Copyright: Xequte Software
Citation: Copyright Xequte Software 2000


Introduction


  Smart Pix Manager Help

Introduction

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Smart Pix Manager Features

•	Ten Minute Tutorial

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

Smart Pix modes

•	Overview

•	Database mode

•	Folders mode

•	Bookmarks mode

Keys, Toolbars, etc.

•	Smart Pix Main Screen

•	Toolbars

•	Menu Bar

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Mouse Shortcuts

•	Status Bar

Viewing files

•	Overview

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Full-Screen Mode

•	Opening files in new windows

•	Running Slideshows and Multishows

•	Displaying File Information

•	Printing Files

Thumbnails and Files

•	Overview

•	Printing and Exporting File Lists

•	Printing and Exporting Thumbnail sheets

•	Creating HTML Thumbnail Indexes

Working with the Smart Pix Database

•	Overview

•	Adding files to your database

•	Working with Keywords

•	Adding Descriptions to your Files

•	Setting the DB Storage Method

•	Updating your database

•	Checking for Duplicate Files

•	Changing your Database Settings

•	Maintaining your source folders

•	Using Multiple Databases

•	Importing Database entries

•	Exporting of Database entries

File Management

•	Overview

•	Renaming files

•	Moving and Copying Files

•	Deleting Files

•	Folder Management

•	Monitoring a folder for added files

•	Launching Files to an External Editor

•	E-mailing Files

Editing Images

•	Overview

•	Rotating and Flipping Images

•	Resizing Images

•	Cropping Images

•	Color Effects

•	Editing Animated GIFs

•	Batch Conversion of Images

•	Acquiring images from a Camera/Scanner

Setting Options

•	Overview

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

Specifying Supported Formats

•	Overview

•	Supported Formats

Advanced Database Usage

•	Managing your Databases

•	Back up and restoration of your database files

•	Using Relative Paths

•	Distributing a Smart Pix Database on CD-ROM

•	Sharing a Smart Pix Database on a Network

Registration and Licensing

•	What is registration?

•	Why should I register?

•	How can I register?

•	Registration Form

•	Licensing Details

About Smart Pix Manager

•	Getting Technical Support

•	Feedback

•	Getting Program updates

•	Acknowledgements


  What is Smart Pix Manager?

Smart Pix Manager is a leading solution for the management and viewing of a wide variety of formats including all common images, multimedia (such as AVI, MPEG, MP3), Office formats (such as Word and Excel), text and web pages.

Smart Pix builds a database of your multimedia collection and allows you to rapidly search and categorize files through the use of keywords and descriptions.  Smart Pix offers the fastest keyword assignment tools with such automatic functions as generating keywords from folder names and MP3 text fields.

Smart Pix offers advanced file security including database encryption, password protection and even the ability to browse files in encrypted zips.

Databases can be shared across a network and support for off-line sources is included (e.g. prompting you to input the correct CD-ROM).

An extensive list of other functionality is available including file management, image editing and conversion, camera acquisition and HTML and Thumbnail sheet creation.

Smart Pix Manager Feature Summary:

Supports all common image formats, such as JPEG, GIF, Animated GIF and BMP, Video files, such as AVI and MPEG, Sound files, such as MP3 and WAV, as well as Office formats, Adobe Acrobat, text and HTML files

Creates and maintains a database of your files and allows you to assign and remove multiple keywords against each file

Supports AND/OR searching for files of specified keywords

Allows you to add a text description to your files, these descriptions can be searched

Advanced thumbnail display, printing and exporting functionality, including the ability to create thumbnail sheets and text file description lists

HTML Creation Wizard allows you to rapidly create web sites with image indexes allowing you to browse your images with a web browser or publish them to the Internet

Simple to use, including batch functionality for input of files and keyword assignment and removal.   If your image collection is already sorted into folders you can add initial keywords to all your files in minutes

Optional password restricted access (Database is encrypted!)

 	Optional storage of image files with false extensions (such as .SPM) to make them invisible to other users/programs

Optional storage of files within the database for high security

Allows you to scan and remove duplicate files from your collection

Also supports standard browsing of files on your computer system

Zip Support: Browse files within Zips (including encrypted ones) as if they are normal folders

Viewing and editing of MP3 tags (such as Artist, song title, musical genre etc), including auto insertion of MP3 tags as keywords

Watch Folder function automatically displays files when saved to a specified folder by another application, such as a newsgroup downloader

Slideshow feature allows you to display files in standard or random order (optionally with background music and transition effects)

Multishow feature simultaneously displays multiple images in a slideshow

Various file display modes, including Thumbnails, Icons and Full File Details, with full support for grouping and sorting of files

Image manipulation functions including rotate, flip, resize, crop and various filters and effects

Supports acquisition of images from USB and Twain-compliant scanners and digital cameras

Files can be launched into new windows, and new windows toggled through with a single key

Files can be bookmarked for later viewing or saving as a file collection

Complete support for Drag and Drop of files and folders between Windows Explorer and other applications.

Distributable Database format allows Smart Pix to be shipped on Image CD-ROM's

Support for editing of animated GIF's, Multi-Page TIFF's and AVI frame display and video capture

Display of embedded (EXIF) information within images from digital cameras

Free Plug-In provides support for "Red Eye" removal and Lossless JPEG rotation and cropping

Forwarding of files via E-mail with auto-convert and resize options for faster sending

All standard file and folder management functionality and image conversion features, including batch renaming and batch image conversion

Also:

•	Ten Minute Tutorial

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

•	Information on registering Smart Pix


 Ten Minute Tutorial

Smart Pix offers such a breadth of functionality that it can be quite daunting at first glance.  The key to understanding Smart Pix is grasping how its database works.

Lesson 1: The Smart Pix Database

Smart Pix uses a database to store information about the files on your computer.  The database contains a list of the folders where you have files (you tell Smart Pix which folders to use), these are called your Source Folders.

E.g. it might look like this

C:\My Pictures\Porsche

C:\My Pictures\Porsche\Racing

C:\My Pictures\FerrariC:\My Pictures\Mercedes

When you give Smart Pix a new Source Folder, it will look at the folder and create a list of all the files it contains, e.g.

C:\My Pictures\Porsche

Boxster.jpg

pawshpic.gif

Fast_Porsche.jpg

911.png

C:\My Pictures\Porsche\Racing

racingpic.jpg

winning.gif

overtake.gif

C:\My Pictures\Ferrari

Red GTO.gif

etc.

