an image


The first image is the original photograph. The second image has been modified using the Lighting tool, and the last image uses the Sharpen tool effectively.


Using effects

Effects or special effects are a broad category of image processing which is made easy with Photo Express. This is not to say that these effects are not powerful and creative. Most effects can be found on the Photo tab by clicking Edit: Effects. Additional effects can be found by clicking the Adjust button, and special text effects can be found by clicking the Text button. In general, all effects can be applied by clicking the thumbnail on the Options panel. Many times you can click the Custom tab on the Options panel for fine control. Click Apply to use the effect and Ctrl+Z to undo the changes (or click the Undo button).

Related info:

  Customizing effects

  Colorizing

  Warping

  Using Lighting effects

  Using Lenses effects

  Using Text effects

  Working with Particle effects

  Using Artist Type effects

  Using Edges effects


Cropping an image

You can eliminate unwanted edges, trim parts of an image or otherwise crop an image with this simple procedure.

1.	Open the image you wish to crop.

2.	Edit: Selection.

3.	Click Shape from the Toolbar. Rectangular (and square) selection areas work most simply. If you use a circular or elliptical area, a mask will be created and the cropped image will be place on a rectangular canvas (All images must be rectangular).

4.	There are a number of features you can adjust on the Options panel on the right. For example, Soft Edge controls how fuzzy the edges of the selection area appear and helps a selection blend with the background more smoothly. When cropping, usually setting the soft edge to zero works best.

5.	Click the Crop button.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections


Don’t use!


Acquiring images - Overview

Use Photo Express to acquire images from your digital camera or scanner. Once you have acquired images, use the built-in Album features of Photo Express to organize your images.

Acquiring images - Digital camera

Acquiring images - Scanner

Related info:

  Creating an album


Acquiring images - Digital camera

1.	Click Get from the Command panel.

2.	From the Toolbar , click Camera.

3.	On the Options panel, select your digital camera from the Select data source list.

4.	Select Apply Post Processing to automatically clean up your images once you have finished acquiring. The following options are available: Straighten & Rotate, Crop, Brightness & Contrast, and Color Balance.

5.	Images will go to the Destination you have selected: Open to workspace or Save to album.

6.	When you have selected file name and file type options, click Acquire to upload images from your digital camera. (It is not necessary to select file names or types when opening images to the workspace.)

Related info:

  Get - Command panel

  Digital camera dialog box

  Photo Express Program map

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquiring images - Scanner

1.	Click Get from the Command panel.

2.	From the Toolbar, click Scanner.

3.	On the Options panel, select your scanner from the Select data source list.

4.	Select Apply Post Processing to clean up your images once you have finished acquiring. The following options are available: Straighten & Rotate, Crop, Brightness & Contrast, and Color Balance.

5.	When you have selected a file name and file type options, choose a Destination: Open to workspace or Save to album. (It is not necessary to select file names or types when opening images to the workspace.)

6.	When you have selected other options, click Acquire to upload images from your scanner.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Scanner dialog box

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Retouching photos - Overview

Retouching or repairing old or damaged photos can be a rewarding and fun activity with Photo Express.

Simple adjustments

Repairing scratches and tears

Adding artistic effects


Retouching photos - Step 1 Simple adjustments
Retouching photos - Step 1

Simple adjustments

1.	Get an image into the Photo Express workspace.

-or-

From an active album in the workspace, click an image to select it (once an image is selected it is outlined in green).

2.	From the Command panel, click Adjust.

3.	From the Toolbar, select the type of adjustment to make (e.g. Sharpness).

4.	Old photos can often benefit from using the Touch-up tools: Red Eye, Scratch and Spots.

5.	Use the Color Balance and Lighting controls to adjust faded photographs.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Getting images from a photo service

  Removing red eye

  Removing scratches

  Controlling brightness


Retouching photos - Step 2 Reparing scratches and tears
Retouching photos - Step 2

Scratches and tears

There are two effective methods of removing scratches and tears:

Minor repairs:

1.	Click Edit: Adjust from the Command panel.

2.	Click Touch-up and select the Scratch or Spots tool from the submenu.

3.	Click Zoom  [image]  to enlarge the area you want to repair.

4.	For best results, use short light strokes. If you have a pressure-sensitive tablet installed, select Size from the Pen Pressure list on the Options panel for more control. If you see an unwanted result, press Ctrl+Z to undo previous actions (up to ten).

Major repairs:

1.	For areas that have more substantial damage, use the Clone Tool (from the Command panel, click Edit: Paint - Clone).

2.	On the Options panel, select a source image.

3.	Find an area that is similar in color and texture to the damaged area.

4.	Click once on the source image. A “+” appears and is locked on your image. This is your cloning source.

5.	Click the Options tab on the Options panel to customize the brush size and shape. If you have a pressure-sensitive tablet installed, select options from the Pen Pressure list for greater control.

6.	Now click and drag over the area you want to repair.

7.	The source area will gradually appear in the damaged area.

8.	Use short strokes and release the mouse button often. This will allow you to undo mistakes easily, without losing previous repairs. (Undo mistakes by pressing Crtl+Z. This works for the last ten changes made.)

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Removing scratches

  Cloning


Retouching photos - Step 3 Adding artistic effects
Retouching photos - Step 3

Adding artistic effects

There are a number of interesting and artistic adjustments you can make to your images beyond just making them look better. Photo Express can also be used to create interesting, beautiful and even strange electronic images. Below are three ideas to get you started, but the really good stuff will come from using your own creativity to express yourself in your images.

Colorizing Coloring tools can be used to change the color on images.

Using effects Effects include adding bubble or turning up the virtual corner of an image.

Using Artist Type effects These effects simulate natural media paintings to turn your photos into oil paintings, water colors or drawings.


Creating a calendar - Overview

Photo Express, makes it easy to create calendars using your favorite photos to decorate your wall and plan your activities.

Step 1 - Getting an image.

Step 2 - Designing the layout.

Step 3 - Fine tuning the finished product.

Step 4 - Outputting your calendar.


Creating a calendar - Step 1 Getting your image
Creating a Calendar - Step 1

Getting your image

1.	From the Command panel in the Photo tab, click Get.

2.	If the image you want to use is not displayed in the current Album, click File or Album to search for other images.

Album

On the Options panel, select an album from the list.