So Smart Pix now has a list of files on your computer (all the files in the folders that you told Smart Pix were Source Folders).  Note that Smart Pix isn't actually storing the files, it is just storing information on where the files are on your hard drive.

Now all of this would be pointless were it not for Keywords.  Keywords are words or phrases you use to describe your file.  Each file can have as many keywords as you like.  For example for an image of a red Porsche 911, you might assign the keywords; 'Red', 'Porsche', 'German', Being Raced'.

So our database might now look something like this (in actuality the database isn't stored like this, as it uses relational tables to make it more efficient, but this is the easiest way to conceptualize it):

C:\My Pictures\Porsche\

Boxster.jpg

German

Porsche

Red

Boxster

US Release

pawshpic.gif

German

Porsche

959

Red light racing

silver

Fast_Porsche.jpg

German

Porsche

200 mph +

959

Rally release

etc..

These keywords can be searched upon once you have assigned them to your files.  For example, to locate all your images of German racing cars, or all supermodels wearing bikini, or for whatever your image collection may be.

Assigning keywords need not be a chore either.  If you already have your images organized into folders then Smart Pix lets you assign default keywords for each of your source folders, for example the folder, C:\My Pictures\Porsche, might have the default keywords: German and Porsche.  Then whenever files from that folder are added to your database, these keywords will be assigned to them.

To add keywords for a file, you will need to display the keyword selector using View|Flyover Tools|Keywords (or View|Keyword

Selector if you are using the Simplified Interface Option).

So the key to the database is:

1.	Telling Smart Pix where your files are, i.e. nominating the folders on your computer with images as your Source Folders.

2.	When you do this Smart Pix will create a list of all the files in your Source Folders

3.	Adding keywords to your files

If you are still having trouble getting your head around it, a good analogy is a school pupil list.  The headmaster (= you) gives her assistant a list of all the classrooms (= Source Folder list).  The assistant (=Smart Pix) goes to each classroom and makes a list of all the students in the class (= list of image files).  For each student you add a list of the subjects they take (= keywords).  This is all punched into a computer so now the headmaster can see at a glance all students who take 'French, English AND Latin', or 'Physics OR Chemistry', etc.

You can see and add to your list Source Folders list by selecting Database|Add new source folder Wizard..

All the files in these folders can be viewed in Database mode.  In database mode you are offered a three methods of viewing your database files:

•	Show all database files:  All the files in your database are listed

•	Search for files within DB:  Allows you to search for files of desired keywords or descriptions

•	Show files without Keywords:  This option displays all database files for which you have not yet assigned keywords

What about Folders and Bookmarks modes?

•	Folders mode is not a database mode, it doesn't care about what is in your database it just allows you to browse folders (like Windows Explorer) and see all the files in them.

•	Bookmarks mode stores a list of all the files you have 'bookmarked'.  In other words, if you are in any mode and see a picture you want to come back to, you can just click bookmark, then if you go to bookmarks mode, you will see the files you have bookmarked.

Lesson 2: File Descriptions and Find

When you first click on a file and select File|File Info you will see a blank description box.  This can be used for creating an in-depth description for particular files.  These descriptions can be viewed at any time by selecting a file and hovering the mouse over the file name area in the status bar.  You can also locate words within these descriptions by selecting Search in Database modes.

Lesson 3: Updating your Database

So, you've gone onto the 'net and downloaded 100 Pamela Anderson pics!  Or you have deleted some old files to regain some disk space and didn't use Smart Pix!  Oh no!  Now, Smart Pix tells you it can't locate xyz.jpg and you can't access your new pictures.  What to do?  EASY, select Database|Current Database|Update Database.  Smart Pix will scan your Source Folders, adding references for new files and removing references for files that no longer exist.

Lesson 4: Keyword Groups

Once you have mastered Smart Pix and have 10,000 of your favorite car pictures referenced, each with 10 or so keywords, you might find that your keyword list is too long and finding the one you desire too hard.  For this Smart Pix has optional Keyword Groups.  Keyword Groups allow you to hide all keywords under convenient headings so you only need to display the items you are looking for.

Lesson 5:  File Security

Naturally you may want to limit access to your files to other users.  For this, Smart Pix offers password protection, which limits access to your database to those people who know your password.

However this won't stop someone from browsing to your image folder and viewing the pictures with another application, so there are two image security options.

1.	False extensions:  Windows uses the extensions (that is the letters that follow the final dot in a filename, e.g. '.jpg' in 'myimage.jpg') to determine what kind of file it is.  Smart Pix allows you to change the extension from an image extension to something innocuous.  In this way if someone finds the files, they will not appear to be image files and clicking on them will not display the image.  This offers a minimal level of security, which is enough to hide images from less advanced users.

2.	Encrypted Database storage:  For top security files should be stored within the Smart Pix database.  The database is encrypted so your files can only be viewed within Smart Pix.  Smart Pix will allows you to view and manipulate the files just as quickly and easily as if they were still in their folders.  Combined with password access this offers the highest level of file security!

The easiest way to get underway with Smart Pix is to work through the items on the Getting Started dialog, just click Help|Getting Started.

Also:

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Smart Pix Manager Features

•	Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality


 Testing Smart Pix Manager Functionality

Getting Started

If you click on Help|Getting started you will be presented with a dialog which guides you through the process of getting your Smart Pix software up and running.

Using as a simple multimedia browser

1.  Select 'Folders' tab

2.  Choose a folder

3.  Select a file

4.  Zoom, perform slide shows, etc. as below

To utilize the powerful cataloguing and search features of Smart Pix

Cataloguing functionality

1.  Select 'Database|Add Files to DB Wizard' from the menu

2.  Select a folder where you have a multimedia files

3.  Select the returned folder(s) and click 'Default Keywords' to some new keywords that files from this folder have in common.  Click OK.

4.  Add some more Folders.

5.  Close the Options dialog, select the 'Database' tab to the left of the image window.

6.  From the drop down list at the top select 'Show All Database Files'

7.  Display the Keyword selector using View|Flyover Tools|Keywords (o View|Keywords Selector if you are using the simplified interface)

8.  Go through your files adding new keywords specific to particular files (multiple assignment is OK, too).

Searching functionality

1.  From the Drop down list select 'Search for files in the DB'

2.  From the next option select:

•	"Match all selected keywords" to show files on your system which match all the keywords you will specify

•	"Match any selected keywords" to show files which match any of the keywords you will specify

•	"Search for Text within files" to perform a text search within file descriptions

3.  Highlight the keywords that you want to search on.

4.  Click search

5.  A list of "hits" will appear based on your search.

Viewing functionality

•	You can zoom in on an image by pressing '+', or if it is smaller that the viewing window you can stretch it to full window size by pressing 'Ctrl' and '+'.