Click  [image]  to create a new album.

File

On the Options panel, click  [image]  to select a folder. Click  [image]  to view recently used folders.

All image files in the folder will be displayed on the Options panel.

3.	Once you have selected an image, click Insert to place it into the Photo Express workspace.

Note: If you have twelve images ready, you can select them all and create an entire year’s worth simultaneously. These can be set up to change automatically every month.

Related info:

  Get

  Photo Express Program map

  Creating an album


If an Album is already open in the workspace, you can select an image by simply clicking on it. An image is selected if it is highlighted in green.


Creating a calendar - Step 2 Designing the calendar layout
Creating a calendar - Step 2

Designing the calendar layout

1.	Click Express from the Command panel.

2.	Click Calendar from the Toolbar.

3.	On the Options panel, click the tabs to select the type of calendar you want to make: weekly, monthly or yearly.

4.	A new calendar is generated, composed of many separate elements or objects that you can customize.

5.	Click the Planner button  [image]  on the Shortcut bar to set up individual holidays.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Using the planner

  Saving templates & objects


Creating a calendar - Step 3 Fine tuning the finished calendar
Creating a calendar - Step 3

Fine tuning the finished calendar

To customize an element, right-click it to display its Attributes submenu. Reposition elements by dragging them around the calendar workspace.

Text

Right-click on a text object and select Font to change the font type. If you have a lot of fonts installed, click Next and Previous to view all font types.

Right-click and select Text box to change, italicize and/or change the alignment of the text. You can also change the font style in this dialog box.

Colors

Right-click on the background of the calendar and select Background color to change it.

To change the gridline colors of the actual calendar, right-click over the dates and select Grid color.

To apply a gradient or solid color to the dates, right-click and select Gradient or Background color.

Image attributes

Right-click on the image and select Transparency. Select a transparency level from the resulting submenu.

To blend the image into the background, right-click on it and select Add Soft Edge.

  Adjusting elements in a calendar

Related info:

  Saving templates & objects


Creating a calendar - Step 4 Outputting your calendar
Creating a calendar - Step 4

Outputting your calendar:

1.	Click Share from the Command panel.

2.	From the Toolbar, select a destination for your project: e-mail, image file or printer.

3.	Follow the instructions given to complete the project:

Print

Click the Print button on the Options panel to output your calendar on paper.

Wallpaper

In the Options panel, click the Screen button to set your calendar as your Windows’ wallpaper. If you have selected multiple images (and therefore created multiple calendars), Photo Express will automatically update your calendar.

Clipboard

If you want to save you calendar as an image to send to friends or to use it in another application, click the Clipboard button. This will copy the calendar to the Windows’ clipboard and allow you to paste it into another application ( like into another image editor).

Related info:

  Print

  Sending images with e-mail

  Creating Windows wallpaper

  E-mail troubleshooting

  Photo Express Program map


Creating a calendar - Adjustments

This illustration shows you some of the elements which can be changed in a calendar.


Morphing - Overview

Morphing is simply animating a warping sequence. Start with a base image and then create a second image with the warping tools. Press play and Photo Express generates the intermediate frames of the animation to create a smooth transition.

To create a morphing animation:

  Step 1 - Using the warp tools

  Step 2 - Creating a morph animation

  Step 3 - Outputting and saving


Morphing - Step 1 Using the warp tools
Morphing - Step 1

Using the warp tools

1.	Get an image into the Photo Express workspace.

-or-

From an album active in the workspace, click an image to select it (outlined in green).

2.	Click Express from the Command panel.

3.	Click Morph from the Toolbar.

4.	On the Options panel, choose a Type of warping (e.g. Smudge).

5.	Simply click and drag on your image to apply the effect.

6.	To undo changes and put the image back to its original state when you first opened it, click the Restore button. This undoes all warping changes.

7.	When you are finished, click New  [image].  Notice that this creates a new frame in the animation Storyboard on the Options panel.

8.	To create multiple warp styles, select the original frame from the storyboard and repeat these steps.

Related info:

  Get

  Photo Express Program map

  Morph Shortcut bar

  Morph dialog box

  Warping


Morphing - Step 2 Creating a morph animation
Morphing - Step 2

Creating a morph animation

After you have created at least two different frames on the storyboard:

1.	Click play on the Shortcut bar.

2.	Watch your morph animation unfold. If it is too fast or too slow, click Stop and adjust the speed with the Speedometer on the Options panel.

3.	Click Stop to end your animation.

4.	Select Preview to speed up the time it takes to create your animation. This generates a lower quality sample of the animation. You can de-select Preview when you are satisfied with the results to get a higher quality finished product preview.

5.	You can continue to warp the image and create new frames, and then play the animation again.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Morph dialog box

  Morph Shortcut bar


Morphing - Step 3 Outputting and saving
Morphing - Step 3

Outputting and saving

Once you are satisfied with the results, you may want to save your animation:

1.	Click Save on the Shortcut bar.

2.	Choose the file format, destination and name.

3.	If you select to output to BMP, the files are saved in a sequential order (i.e. morph000.bmp, morph001.bmp…). GIFs are saved as a single file.

4.	Select a number of frames for your animation (from 3 to 100). Higher numbers produce higher quality animations, but also yield correspondingly larger file sizes.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Morph dialog box

  Morph Shortcut bar


Screen art - Overview
Creating screen art

Photo Express gives you several ways to display your photos on screen. Choose an option to find out how to add a touch of personality to your PC:

Wallpaper Enables you to quickly add any photo to the desktop of your PC. Calendars can also be used as desktop wallpaper.

Slide Show Shows your favorite photos and video clips along with sound bites and music.

Screen Saver Entertains you with a slide show whenever your PC is idle.


Creating screen art - Windows wallpaper

Any image can be used as Windows wallpaper.

1.	Get an image into the Photo Express workspace.

-or-

From an album active in the workspace, click an image to select it (outlined in green).

2.	Click Express from the Command panel.

3.	Click Wallpaper on the Toolbar.

4.	Use the Options panel to specify how you want the image displayed.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Creating a calendar

  Getting images from a digital camera

  Getting images from a scanner

  Getting images from a photo service


Creating screen art - Slide Show

A simple slide show can be quickly created with any number of images in Photo Express.