•	You can zoom out of an image by pressing '-' or you can shrink it to the windows size by pressing 'Ctrl' and '-'.

•	If the image size is larger than the window you can scroll the image by holding down the ALT key and using the cursors or by dragging the image with the mouse.

•	You can open files in a new file window by pressing 'N'

•	You can view full-screen by pressing 'Space'.

•	You can play the files in sequence by pressing 's' or View|Slideshow (delay between flip can be increased/decreased with the ',' and '.' keys).

•	You can rotate, resize or crop an image by selecting the relevant option under the Image menu

Also:

•	What is Smart Pix Manager?

•	Ten Minute Tutorial

•	Smart Pix Manager Features


Smart Pix modes


Overview

Smart Pix has three modes:

Database mode

Database Files mode displays all files referenced by your database and allows you to perform searches to display a particular set

Folders mode

Browse mode is for viewing the files directly on your hard drive, CD-ROM's etc.

Bookmarks mode

While browsing through your files in any of the other modes you may want to bookmark a file so you can come back to it later.  In Bookmarks mode you can view the files you have tagged during this session or load a bookmark collection from disk.

You change the mode by selecting the relevant tab to the left of the image window.


 Database Mode

Database mode is for browsing the files that you have added to your database.

At the top is a drop down box which allows you to specify how to view your database files.  There are three options:

•	Show all database files:  All the files in your database are listed

•	Search for files within DB:  Allows you to search for files of desired keywords or descriptions

•	Show files without Keywords:  This option displays all database files for which you have not yet assigned keyword

To perform a keyword search of your files:

1.  Select from the top drop-down box, 'Search for files within DB'

2.  Select your search method:

•	"Match any selected keywords" if you want to view files that have any of the keywords (Boolean OR).

•	"Match all selected keywords" if you want to only retrieve files that have all the keywords (Boolean AND)

3.  Select all the keywords that you want the returned files to contain.

For example, if you have a database of car images, where each image has a keyword for its type, color and country of manufacture.  If you have selected Red and Porsche and click on 'Match all selected' above it will return only red Porsches, if you choose 'Match any selected it will retrieve all images of cars which are red or are Porsches, e.g. red Hondas, red Lotuses, green Porsches and blue Porsches.

If you want to exclude certain keywords you also depress the 'Not' button and choose the keywords to block.

4.  Hit 'Search' to perform your query.

To perform a text search of your files:

1.  Select from the top drop-down box, 'Search for files within DB'

2.  Select "Search for text within Files"

3.  Select the field that you wish to search (usually this will be the Description Field)

4.  Enter the text you are searching for

•	Match Case?

By default the case of the search text is ignored, i.e. ;New Zealand; is considered a match for 'new zealand'.   If you prefer you can force it only return hits with the same case as your search text by checking this option.

4.  Hit 'Search' to perform your query.

You can add and remove keywords from your files, edit descriptions as well as perform normal viewing functions and file management tasks.  All panels support multiple selection.

Also:

•	Overview of Modes

•	Folders mode

•	Bookmarks mode


 Folders Mode

Folders mode enables you to browse the files on your computer (irrespective of whether they have been entered into the Smart Pix database).

Click on any folder to view its contents.

Beneath the Drive Selection box there are two panels for extra functions:

Favorites panel

'Go to..'  This will allow you change your folder to one of your 'favorite folders' or edit your favorites list.

'Add dir'  This will add the currently selected folder to your 'favorite folders list'.

Database panel

'Add file' adds a reference the current file(s) to your database.  If the current folder is not one of your source folders you will be asked if you want to add it to your list of source folders or move the selected files to one of your existing source folders.

'Add dir': adds the current folder and references to all the files it contains to your database.

You can add and remove keywords from your files, edit descriptions as well as perform normal viewing functions and file management tasks.  All panels support multiple selection.  Folder functions are available by selecting a folder and clicking on it with the right mouse button.

Note: Smart Pix will automatically update the corresponding reference if you perform any actions (such as move or delete) on files or folders that are referenced by your database.  Files referenced by your database will have the letters DB at the end of their description in the status bar.

Also:

•	Overview

•	Database Files mode

•	Bookmarks mode


 Bookmarks Mode

Bookmarks Mode is for viewing files that you have tagged during this Smart Pix session or from a Bookmark collection that you have loaded.

The bookmark tab contains the following items:

BOOKMARK FILE FUNCTIONS:

•	Bookmark File

This displays the current bookmark file, if you have not loaded a bookmark collection then it shows <default> meaning that it only contains bookmarks that you have tagged in this Smart Pix session.  If you click on the down arrow on the right a list of all your recent bookmark files will be displayed, you can load a bookmark file by selecting it.

•	Save..

Displays a list of bookmark file functions:

•	Save Bookmark File

This will save the current bookmark file to disk, if it is the <default> file you will be prompted for a file name.  Using 'Save File' is usually unnecessary, as Smart Pix will prompt you to save the current bookmark file when closing (Note: you are not prompted to save the <default> file)

•	Save Bookmark File As..

This allows you to save the current bookmark file with a new name; i.e. you might want to save a collection of favorite pictures for showing to a friend later.

•	New Bookmark File

Creates an empty bookmark file

•	Open Bookmark File

Allows you to browse for a bookmark file to open

•	Merge Bookmark File with

Adds the contents of another bookmark file to the current one

•	Delete Current Bookmark File

This will delete the current Bookmark file (not the files) from your hard disk.

BOOKMARK LIST

This is the list of all the bookmarks:

- that you have tagged in this session if it is the <default> file

- that are stored in the loaded bookmark file

BOOKMARK FUNCTIONS

•	Up/Down Buttons

The Up and Down buttons allow you to sort your slideshow into a preferred order.  Select the file whose position you want to change and then use the buttons to move it to its new location.

•	Remove

'Remove' deletes the current bookmark from the bookmark file.  It does NOT delete the original file or the reference to the file in the database.

•	Update

Update checks your bookmark file for links to files that no longer exist.

•	Wipe

This clears all bookmarks from the list.  It does NOT delete the original files, nor the references to the files in your database.

You can add and remove keywords from your files, edit descriptions as well as perform normal viewing functions and file management tasks.  All panels support multiple selection.

Note: Smart Pix will automatically update the corresponding reference if you perform any actions (such as move or delete) on files that are referenced by your database.  Files referenced by your database will have the letters DB at the end of their description in the status bar.