1.	Select the images you wish to use in the slide show. Hold down the Shift key to select a range of images, or use the Ctrl key to select multiple images one at a time. Selected images are highlighted by a green border.

2.	Click Express from the Command panel.

3.	Click Slide Show on the Toolbar

4.	Set up your show’s parameters on the Options panel:

Delay Sets the time delay between images.

Transition Sets a special effect transition between images.

Sound Uses a sound file to synchronize slide transitions.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Viewing a slide show


Creating screen art - Screen Saver

You can create an animated screen saver by using a series of images. Then, whenever your computer has been inactive for a set period of time, it activates as a Screen Saver.

1.	Select the images you want to use in the Screen Saver. Hold down the Shift key to select a range of images, or use the Ctrl key to select images one at a time. Selected images are highlighted by a green border.

2.	Click Express from the Command panel.

3.	Click Screen Saver on the Toolbar.

4.	Set up your the parameters on the Options panel.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map


Creating name cards - Overview

To create a name card:

Step 1 - Opening a name card template

Step 2  - Placing a key image into the card

Step 3 - Adding stylish text

Step 4 - Printing your cards


Creating name cards - Step 1 Opening a template
Creating name cards - Step 1

Opening a template

1.	Click the Project tab. On the Options panel, select Name card.

2.	A number of templates appear in the workspace. Select one and click Edit from the Command panel.

3.	All elements on the card can be moved and modified. Right-click on an element to make basic modifications.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map


Creating name cards - Step 2 - Changing the key image
Creating name cards - Step 2

Changing the key image

1.	To change the key image, click the image on the template. A solid line appears around it.

2.	Click Edit: Place from the Command panel.

3.	From the Toolbar, select a source for your image (for example, Camera or Album).

4.	Select the image file on the Options panel.

5.	Click Add on the Options panel to retain the default key image and also add the selected image to the card, or click Replace to substitute the selected image for the default key image.

6.	If the image you have selected needs color or alignment adjustments, click Edit: Adjust from the Command panel, and select a tool from the Toolbar.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map

  Acquiring images from your digital camera

  Acquiring images from your scanner


Creating name cards - Step 3 Adding and modifying text
Creating name cards - Step 3

Adding and modifying text

1.	Click a text element to select it.

2.	Click Edit: Text from the Command panel.

3.	From the Toolbar, select Add/Edit to modify the selected text and font.

4.	In the Text box on the Options panel, enter your personal information. At this point you can also modify basic text attributes such as font, size and color. Click New to add the text.

5.	Click the Align buttons to arrange the text elements in your cards.

6.	To periodically view the changes to your text on the name card, click Update. This applies all changes made since you last updated the view.

7.	To resize text, click and drag on the sizing handle of the selected text.

8.	Click one of the other text effects (for example, Shadow) to make your text more interesting.

9.	If you plan to use the information entered in the Text box in the future, you might like to save the text string. Click Save to add the text to the Phrase library. To use this text later, click the Phrase tab on the Options panel.

Related info:

  Save Phrase dialog box


Creating name cards - Step 4 Printing your cards
Creating name cards - Step 4

Printing your cards

The final step in creating name cards is to get them off the screen into the hands of your associates. The best (and most expensive) option is to have this done at a professional print shop. You should talk to the shop to determine which format they prefer. Printing them at home, however, can be fun, and will allow you to update your cards at a moments notice. To do it yourself:

1.	Once you are happy with the final layout and content of your card, click Print from the Command panel.

2.	From the Toolbar, click Tile. The workspace updates and Photo Express automatically arranges approximately eight cards to a page, depending on the orientation of the card.

3.	To increase or decrease the number of cards per page, adjust options in the Layout section of the Options panel.

4.	Select a printer and number of copies and click Print once you are happy with the layout and setup.

Related info:

  Printing


Creating greeting cards - Overview

With Photo Express, you can quickly and easily create custom greeting cards for any event. Personalize cards by adding your own photographs and messages.

Step 1 - Opening a template

Step 2  - Changing the key image

Step 3 - Adding a text message

Step 4 - Printing your card


Creating greeting cards - Step 1 Opening a template
Creating greeting cards - Step 1

Opening a template

1.	Click the Project tab and from the Command panel, click Get.

2.	Click Greeting card on the Options panel and select a template by clicking on it.

3.	From the Command panel, click Edit and right-click on an element or object to make basic modifications.

Related info:

  Photo Express Program map


Creating greeting cards - Step 2 Changing the key image
Creating greeting cards - Step 2

Changing the key image

1.	Click on the default key image on the template. A solid line appears around it.

2.	The Edit: Place from the Command panel.

3.	From the Toolbar, select a source for your image (for example, Camera or Scanner).

4.	Select your image from the Options panel. Click and drag on the image in the workspace to adjust its position.

5.	If the image you have selected needs color or alignment adjustments, click Edit: Adjust from the Command panel and select an option from the Toolbar.

6.	Click Edit: Decoration from the Command panel to modify the frame or edge effect around the image.

Related info:

  Getting images from a digital camera

  Getting images from a scanner

  Getting images from a photo service

  Adjusting color


Creating greeting cards - Step 3 Adding text and a message
Creating greeting cards - Step 3

Adding text and a message

1.	Click a text element to select it.

2.	Click Edit: Text from the Command panel.

3.	From the Toolbar, select Add/Edit to modify the text and font.

4.	In the Text box on the Options panel, enter your text. At this point you can also modify the basic text attributes such as font, size and color.

5.	Click one of the other text effects (for example, Shadow, 3D) to further customize your text.

6.	Click the Alignment buttons to arrange the text elements.

7.	To periodically view the changes to your text on the greeting card, click Update. This applies all changes made since you last updated the view.

8.	To resize text, click and drag the sizing handle of the selected text.

9.	If you are creating a card that will be folded, remember that some of the text will need to be rotated 180 degrees so it faces the correct direction once the card is folded. From the Toolbar, click Align and enter the rotation value on the Options panel to rotate your text.

9.	If you plan to use the information entered in the Text box in the future, you might like to save the text string. Click Save on the Options panel to add the text to the Phrase library. To use this text later, click the Phrase tab on the Options panel.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Adding shadows to text

  Adding 3D text


Creating greeting cards - Step 4 Printing your card
Creating greeting cards - Step 4

Printing your card

1.	From the Command panel, click Print: Normal.

2.	Select layout options. Some cards print better using portrait layout.

3.	Make sure Fit to page is cleared on the Options panel to prevent distortion.

4.	Click Print.

Related info:

  Printing projects


Creating Edges effect on your images - Overview

Use the Decoration feature of Photo Express to add edge effects to images. Photo Express has a range of preset frames and edge effects that you can either apply as is or customize to suit the project you are working on.

Preset borders

Custom borders

Solid color borders


Creating Edges effect on your images - Preset borders

Once you have placed an image on your invitation, greeting card or poster, add the finishing touches with the Decoration command.

1.	Click Edit: Decoration from the Command panel.

2.	Choose the type of Decoration you want to add to the edges of your image:

Edges Applies irregular edge effects similar to a torn edge on a piece of paper. Another cool idea is using text to create a frame around the edges of an image. From the Edges submenu, select Text. Move to the Options panel and select the Custom tab to create your own personalized text frame.

Frame Applies regularly-shaped frames to your image.

3.	To apply the edge or frame effect, select it and click Apply.

Related info:

  Framing an object


Creating Edges effect on your images - Custom borders

Use the Edit: Effects command to create an original border around a photograph.

1.	Get the photo into the workspace.

2.	Click Edit: Selection and from the Toolbar, select Shape.

3.	On the Options panel, check that Rectangular is selected as the shape, and that the soft edge setting is at zero. Click Select All.   This will serve as the outer edge of your border.

4.	From the Mode list, select Subtract and create another selection area within the image that will serve as the inner edge of your border. Try experimenting with both oval and regular selection shapes.

5.	Click Edit: Effects from the Command panel and choose one of the effects. The effect will only be applied to the selection area or the border you have created in steps 3 and 4.

Some of the better effects to try are:

Focus: Blur (this may look better if you try adding a soft edge when you subtract from the selection area)

Color: Warm or Cool

Special: Emboss

All of the Artist Type effects.

Related info:

  Framing an object


Creating Edges effect on your images - Solid color borders

Create a solid white border around a photograph to give it a slightly retro look. You can also try adjusting the hue of the photograph to age it. (Click Edit: Adjust, and select Color from the Toolbar).

1.	Follow steps 1 to 4 in the previous topic, then click Edit: Paint from the Command panel.

2.	Click Fill on the Toolbar. On the Options panel, click the color preview and select white.

3.	Check that the Transparency setting is set to its minimum level and click Apply.

Related info:

  Framing an object


Layout options dialog box

Settings Select Auto-tiling to have Photo Express space your thumbnails evenly across the page or Customize to control the layout yourself. Select the Units to measure the layout: Inches or Centimeters.

Image size Setup the Width and Height. Select Keep original size to leave the thumbnails as their default. If Keep aspect ratio is selected, the proportions of the thumbnails is maintained.

Offset Determines the distance from the edge of the paper.

Spacing Determines the distance between thumbnails.

Save as default Select to save your current settings as the default.

OK Applies any changes you have made and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Load Opens a dialog box to load saved Layout settings.

Save Opens a dialog box to Save the current Layout settings.

Delete Opens a dialog box allowing you to delete Layout settings.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Load dialog box

  Save dialog box

  Delete dialog box


Load dialog box

Name Displays a list of previously saved layouts.

Load from Displays the currently selected layout.

Load Applies the layout in the Load from box and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Save dialog box

Name Displays the names of previously saved layouts.

Save to Enter a name to save your current settings.

Save Saves the current layout and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Delete dialog box

Name Displays the names of previously saved layouts.

Delete Deletes the currently selected layout settings.

Close Closes the Delete dialog box.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Print: Thumbnail
Print: Thumbnails

Prints an album of images as a page of thumbnail images.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Adding frames to images
Adding frames

A normal image can really stand out with even the simplest frame. After you have found an image you would like to enhance with a frame, click the Project tab.

1.	From the project tab, click Get and select Photo Frame from the Options panel.

2.	Select a frame by double clicking it. This will open it up into the workspace.

3.	Select the default image in the frame by clicking on it.

4.	Click Edit: Place and select a source (e.g. File or Camera) from which to get your image.

5.	Click Replace to delete the sample image in the template and replace it with your selected image. Click Add to retain the sample image and also add your selected image.

6.	Center the image in the frame by clicking and dragging it.

Related info:

  Saving templates


Post Processing

Post processing is a fast and easy method of adjusting your images automatically as you acquire them into Photo Express. These adjustments are applied to your images at the time of your capture.

Basic Editing Tools:

Straighten & Rotate Fixes images which are skewed or scanned at an angle.

Crop Allows you to choose a portion of the image to save, eliminating unwanted outer areas.

Brightness & Contrast Automatically adjust the sharpness and overall brightness of an image.

Color Balance Enhances the color of images that may be washed out  or dull. This is commonly useful with images from digital cameras.

While each of these tools is different, the user interface is similar in all of them. Your image, before any changes have been made, appears as the larger preview on the left. The rest of the interface is taken up by simple controls allowing you to control the effect. Some tools have an Auto button which will let Photo Express estimate the best parameters to change. Click on a tab to change tools. Click OK when you are satisfied with the results. The Wizard button on the bottom will walk you through each transformation in a step by step way if you need extra help.


Relink dialog box

When images in an album have been changed or moved, right click the album in the Options panel and select Relink.

Missing files Photo Express automatically scans to see if the images in the album have been moved or modified.

Relink thumbnail path to: Select a Drive or Folder to relink moved images.

Drive If the images have been moved as a group (i.e. the file structure remains the same) to another drive, select Drive and chose a drive letter.

Folder If the images have been moved to another folder, select Folder and enter a path, or click Browse to search.

Browse Click to find the correct folder.

Select All Click to select all of the missing images. This is useful if you have moved an entire folder to a new location.

Relink Restores the links and returns to the workspace.

Close Closes the Relink dialog box, ends the relink procedure, and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Properties dialog box

Displays the properties and data associated with individual images and templates.

Location Displays the name and location of the selected image or template.

Dimensions Displays the length, width and color type.

Field data Displays and allows modification of the selected image’s field data.