Also:

•	Overview

•	Database Files mode

•	Folders mode


Keys, Toolbars, etc.


Main Screen
Smart Pix Manager Interface

This is the main window of Smart Pix Manager, click on the image to find information about its different aspects:

Also:

•	Menu Bar

•	Toolbars

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Mouse Shortcuts

•	Status Bar


 Toolbars

Smart Pix Manager provides a variety of toolbars, which may be displayed depending on the current file type or mode.  You can toggle the display of toolbars by selecting View|Toolbars..

Note:  If you are using the 'Simplified Interface' option then some toolbars will be hidden.

Main Toolbar:

First File:  Move to the first file in the file grid

Previous File:  Move to the previous file in the file grid

Random:  Selects a file at random from the current folder/search

Next File:  Move to the next file in the file grid

Last File:  Move to the last file in the file grid

Next Page:  Move to the next page (when viewing a Multi-page TIFF)

Previous Page:  Move to the previous page (when viewing a Multi-page TIFF)

Slideshow:  Starts or stops the slideshow (Toggle).

Multishow:  Starts or stops the multishow (Toggle).

/	Allows you to alter the current method of displaying files

Fast Loading:  Speeds up JPEG loading by only loading the displayed pixels

Cancel Loading: Cancels image loading

Full-screen:  Shows the file in Full-screen mode (Toggle).

Open in New Window:  Launches the file in a new file window

Zoom in:  Enlarges the displayed image or video

Zoom out: Reduces the displayed image or video

Save Changes: Allows you to save changes to the current file

File Information:  Displays information on the current file and allows you to change its keywords, description and file attribute

Print:  Prints the current file

Rename: Allows you to rename the selected file(s).  If you are in Folders mode and a folder is selected then it will allow you to rename the folder.

Move:  Allows you to move the selected file(s) to a new location

Copy:  Allows you to copy the selected file(s) to a new location

Delete:  Deletes the selected file(s) and/or reference to the file(s) in the Smart Pix database.  If you are in Folders mode and a folder is selected then it will allow you to delete the folder

Email Files: Allows you to forward the selected file(s) to another person via e-mail

Edit Files:  Launches the file into the editor that you have specified for this file type

Bookmark File:  Adds selected file(s) to the current bookmark list

Help:  Displays this help file.

Exit:  Quits Smart Pix Manager

File Grid Toolbar:

The File Grid toolbar appears beneath the file grid and allows you to manipulate the displayed files

Grid Settings:  Click this option to choose the display settings for the grid, such as sort order, filtered file types, etc

Grid Full Screen:  Displays the File Grid full screen

Show Preview (Full Details mode Only):  Displays the file description below the filename

Show Grouping Area (Full Details mode Only):  Shows an area where you can group files by dragging and dropping

Show Column Selector (Full Details mode Only): Shows a list of all the available columns which can be added to the display

Set Column Widths (Full Details mode Only): Allows you to set the column width of the displayed files

Select All:  Marks all files as selected

Expand All (Full Details mode Only): Expands all collapsed groups

Collapse All (Full Details mode Only): Collapses all expanded groups

Image Editing Toolbar:

The image editing toolbar is displayed when an image file is selected

Drag Image:  Allows you to scroll an image by clicking it and dragging

Zoom Selection:  Allows you to zoom into an area of your image by selecting it

Rectangular Selection:  Allows you to select a rectangular area of your image for editing

Polygon Selection:  Allows you to select an irregular shaped area of your image for editing

Elliptical Selection:  Allows you to select an elliptical area of your image for editing

Select Color:  When you click on an image the area contain the same color as that you clicked will be selected

Cut Image Selection:  Will cut the selected area of image and copy it to the clipboard

Copy Image (Selection):  If the image is selected then the selected portion will copied to the clipboard, otherwise the entire image will be copied to the clipboard

Paste to Selection:  An image will be pasted from the clipboard and stretched to fit the area of image that you have selected

Undo Changes:  Will undo the last change to your image

Rotate Left:  Will rotate the image 90 degrees anticlockwise

Rotate Right:  Will rotate the image 90 degrees clockwise

Rotate/Transform:  Allows you to rotate the image to a specific degree or flip it vertically or horizontally

Crop Image to Selection:  Removes the section of image around your selection (i.e. only the image selection will remain)

Resize Image:  Allows you to specify new dimensions for the image.  The image will then be shrunk or stretched to fit your specified dimensions

Color Effects:  Allows you to modify the colors of the current image

Acquire Image from Camera/Scanner:  Allows you to retrieve images from Twain-compliant devices

Text Editing Toolbar:

The text editing toolbar is displayed when a text file is selected

Word Wrap:  Limits the width of the text to the size of your text window so that you can view it without scrolling horizontally

Cut Text:  Will cut the selected text and copy it to the clipboard

Copy Text: Will copy the selected text to the clipboard

Paste:  Text on the clipboard will be pasted to the current position

Undo Changes:  Will undo your last change

Font Name:  Allows you to choose a font for the selected text*

Font Size:  Allows you to specify the size of the selected text*

Font Color:  Allows you to specify the color of the selected text*

Bold:  Makes the selected text Bold*

Italics:  Italicizes  the selected text*

Underline:  Underlines the selected text*

Left Align:  Aligns the selected text to the left of the document*

Center Align:  Centers the selected text within the document*

Right Align:  Aligns the selected text to the right of the document*

Add Bullets:  Adds bullets to the selected text*

* These options are only available with rich text.  If you are editing a plain text file you will be prompted to convert the file to rich text.

Other Toolbars:

•	Multimedia Toolbar

•	Slideshow Toolbar

•	Toolbar in New Windows

Also:

•	Menu Bar

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Mouse Shortcuts

•	Status Bar


 Menu

FILE MENU (functions related to the selected files)

File Information	Displays information on the selected file and allows you to view and edit the description for the file

----------

New	Allows you to create new image files, text files, folders or bookmark lists

Save	Saves changes to the current file

Save as...	Saves changes to the current file with a new filename

----------

Bookmark File  	Adds selected file(s) to the current bookmark list

DB Storage Method  	Allows you to modify the way the selected file(s) is referenced by the database

----------

Rename	Rename current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Move File	Move the current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Copy File	Copy the current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Delete	Delete current file(s) and/or reference(s)

Print	Print current file(s)

E-mail File	Forwards the selected files via e-mail

Print	Prints the current file

----------

Watch Folder	Monitors a specified folder and displays any files that are added

----------

Supported Formats	Allows you to specify which formats you would like Smart Pix Manager to display and support

Options	Allows you to set program options

----------

Exit	Closes Smart Pix Manager

DATABASE MENU (functions related to the current database)

Database Info 	Settings and statistical information for the current database

----------

New Database	Allows you to create a new database

Open Database	Allows you to open an existing database

Reopen	Provides a list of recently used Folders to open

Import and Export..

Import..	Allows you to import database entries from a text file

Export..	Allows you to export database entries to a text file

Back Up	Exports your database to a back up file

----------

Add Files to DB Wizard	Displays a wizard to assist you in adding files to your database

----------

Settings and Source Folders

Displays your database settings and current list of File Source Folders

Update Database	Checks your source folders for new or deleted files

Check for Duplicate Files 	Scan files referenced by your database and advises you of any that are identical

----------

Manage Databases	Allows you to move, copy or delete databases

EDIT MENU (functions for manipulating the displayed file)

Undo Changes	Undoes the last performed action

----------

Cut	Cut the image selection/selected text to the clipboard

Copy	Copy the image/image selection/video frame/selected text to the clipboard

Paste	Paste image to selection/Paste text to current position

Paste as New Image	Paste an image from the clipboard as a new image

----------

Open in Editor	Opens the selected file(s) in an editor

----------

Acquire from Camera/Scanner	Allows you to insert files into your database or hard drive by acquiring them from a Twain compliant scanner or digital camera

VIEW MENU (functions changing the display of files and the interface)

Open in New Window	Launches the file in a new file window

Display Full-Screen	Displays the file using the full-screen

----------

Slideshow	Display the files in an automated sequence

Multishow	Display multiple images in an automated sequence

----------

Zoom	Increase or decrease the image or video size

Shrink All to Window	Reduce images/videos to fit in the available window (toggle)

Stretch All to Window	Enlarge images/videos to take advantage of available window space (toggle)

----------

Toolbars	Allows you to choose which toolbars are displayed

Flyover Tools	Allows you to choose which flyover tools are displayed

Menu Visible	Allows you to toggle the display of the menu

Status Bar Visible	Allows you to toggle the display of the Status Bar

Reset Settings	Returns all display settings to their default

THUMBNAIL MENU (Settings and functions related to Files and Thumbnails)

File Display	Allows you to specify how the files should be displayed

File Sorting	Allows you to specify the sorting of the displayed files

File Type Filter	Limit display of files to a specified type, such as images or videos

----------

Print/Export File Lists	Allows you to print or save text information on files in the current mode

Print/Export Thumb Sheets	Allows you to print or save thumbnail sheets for files in the current mode

Create HTML Thumbnail Index	Displays the HTML creation wizard so that you can create HTML indexes of files in the current mode

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Add custom thumbnail to file	Allows you to browse for an image to use as a thumbnail for the current file

Use selection as thumbnail	If you have selected a portion of an image, this functions sets the selection as the image's thumbnail

Use displayed as thumbnail	If you are viewing an HTML or text file you can use the page as it is displayed as the thumbnail for the file

Capture video frame as thumbnail

Sets the current frame of the video as the thumbnail for the displayed file

IMAGE MENU (functions relevant to Image files)

Fast Loading	Speeds up JPEG loading by only loading as many pixels are as displayed

----------

Cursor Action	Allows you to specify what function the cursor has

----------

Image Attributes	Allows you to view and change the attributes of the file, such as its size and color depth

Edit Image

Rotate Image Left	Rotates the image 90 deg. anticlockwise

Rotate Image Right	Rotates the image 90 deg. clockwise

Rotate and Flip Image	Allows you to do a custom rotation or flip the image horizontally or vertically

Resize Image	Resizes the image to new dimensions

Crop Image to Sel.	Remove everything outside of the selection rectangle from the image

Insert Text into Image	Allows you add a block of text to the current image which will be displayed when anybody views it

Merge Image	Allows you to merge the contents of the image with another one

Color Effects

Auto Color Enhance	Maximizes the contrast of the image

Adjust Colors	Lets you perform custom color adjustments

Image Effects	Lets you perform custom image effects

Sharpen Image	Makes a blurred image appear more sharp

Grey Scale	Converts the image to grey scale

Negative	Creates a negative of the image

Set Image as Wallpaper	Allows you to set the current desktop wallpaper to the displayed image

Edit Animated GIF..	Allows you to edit the frames of an animated GIF

Edit TIFF Pages..	Allows you to edit the pages of a multi-page TIFF

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Batch Conversion	Allows you to automatically convert and perform other functions on a set of images

MULTIMEDIA MENU (functions relevant to multimedia files)

Capture video frame to file	Allows you to save the current frame of a video as an image file

Edit MP3 Tags...	Allows you to view and edit the tags of an MP3 file (fields such as Artist, Song Title, Musical Genre which are embedded in MP3 files)

View AVI Frames	Allows you to view the individual frames of an AVI file

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Multimedia Controls	Controls for controlling the playback of a multimedia file

TEXT MENU (functions relevant to text files)

Wrap Text	Limits the width of the text to the size of your text window so that you can view it without scrolling horizontally

WINDOW MENU (for manipulation of the program Windows)

Close all Windows	This will close all windows except the main one

Add all to Bookmarks	This will add the filename of each open file to the current bookmark list

HELP MENU (program help and registration information)

Contents	Show Help contents

Search for Help on...	Search for keywords in Help

Keyboard Shortcuts	Information on the Smart Pix keys

Troubleshooting FAQ	Provides some answers to Frequently Asked Questions

----------

Go to the Xequte site	Opens your web browser at www.xequte.com

Register Online	Opens your web browser at our online registration page

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Tip of the Day	Displays a random Tip of the Day

Getting Started	Display the getting started dialog

Registration Info	Information on registering Smart Pix

About..	Information about Smart Pix

Also:

•	Smart Pix Main Screen

•	Toolbars

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Mouse Shortcuts

•	Status Bar


 Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigation:

Cursor Left/Up	Previous File

Cursor Right/Down	Next File

PageUp/PageDown	Moves to the previous/next screen of files

Home/End	First/Last File

8/2/4/6

or Alt+Arrow keys	Scroll Image Up/Down/Left/Right

*  or  /	Select file at random

Backspace	Move up to higher folder

Ctrl + A	Selects all files in the current mode

W	Toggles through all open file windows.