Auto play sound annotation Click to play a sound file associated with the image.

Sound annotation Use these buttons to find a sound and associate it with the image.

Play Plays the sounds annotation associated with this file.

Add Opens a dialog box allowing you to choose a sound file (*.wav) to associate with this image.

Change Opens a dialog box allowing you to replace the current sound annotation with a new one.

Remove Removes the current sound annotation.

Update Save any changes you have made and returns to the workspace.

Close Closes the Properties dialog box, ends the procedure, and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Choose Folder dialog box

Lets you select a folder from which to get an image or images.

Please choose the folder Select a folder from the folder tree.

List of files Displays all of the files available in the currently selected folder. Sometimes this list is filtered to only display image or template files.

OK Selects the folder and returns to the workspace.

Cancel Closes the Choose Folder dialog box, ends the procedure, and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Stop Sound
Stop Playing Sound

Stops any sound annotation that is currently playing.


Go to first image

Goes to the first image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Previous image

Goes to the previous image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Next image

Goes to the next image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Go to image
Go to last image

Goes to the last image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Images selected

Shows the number of the image currently selected over the total number of images that are selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Adjust (Project tab)

Tools for improving and altering images. Click an icon below for details:

Transform

Sharpness

Lighting

Color Balance

Note: When working on a project template (on the Project tab), only image objects can be adjusted. Backgrounds, frames, and text objects will be unaffected.

Related info:

  Retouching photos


Album dialog box (Project tab)

Instead of displaying a list of your photo albums, this dialog box gives you easy access to preset templates and projects.

New Project album Creates a new album to organize templates.

Delete album Deletes the currently selected template album.

Properties (Album) Displays the properties of the selected album.

Project album list A drop down list of albums that are currently loaded.

Scroll buttons Scrolls up and down loaded albums. Click to view other albums that are not currently displayed on the screen.

Project albums Displays the various loaded albums.

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Understanding templates


Rename dialog box

From: Displays the current name of the file.

To: Enter the new name of the file.

OK Renames the file and returns to the workspace.

Cancel Closes the Rename dialog box, ends the procedure, and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Properties dialog box (album)
Properties dialog box

Displays the properties and data associated with an image and template album.

Name Displays the title of the album.

Total Displays the number of images or templates in an album.

File name Displays the path and name of the album.

Folder name Displays and allows you to modify the path and name of the folder. This is useful when images have been copied or moved after inserting images into the album.

Browse Allows you to select a new album file.

Description Displays information and allows modification of annotations and descriptions.

Icon (Project albums only) Displays a number of small images that can be used as album covers.

OK Save any changes you have made and returns to the workspace.

Cancel Closes the Properties dialog box, ends the procedure, and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Place: Album

Places an image into a Photo Express project template from a photo album.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Digital camera


Place: Camera

Places an image into a Photo Express project template from a correctly connected digital camera.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Digital camera


Place: Scanner

Places an image into a Photo Express project template from a scanner.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner


Place: Import

Captures and places an image into a Photo Express project template from a video camera connected to a capture device or other miscellaneous source.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Opening an image


Place: File

Places an image stored on your computer into a Photo Express project template.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera

  Opening an image


Camera or Scanner (Place) dialog box
Camera or Scanner dialog box (Place)

Select data source Selects the source from which to acquire your images (Displays all installed input devices).

Select source type  This allows you to select and change the type of device named (most of the time, Photo Express will automatically display the correct type).

Apply post processing Automatically applies any number of preset processes (e.g. adjust brightness) to images immediately after acquiring.

Show TWAIN data source (Scanner only) Select to display the name of your scanner.

Add Immediately adds the files in the Photo Express template as a new object.

Replace Replaces the default image object with the newly acquired image.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Acquiring images - Scanner

  Acquiring images - Digital camera


Presets (Edges) dialog box
Presets (Edges: Text) dialog box

Preset edges Thumbnail images of preset edge effects. Click to select.

Edge color Select to use a colored edge.

Single color Sets a solid color for the edge.

Gradient Sets a gradient fill from one color to another for the edge fill.

Texture Sets a user selected texture as the edge fill.

Keep original shape Maintains the default shape of the edge.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Back Returns to the title panel for this group.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Using effects


Minimize

Minimizes Photo Express 2. Individual documents cannot be minimized.


Close

Closes Photo Express or the active document.


Unavailable command

Sorry, this is a standard Windows command that is unnecessary and unavailable in Photo Express.


Go to first calendar

Goes to the first calendar of the set currently being worked on.


Previous calendar

Goes to the previous calendar of the set currently being worked on.


Next calendar

Goes to the next calendar of the set currently being worked on.


Go to calendar
Go to last calendar

Goes to the last calendar of the set currently being worked on.


Current calendar/Total calendars

Displays the number of the calendar that is currently active and the total number of calendars that are being worked on.


Apply the current layout to all other pages

Applies the changes made to the current calendar to all of the calendars in the current set.


nothing


Ulead Video Capture Help

This help file contains information about the Ulead Video Capture dialog box. To access the actual help file, please click Import on the Toolbar and in the resulting dialog box, click the Help button.


Ulead Video Capture
Ulead Video Capture dialog box

Get Image Click to capture the image from the video source that is currently displayed in the preview window.

Video Format Opens the Video Format dialog box. Depending on the video capture board installed in your computer, you can specify the data type and size of the image to capture.

Video Display Opens the Video Display dialog box. Depending on the capture device (ex. video camera) that is connected to your computer, you can adjust the settings of the display on the preview window.

Video Source Opens the Video Source dialog box.

Video Mode Most capture boards support Overlay mode. In the Overlay mode, the capture device displays the preview in the actual speed as movements happen. If you capture board doesn’t support Overlay mode, then the mode is automatically set to Preview.


Gradient Fill
Gradient Fill - Calendar

Applies a gradient fill to the selected element. In the Gradient Fill dialog box, select the colors and style of the gradient.


Color boxes

Select a color from the color boxes. These color boxes are available for changing the color of text, grids, cells, frames, and backgrounds.


Background color (cells)

Select a color for the background of the cells of the calendar.


Available fonts

Select a font from the list to apply it. Click Next and Previous to view more fonts.


Calendar grid style
Calendar style

Select a grid style to apply it. Once you have applied the style, right-click elements on the calendar to further adjust them.


Soft Edge - Calendar

Toggles between applying or removing a soft edge on the image. The soft edge blends the edges of the image with the selected background color.


Fit to Page - Calendar

Resizes the image to make it fit the selected page size. Be careful if you are using a small image as the image quality will be greatly reduced.


Aspect Ratio - Calendar

Toggles between switching the Aspect Ratio on or off. When Keep Aspect Ratio On is selected, the image will be resized proportionally. When Keep Aspect Ratio Off is selected the height of the image can be changed without affecting the width and vice-versa.


Clear Background - Calendar

Removes any color applied to the background of the calendar.


Image Shadow - Calendar

Toggles between adding and removing a shadow on the image. If you apply a shadow to the image, any soft edge previously applied will be removed.


Text Shadow - Calendar

Toggles between adding and removing a shadow to text. If you apply a shadow to the text, any emboss effect previously applied will be removed.


Vertical / Horizontal Text - Calendar

Rotates the selected text 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal or horizontal to vertical.


Emboss Text - Calendar

Applies an emboss effect to the selected text. If you have previously applied a shadow to the text, this is removed.


Add / Remove Frame to Text - Calendar

Applies a frame to the edges of the text area. Once you have added a frame, right-click again on the text area and select Frame Color to select a new color.


Frame / Grid Color - Calendar

Select a color to use it as the new text frame or grid color.


Text Box - Calendar

Opens the Font and Color dialog box. Select the font, style, size and color of text.


Add Note - Planner

Adds a note to the selected monthly calendar. Select note color options in the Planner dialog box.


Edit Note - Planner

Allows you to edit an existing note on a calendar.


Delete Note - Planner

Deletes the selected note.


Add Day-based Holiday - Planner

Adds a holiday based on a specific date, like December 25th or July 4th.


Add Week-based Holiday - Planner

Adds a holiday based on a calendar week. For example Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May. If you add a holiday by week, Photo Express will automatically shift the date of the holiday to match every year.


Edit Holiday - Planner

Allows modification of the text note on a holiday.


Delete Holiday - Planner

Deletes the selected holiday and associated notes and marks.


Add Next - Calendar

Adds the following month to the calendar.


Add Next And Previous Months - Calendar
Add Previous And Next Months - Calendar

Adds both the following and previous months to the calendar.


Semi-transparency - Calendar

Toggles between making the background of the selected object semi-transparent or opaque.


Font Size - Calendar

Sets the font size for text in the calendar. Click a size to apply it to the selected text.


Transparency - Calendar

Adjusts the transparency level of the selected image. Click a thumbnail to apply the transparency level.

note: This option is not available on all calendars.


Text color

Hold the mouse cursor over this item to display a grid of color boxes you can use to change the color of text.


Gift Service

Opens the Gift Service dialog box to allow you to upload your images to a service for processing.


Gift Service dialog box

Select a gift service from the drop down list and then click Go to connect to a gift service via the Internet.


Troubleshooting & Tips
Troubleshooting & Tips in Collecting Images

  Tips for scanning

  Tips for using a digital camera

  Scanner troubleshooting guide

  Digital camera troubleshooting guide


If you have trouble in getting your scanner to work in Photo Express

If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message

If your scanned image display is too large or too small on the screen

If your scanned image is too light or too dark

If your scanned image's colors are incorrect

If your scanned image has a lot of spots

If your scanned image is poor and filled with horizontal lines

If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks detail

If your scanned image has patterns

If you're scanning an image that's taking too long


Scan in the same color mode as the output device

Scan good quality images and text

Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

Limit the image size when possible

Highest resolution is not always the best selection

How much resolution is enough

How to calculate resolution for output devices

Experiment with different settings

Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)


Make sure you have adequate lighting

Take pictures of nearby subjects

Avoid photographing documents or large blocks of text

Limit the image size when possible

Focusing your camera


If your camera doesn't work...

The batteries are OK, but the camera still won't shoot...

The batteries seem to run out too quickly...

If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message...


Limit the image size when possible

Small images require much less hard disk space and processing time than a large ones. Be aware of how much disk space you have on your system when you acquire your pictures. If your available disk space is limited, you may only be able to copy a few photographs from your camera to the computer. Some cameras allow you to adjust the photo compression before you take the pictures.

By increasing the compression, you will get smaller file sizes. This allows you to collect more images in your camera, (like getting a longer roll of film) and copy more to your computer. However, your images may not be as sharp or accurate than images with lower compression.

   Other photography tips


Limit the image size when possible

Small images require much less hard disk space and processing time than a large ones. Before you start scanning, note the predicted file size in KB (kilobytes) and compare it to your available hard disk space. If the expected file size for the scanned image will be greater than the available disk space, your scan will be faulty. To control file size, make sure to select only the area you want to keep before you start scanning. Here are some other things you might try to limit the file size:

1.	If your scanner supports sharpening, try scanning at a lower resolution with sharpening.

2.	Save True Color or Grayscale images as JPEG (*.JPG) files.

   Other scanning tips


Scan in the same color as the output device
Scan in the same color mode as the output device

For most accurate reproduction, scan your images using the same data type as that of the final intended output device. This may also help you control file size. Here are some examples:

OCR Text Black and white.

Line art Black and white.

Laser printer Grayscale.

Monitor 256/True color (depending on the video driver).

Post production True color (CMYK).

   Other scanning tips


Scan good quality images and text

You always lose some information when you scan. By carefully choosing your images and settings, you can minimize this problem. For example, don't try to scan extremely light or dark images, or those with very low contrast.

   Other scanning tips


Avoid photographing documents or large blocks of text

If you wish to copy a printed document or page from a book or magazine into your computer, use a scanner instead of a camera. Digital cameras, as a rule, cannot adequately record the image with sufficient detail to make the resulting image readable because:

The resolution is probably too low.

The lens is too small.

Most digital cameras save their photos using a lossy compression method.

   Other scanning tips


Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

Images from magazines or books are composed of tiny dots. The typical resolution for color typesetting is 180 or 300 dpi, so scanning at higher resolutions offers no advantages. As a matter of fact, higher resolutions may even be worse because the scanner often sees white dots in between the printed color dots. To preserve accurate toning details, if possible, scan photographs instead of printed materials.