Shift + W	Switches to the main Smart Pix window

Ctrl + W	Close all file windows (except the main one)

Viewing:

Space	Toggles Full-screen view On/Off

A    	Hide everything except the image (toggle)

-	Zoom out of image or video

Ctrl and '-'	Toggles shrink to fit

+	Zoom in of image or video

Ctrl and '+' 	Toggles stretch to fit

0 on Numeric Keypad	During loading: Cancel current load

While inactive: Reloads current file

N	Opens the file in a new file window

P	Play/Pause the Multimedia File

Ctrl+F	Fast Image Loading

Slideshow:

S	Toggles Slideshow On/Off

<	Decrease delay between file flip

> 	Increase delay between file flip

File Functions:

Alt+Enter	Display file information for the current file

Delete	Delete file(s) reference and/or original file, or a folder

Shift+Delete	Delete file(s) reference and/or original file, or a folder (without using the Recycle Bin)

Ctrl+S	Save changes to the current file

F2	Rename File/folder

B/Alt+B	Add/Remove Bookmarks for the current file(s)

Ctrl+P 	Print file or thumbnails

X	Move the selected file(s)

C	Copy the selected file(s)

Database Functions:

K	Display the Keyword Flyover Tool

D	Display the Description Flyover Tool

Ctrl+K	Edit Keywords

Alt+K	Create new keyword

Ctrl+I	Insert the select file(s) into the database

Ctrl+R	Remove the select file(s) from the database

Editing Functions:

Ctrl+X	Cut the image selection/selected text to the clipboard

Ctrl+C	Copy the image/image selection/video frame/selected text to the clipboard

Ctrl+C	Paste image to selection/Paste text to current position

Ctrl+Z	Undo the previous action

Alt+R	Rotate or Flip Image

Alt+S	Resize Image

Alt+C	Crop Image

Ctrl+E	Launch the selected file(s) in an external editor

Ctrl+B	Set the selected text as Bold

Ctrl+I	Italicize the selected text

Ctrl+U	Underline the selected text

Application View Settings:

Ctrl+M	Toggles display of menu (Not available in Full Screen mode)

Ctrl+B 	Toggles display of status bar

Ctrl+Esc 	Reset view options to default

F12	Minimizes the application (Boss key)

Other:

F5	Update the file display (in Folders Mode)

F1  	Help (context sensitive)

Alt+F4 	Exit Smart Pix Manager

Also:

•	Smart Pix Main Screen

•	Toolbars

•	Menu Bar

•	Mouse Shortcuts

•	Status Bar


Mouse Shortcuts

Mouse Drag and Drop Shortcuts:

Smart Pix supports drag drop integration with Explorer and any other OLE compliant applications:

Dragging from Smart Pix:

•	Dragging from the file box in Folders or Bookmarks mode will copy, move or link to a file

•	Dragging from the file box in Database mode will copy or link to a file

•	Dragging from the folder box in Folders mode will copy, move or link to a folder

Dragging to Smart Pix:

•	Dropping a file on the file or folder box in Folders mode will copy, move or link to a file or folder

•	Dropping files or folders onto the file box in Database mode will add them to the database

•	Dropping files onto the file box in Bookmarks mode will create bookmarks to the files

•	Dropping a file on the Smart Pix image window or title bar will display the file

Dragging within Smart Pix:

•	Dragging and Dropping Bookmarks within the Bookmark box will allow you to change their order

•	Dragging and Dropping files and folders within the folder box and between the folder box and the file box will move or copy the file or folder.

•	Dragging and Dropping keywords from the All Keywords box to the Keywords of Image box will add the keyword(s) to the selected file(s).

•	Dragging and Dropping keywords from the Keywords of File box to the All Keywords box will remove the keyword(s) from the selected file(s).

Mouse Double-click Shortcuts:

•	On the file	Hide everything bar the image

•	On a filename	Display the file in Full-screen mode

•	On the Toolbar	Hide the Toolbar

•	On the Status Bar	Hide the Status Bar

•	On a keyword (in Search mode)

Perform Search

•	On a keyword (Keyword Toolbar, Keywords of File)

Remove keyword from selected file(s)

•	On a keyword (Keyword Toolbar, All Keywords)

Add keyword to selected file(s)

•	On a folder (in Move/Copy Dialog or Quick Move)

Move or copy to selected folder

•	On an image in a new file window

Toggles Simple Window mode

•	On a filename in Windows Explorer

Will display the file in Smart Pix, even if Smart Pix is already running (Note: Only if you have set Smart Pix as the default viewer for that file type).

Mouse Wheel Shortcuts:

(requires compatible mouse, such as Microsoft Intellimouse, and the 'Enable wheel mouse' setting selected under Options)

•	During Full-Screen mode:	Browses forward/backward though files

•	During a slideshow:	Increases/decreases the flip delay

Also:

•	Smart Pix Main Screen

•	Toolbars

•	Menu Bar

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Status Bar


 Status Bar

The status bar is very handy, though if you wish to save screen real estate you can toggle its display by pressing Ctrl+B.

It has four sections:

1. 	Zoom Options

The leftmost section will display a '-' symbol if you have shrink to fit enabled, a '+' symbol if you have stretch to fit enabled, or both symbols if both are enabled.  If you click on this section you can toggle these settings or perform zoom.

For Text files a 'Wrap' icon will be displayed if you have word wrap enabled.  You can toggle the setting by clicking here

2.	Zoom Factor/Progress Display

The second section displays the zoom factor of the current file.

Also during file loading it displays a bar graph showing load progress for the current file.

Finally, during other functions, such as rotation, file deletion the bar graph will display their progress.

3. 	File Selection Information

The third section displays:

•	Normally:  how many files are currently selected of the total number of files available.

•	In slideshow or Full-screen mode:  which file is currently selected of the total number of files.

•	When changing slideshow delay:  If you change the slideshow delay (such as with the < and > keys) it displays the number of seconds between file flip.

•	When changing Animated GIF delay:  If you change the animated GIF delay (with the < and > keys) the new setting for that file will be displayed

4.	File Information

The rightmost section displays the name and full path of the selected file, as well as other information such as image dimensions, or multimedia length.  In Folders or Bookmarks mode the letters DB will also appear if the displayed file is also referenced by the database.

Hovering the mouse over the file information section will give you the description of the file.

Also:

•	Smart Pix Main Screen

•	Toolbars

•	Menu Bar

•	Keyboard Shortcuts

•	Mouse Shortcuts


Viewing Files


 Viewing Files Overview

Navigation:

•	Right cursor takes you to the next file in the file list box

•	Left cursor takes you to the previous file in the file list box

•	* or / key selects a file at random from the list box

•	Home takes you to the first file in the file list box

•	End takes you to the last file in the file list box

•	PageUp takes you back several files

•	PageDown takes you forward several files

•	You can also browse forward/backward through files using a mouse wheel in full-screen mode (you need to have selected the setting under Options)

 Full-Screen Mode

Press 'Space' for Full-Screen Mode or 'A' to hide everything bar the image.

(There are a number of options for Full-Screen mode)

  	Image Zooming

You can zoom in and out of an image or a video using the the '+' and '-' keys.  The current zoom factor is displayed in the left panel of the status bar.  Zoom is generally performed in steps of 25%, however if you select View|Zoom|Custom or click on the zoom section of the status bar then you can enter an exact zoom factor.  Note that unlike the Stretch to fit and Shrink to fit options below, your zoom factor is only kept for the current image and will return to the default for the next viewed image.

Controls:

-	Toolbar:   /

-	Menu:  View|Zoom..

-	Keyboard: +/-

 	Stretch to Fit

If the stretch option is enabled then an image or video smaller than the window size will be stretched to take up all available window space (while keeping the aspect ratio). Stretch to fit can be toggled on or off by pressing Ctrl and '+' or clicking View|Stretch to fit.

If Stretch to Fit is enabled a '+' will appear in the leftmost section of the status bar.

Controls:

-	Menu: View|Stretch to fit

-	Keyboard: Ctrl and '+'

 	Shrink to Fit

If the shrink option is enabled then an image or video larger than the window size will be reduced to fit in the available window space (while keeping the aspect ratio).  This can be toggled on or off at any time by pressing Ctrl and '-' or by clicking View|Shrink to fit.

If Shrink to Fit is enabled a '-' will appear in the leftmost section of the status bar.

Controls:

-	Menu: View|Shrink to fit

-	Keyboard: Ctrl and '-'

 	Fast Loading

The Fast Loading function of Smart Pix Manager speeds up the loading of JPEG's when they are displayed smaller than their original size, for example if you only view your images at 50% zoom then rather than loading the full image you can speed it up by just loading half of the pixels.  If you want to zoom in on the image or edit it then Smart Pix will automatically load the original.  To enable fast loading, select Image|Fast Loading..

Controls:

-	Toolbar:

-	Menu: Image|Fast Loading..

-	Keyboard: Ctrl+F

Other:

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Full Screen Mode

•	Opening a file in a new file window

•	Slideshow and Multishow

•	File Information

•	Printing Files


 Playing Multimedia Files

Smart Pix can play a variety of Multimedia files, please see the supported formats section to learn which formats are supported and how to support further formats.

Multimedia Toolbar

When a multimedia file is loaded then the multimedia file is displayed, by default.  If you have hidden it you can re-display it using View|Toolbars|Multimedia

Rewind Multimedia File

Fast Forward Multimedia File

Play the Multimedia File

Pause Multimedia File playback

Stop Multimedia File playback

 Multimedia Position:  Indicates the current position of the multimedia file playback.  You can drag this to a new position

Loop Playback:  If this is selected then when the file reaches the end it will begin playback again.  Otherwise it stops after a single playback

  	Decrease Windows Volume

Increase Windows Volume

 	Mutes Windows Volume

Displays the Multimedia sound mixer

Edit the text fields of an MP3 file (e.g. Artist, Album)

Controls:

•	Menu:  Multimedia|Multimedia Controls

•	Keyboard:  P (Play/Pause)

Other:

•	Overview

•	Full Screen Mode

•	Opening a file in a new file window

•	Slideshow and Multishow

•	File Information

•	Printing Files


Editing MP3 Tags
 Viewing and Editing MP3 Tags

MP3 Music files often contain embedded fields that contain such information as the artist name, song and album title, musical genre, etc. Smart Pix Manager allows you to edit the tags of a selected MP3 file by clicking Multimedia|Edit MP3 Tags...

If the information is incorrect or you want to change it you can edit the tags and save them back to the MP3 file by clicking 'Save Changes'.

You can also add the Artist and Genre tags as keywords to your database by clicking 'Add as Keywords..'

If you have select multiple files then no MP3 tags will be displayed and any tags that you specify will be applied to the selected images (e.g. if you leave all fields blank except that you set Genre to 'Rock' then all selected files will have their Genre set to 'Rock' and their other fields will not change).

You can automate the addition of MP3 tags as keywords when inserting MP3 files by selecting the relevant setting in options.

Also:

•	Playing Multimedia Files


 Full-Screen Mode

Selecting View|Display Full Screen or pressing space switches to full-screen mode.  Full screen mode is used once you have performed your file search or moved to a folder where there are files you wish to view.

In full-screen mode the application is maximized and the title bar, the menu bar and the file selection panels are hidden, so that you take maximum advantage of your screen size.

Another key has a similar function, 'A' enables Full-screen mode (if you are not in Full-screen mode already) and hides everything bar the image, pressing 'A' again returns Smart Pix to normal mode.  Double-clicking the image has the same effect as the 'A' key.

You can still browse through the current folder or search hits by using the keys or buttons and all normal functions are available.  You can determine your current position in the folder or database from the second status bar panel, it will display the current file number of the total available (e.g. File# 6 of 40 means that currently the sixth file is displayed of 40 in the folder/database).

There are a number of options for Full-Screen mode.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu:  	View|Display Full Screen

•	Keyboard: 	Space

Other:

•	Overview

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Opening a file in a new file window

•	Slideshow and Multishow

•	File Information

•	Printing Files


 Opening a File in a New Window

Smart Pix allows you to launch your current file into a new window by selecting View|Open in new window button or pressing 'N'.  By using new windows you can have multiple files displayed at once and do not need to reload a file if you return to it later.

If you launch a new file window before loading has been completed, the file will be reloaded in the new window and loading cancelled in the main window.

New file windows support most viewing functions of the main window except stretch to fit.  They do not support file management functions such as move, delete, etc.

New Window Toolbar

Previous Window:  Will display the previously viewed file window

Random Window: Will randomly select a file window and display it

Next Window: Will display the next file window

Main Window:  Will display the Main Smart Pix Window

Cancel loading:  Cancels loading of the current image

 	Drag Image:  Allows you to scroll an image by clicking it and dragging

Zoom Selection:  Allows you to zoom into an area of your image by selecting it

  	Zoom in

Zoom out

 	Word Wrap:  Limits the width of the text to the size of your text window so that you can view it without scrolling horizontally

File Information:  Displays information about the file such as file size, color depth and dimensions.  It also displays and allows you to change the keywords and description for the file if it is referenced by the database.

Print File: Prints the file to your printer, automatically selecting an orientation (portrait or landscape) to obtain the largest picture.