   Other scanning tips


Highest resolution is not always the best selection

High resolution images require enormous amounts of disk space. There are no advantages to scanning an image at a higher resolution than what it is to be displayed at. The standard color typesetting resolution is 180 dpi and a standard photograph ranges from 400 to 600 dpi. Similarly, exceeding the resolution capabilities of your output device or monitor will not result in a gain in image quality.

   Other scanning tips


Experiment with different settings

Scan images using different settings. Compare the results on your screen to select the one that suits your needs. Photo Express has many functions to help you enhance your scanned images until you are satisfied with the results.

   Other scanning tips


If you have trouble getting your scanner to work in Photo Express...

When using Photo Express to acquire an image, make sure that your TWAIN driver, (provided by the scanner vendor), is correctly installed. This TWAIN driver sends the acquire command from the application to the scanner and processes scan data from the scanner and passes it to the application. You need to select the data source before starting the scanning process and there may be more than one device attached to your computer, so you need to specify which one to use. These steps will help you get started.

1.	Check if the scanner power switch is on.

2.	Check if there are any loose connections between your computer and the scanner. Try scanning again.

3.	Check if your scanner's model name is on the data source list. If not, install the TWAIN driver to Windows 95 and then check again if it was installed correctly. (If you still can't find your scanner's model name, please contact your scanner vendor for more information on how to correctly install the TWAIN driver in Windows 95.)

4.	Click Scanner on the Toolbar, and in the Options Panel, select the scanner from the data source list.

5.	Specify the destination for the acquired image, calibration scheme to apply, and select the post processing options to apply in acquiring.

6.	Click Acquire to start scanning.

   Other common scanning problems


If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message...

There are three systems that interact with each other when you capture an image: the TWAIN-compatible input device, the TWAIN driver, and the TWAIN-compatible application. Each has its own set of conditions that must be met before you can successfully scan an image. Most of the time the problem is that the TWAIN-driver is not properly installed. Try the following before contacting your vendor about a problem.

1.	Make sure power for your camera or scanner is available.

2.	Check the connection between your computer and the camera or scanner and then try again.

3.	In the Options Panel, click the data source list to see if your device name is listed. If yes, select it. Otherwise, install your TWAIN driver and try again.

4.	If it still doesn't work, please contact your vendor for information on how to install the TWAIN driver in Windows 95 or an update and how to avoid hardware conflict with the interface adapter.

   Other common scanning problems

   Other common digital camera problems


If your scanned image quality is poor and filled with horizontal lines...

Chances are your scanner is not calibrated properly. Calibration is the process of correcting the scanner to account for differences between the monitor, scanner, and the printer. Try the following:

Check your scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that this is correctly set.

For hand-held scanners, try scanning slower and steadier. Make sure that the image to scan is placed on a flat surface.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has a lot of spots...

Images that require a lot of colors need to be scanned at a higher resolution to blend colors more smoothly.

1.	Check your scanner resolution. Your settings may be low for your output device.

2.	Check your monitor display settings. If you are at 256-Color mode settings, change it to HiColor mode(16-bit) or True Color mode (24-bit) for 16.7 million colors.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image's colors are incorrect...

Most desktop color scanners scan images by using red, green, and blue light sources, but most color printers generate images by using cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks. As the image data is translated from one device to another, the resulting colors may shift and become unacceptable. Even when working with monochrome images, details visible in the shadows and highlights may be lost when printed out. Check your scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that you have the correct settings.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks details...

Scanning at too low of a resolution commonly causes this problem. Since lose of information during the process is inevitable, lower resolution settings will detect even less image data. Check the resolution settings; they may need to be set higher.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image display is too large or too small on the screen...

Images displayed on the screen are related to the monitor's resolution settings. To change your display resolution:

1.	Right click on an empty space on your desktop.

2.	From the Windows Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab.

3.	From the Desktop area, drag the slider to higher resolution for small sized images or lower resolution for larger ones.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has patterns...

Patterns on a scanned image are caused by scanning a previously halftoned image or changing the size of a scanned image in an application. Try the following suggestions:

Avoid sharpening when halftoning.

Scan halftone images in the right direction to avoid rotating after scanning.

Select halftone diffusion to scan previously halftoned images when using a desktop printer as an output device.

Lower the resolution by a small amount when scanning grayscale or color images.

Place one or more sheet protectors on the scanner glass when scanning original artwork. Put the image to scan face down on top of the sheet protectors.

Try using scaling in your scanner to change the image size before bringing it into an application.

   Other common scanning problems


If you're scanning an image that's taking too long...

The scanning process time depends on the produced file size of the image being scanned, scanner settings, and your computer's configuration, such as the RAM, CPU, hard drive, and bus speed. Try the following steps to control the speed without changing your computer's configuration:

1.	Check the file size of the pre-scanned image. Larger files take longer processing time.

2.	Select only the portion needed.

3.	Choose the best resolution settings.

  Limit the image size when possible

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


How much resolution is enough

When scanning, the relationship between your scanner and the output device to use is important in determining the resolution. The following suggestions may be helpful in deciding:

Scan for the intended output device. For monitors, use 72 dpi (Windows large fonts)-96 dpi (Windows small fonts), laser printers 300-600 dpi, and photo-quality 1200-2400 dpi.

Scan at higher resolution (2x the original) when doing extensive image processing to work with as much information as possible.

Scan at higher resolution when enlarging the image to scan.

Scan at 1.5 to 2x the intended halftone screen's lines per inch when sending the file to a post production house to create halftones.

   Other scanning tips


If your scanned image is too light or too dark...

1.	Check if your scanner have a brightness control feature. If yes, use it to adjust the brightness. If none or if after adjusting you're still not satisfied with the result, continue with the next step.

2.	Check your scanner calibration to adjust the color differences between your scanner and the output devices.

3.	Use the scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors.

   Other common scanning problems


How to calculate the resolution for output devices

The relationship between your scanner and output device is important in choosing the right resolution. Scanners reproduce grayscale and color variations by increasing the amount of data for each pixel (or dot) in a picture. Printers however, simulate grayscale and color variations by arranging dots into larger ones called halftone cells. Desktop laser printers generate 53 halftone cells per inch, whereas high-resolution image setters print up to 133 halftone cells per inch. While printer dots are typically measured in dots per inch (dpi), halftone cells are measured in lines per inch (lpi). Use this formula in calculating the resolution to use in scanning grayscale and color images for your output device.

1.	Multiply the lpi (lines per inch) setting of your output device by one and a half.

2.	Set the result to be the dpi setting for the scanner. For example, if your final output device is a desktop laser printer, that will be 53 x 1.5 to get the dpi setting for the scanner. In this example, the appropriate dpi is 80. (Round off decimals.)

   Other scanning tips


Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)

Some scanners provide a 36-bit scanning capability for color images, and 16-bit scanning capability for grayscale images. This feature allows you to capture additional data from the image.

The additional data captured results in better image quality. However, most software applications, including Photo Express, support only 24-bit files.

Shadow detail is captured better. This is useful when scanning darker images. It also improves the results when the original image is poorly exposed.

Gaps resulting from the tone mapping process are minimized.

   Other scanning tips


In scanning, the tones of the original image are mapped to the modified tones in the scanned image. When the range of input tones is smaller than the output tones, this results in gaps in mapping of the scanned image. Gaps cause color problems in the scanned image and are most apparent in grayscale images. A 36-bit internal scanner's range of input tones exceeds the range of output tones, thus eliminating gaps in the mapping process, resulting in more continuous and high-resolution tones in the scanned image.


Take pictures of nearby subjects

Make sure the subject of your photograph is not too far away. Unlike regular cameras, digital cameras have a fixed resolution for the photographs they take. If your subject is more than 30 feet away, it probably will not be clear in your photograph. As a rule, distances between 5 and 15 feet are best for digital photographs.

   Other photography tips


Make sure you have adequate lighting

Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography also. If your subject is too dark for your regular camera, it is probably too dark for the digital one also. And unlike regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds, so the option of exposing an image longer in dark environments is not available. Check your camera's operator's guide for details on the optimal lighting requirements for your camera.

   Other photography tips


Focusing your camera

Many digital cameras have advanced auto-focus features to help you capture the best possible photo with the least difficulty. But sometimes the lighting or other conditions make it difficult for your camera to focus effectively. Here are some ways to make sure the subjects of your pictures are as clear as possible:

Low contrast, Strong backlight, or Bright reflections If any of these conditions exist, focus on another subject that is about the same distance from you and lock the focus on that subject. Then return to your subject to take the picture. (See your camera's user manual for how to lock the focus.)

Parallel lines If your subject consist of many horizontal lines, (for example steps or a ladder), rotate the camera 90-degrees to focus. Then return the camera to the correct angle and take the picture.

Multiple distances If the subjects of your photo are at different distances from you, focus on the one that is most important to take the picture. (If you focus on a subject in between your primary subjects, chances are both subjects will be out of focus.)

   Other photography tips


If your camera doesn't work...

Chances are , it is just a small oversight that is preventing you from using your camera. Check the following to make sure everything is OK:

1.	Are your batteries installed properly and charged? Check and replace them if necessary. It is always a good idea to have a spare set of fully charged batteries handy when you use your camera. (Note: Always replace all the batteries with a fully charged set. Doing partial replacements with batteries holding different levels of charge can lead to unstable camera operation and shorten the lives of all your batteries.)

2.	Are you using the correct kinds of batteries? Check your camera's user manual to make sure the batteries in your camera are the right type.

3.	The contacts between the batteries and the camera are dirty. Remove the batteries and, using a clean, dry cloth, carefully wipe the batteries and the camera contacts to remove dirt and other foreign particles. Then replace the batteries in the compartment.

   Other common digital camera problems


The batteries are OK, but the camera still won't shoot...

Take a moment or two to make sure your camera is set up properly to take pictures:

1.	Make sure your lens cover is off.

2.	Check to see if your storage device is properly inserted into the camera.

3.	Make sure you have enough space available in the storage device for another picture. (It is always a good idea to keep at-least one extra storage device with you at all times.)

4.	If you are taking indoor flash photographs, make sure the flash is fully charged. Most cameras have a flash indicator that tells when the flash is ready and when it is recharging.

   Other common digital camera problems


The batteries seem to run out too quickly...

The rate at which battery power gets used depends on several conditions. Here are some things to check and be aware of:

Temperature Batteries get used up faster in extreme temperatures. If you plan to take pictures in sub-freezing or extremely hot conditions, your battery life may be affected. Some cameras may accept specially designed batteries for these times. Check your camera's user guide for more.

Poor charging practices Recharging partially used batteries often shortens the total length of a charge. Make sure you fully discharge your batteries before charging them again.

Old batteries If you haven't used your batteries for a long time, they may be "stale" discharge and then charge them again to "freshen them up."

Dead batteries If you have used these batteries many times, it is possible that they can no longer hold a charge. Buy a new set of rechargeable batteries.

   Other common digital camera problems


Taking pictures using the flash

Flash photography is pretty easy using today's modern cameras. Still, there are a few tricks you can learn to enhance your ability to take the best possible photographs.

Avoiding "Red Eye" "Red Eye" occurs when your subject's eyes have trouble adjusting to the change in lighting due to the camera's flash. There are a couple ways to correct this. First, if your camera has a "no red eye" flash setting, use it when you take flash photographs. This causes the flash to blink rapidly before the camera takes the picture, thus enabling your subject's eyes to adjust to the light. If your camera does not have this feature, use the Touch-Up: Red Eye function in the Edit: Adjust group of Photo Express if you need to fix the problem after you take the picture.

Washed out pictures Most professional photographers try to avoid shooting any kind of flash photography straight on. This is because the flash often creates unwanted shadows and washes out other important parts of the photograph. By supplementing the light with outside sources, and by diffusing the light through large screens, you can prevent this problem from occurring. But for most of us, this is an expensive and complicated procedure. Fortunately, Photo Express offers an alternative: Use the Color Balance and Brightness & Contrast commands in the Edit: Adjust group to fix up your photo after you take it.

Shooting through glass Try not to take flash pictures of subject behind glass or other reflective surfaces head on. The light from your flash will most likely make your subject appear unclear, and will almost certainly fill your picture with an unwanted bright spot. You can avoid this by shooting these types of pictures at an angle. For best results, try shooting at an angle of greater than 60-degrees.

   Other photography tips