Bookmark File:  Adds the displayed file to the current bookmark list.

Add all to Bookmarks:  Adds the filenames of all open file windows to the bookmarks list

Save Settings:  Saves the current settings for Simple Window, Stretch to Fit and Window size as the default for new windows

Help:  Displays the New Window Help page

Close: Closes this file window

Close All:  Closes all file windows except the main Smart Pix window

If a multimedia file is loaded you will also see the multimedia toolbar.

Saving your preferred settings

You can save your default settings for window size, 'Shrink to Fit' and Simple Window by right-clicking the file and selecting, 'Save current settings as default'.  All new windows will use these settings.  However if you have selected 'Resize new image windows to fit image' under Options then your window size settings will be ignored.

Manipulating File windows

W	Toggles through all open file windows (including the main window).

Up/Down Cursor	Toggles through all open file windows (excluding the main window).

Shift + W	Switches to the main Smart Pix window

Ctrl + W	Close all file windows (except the main one)

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	View|Open in New Window

•	Keyboard: 	N

Other:

•	Overview

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Full Screen Mode

•	Slideshow and Multishow

•	File Information

•	Printing Files


 Running Slideshows and MultiShows

Slideshow

The Slideshow function automatically displays your files at specified delay.

Start the slide show by selecting View|Slideshow or the 'S' key.

Multishow

The Multishow displays a slideshow with multiple images on your screen at one time.  You can set the number of images displayed in Options.

Start the slide show by selecting View|Multishow

Slideshow Toolbar:

When activating a slideshow or multishow the following toolbar will be displayed (if you have specified the relevant setting under options).

Reverse Order:  Displays the files in a reverse sequence

Forward Order:  Displays the files in their displayed sequence

Random Order:  At the end of each file display a new file will be selected at random from those available until each file has been displayed once

Continually Loop slideshow:  The loop button determines what happens when Smart Pix gets to the end of its files.  If this is not depressed then once the slideshow reaches the first file in reverse mode, the last file in forward mode or after each file has been displayed once in random mode, it stops.  In other words, enabling loop allows the slideshow to continue indefinitely.

Slideshow Delay:  The slide bar and display allow you to set the delay between file flip.  Please note that this does not include the load time, i.e. if your delay is 1 sec and your file takes 1 sec to load then in actuality the delay was 2 seconds.

Display Transition Effects:  Use the transition effects that you have selected under Slideshow options when flipping between images

Play background Music:  If you have specified a play list of sound files under Slideshow options then you can enable playback by depressing this button

Multishow File Count:  If you are displaying a multishow then you can vary the number of images displayed by clicking this button

You can change the delay during slideshow by moving the slide bar, rotating the wheel on your mouse (if you are using a compatible mouse) or pressing the < and > keys to decrease and increase delay, respectively.  When you are in full-screen mode you can determine the new delay setting by checking the second status bar panel.

You can switch between full-screen and normal mode at any time by pressing space.

Note: You can set Smart Pix to automatically run a slideshow or multishow (with the settings of when it was last run) by using the parameters /SLIDESHOW or /MULTISHOW repectively (e.g. "c:\program files\smart pix manager\smartpix.exe" /SLIDESHOW).

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	View|Slideshow/Multishow

•	Keyboard: 	S

Other:

•	Overview

•	Slideshow Options

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Full Screen Mode

•	Opening a file in a new file window

•	File Information

•	Printing Files


 File Information

The File Information dialog displays data on the file such as its dimensions and color depth. If the file is one that is referenced by your database, it also displays the keywords and descriptions for the file and allows you to change them.

You can display the dialog by selecting File|File Information or clicking Alt+Enter.

File Information

This panel displays general information on the file such as its location, DB status, file size, type, etc.

If the image has been retrieved from a digital camera then its embedded (EXIF) data will be displayed (information such as the date the photo was taken and settings of the camera). Note:  This information is lost when you re-save the image.

Keywords

If the file is referenced by your database the keywords for the file will be displayed.  You can add or remove keywords by clicking within the keywords box.  If the file is not yet in your database you can add it by clicking this box and confirming the action.

File Description

If the file is referenced by your database you can also see and change the description you have given the file.  File descriptions can also be viewed by hovering the mouse over the file in the main window.

File Attributes

These are the system attributes that are assigned to the file (generally by Windows).  You will not normally need to change these.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|File Information

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+Enter

Other:

•	Overview

•	Playing Multimedia Files

•	Full Screen Mode

•	Opening a file in a new file window

•	Slideshow and Multishow

•	Printing Files


 Printing Files

Selecting File|Print.. allows you to print the selected file(s)

Print support is provide for:

•	Images

•	Text Files

•	Office and HTML files

•	Frames from video files

Printing Images:

When printing images you have the following options

•	Automatically choose best orientation for printing

If you select this option then Smart Pix will ignore your Landscape or Portrait setting and automatically choose the orientation that delivers the largest file

•	Center Image within Page

If you select this option then the image appears in the center of the printed page, otherwise is is positioned in the top left of the page

•	Page Margin

This setting allows you to specify what proportion of the page is not used at either the top and bottom or left and right of the image

File printing may take quite a while.  Print time depends on:

•	How large the image is.  A small picture prints faster than a large one.

•	The speed of your computer and printer, amount of memory, etc.

•	The complexity of the image being printed, how many colors it contains, etc.

•	The speed of your watch.

Printing Text Files:

By default, the filename is added as a title to text files when printing.  You can disable this setting under options.

Printing Video Frames:

To print a video frame, pause it at the desired location then select File|Print..

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|Print

•	Keyboard: 	Ctrl+P

Other Viewing Information


Thumbnails and Files


 Overview of Thumbnails and Files

Smart Pix Manager provides four methods of displaying your files:

•	Full File Details

Multiple columns are displayed and you can sort items by clicking the column header, can group items by dragging the column header to the grouping area and can add and remove columns

•	Thumbnails

Thumbnails are displayed with their filename.  You can specify the size of the thumbnails under options.

•	Small Thumbs *

Thumbnails are displayed at half size with their filename, file size and dimensions (images only)

•	Filenames *

Only icons and filenames are displayed

* These options are not available if you are using the 'Simplified Interface' Option.

Exporting File Information

You can also save and print the file information and/or thumbnails.  The following options are available:

•	Print file details or Save file details to a text file

•	Print pages of thumbnails or save pages of thumbnails to an image file

•	Create a web site (HTML pages) from your files


 Printing and Exporting File Lists

The File List Dialog allows you to export details on your files to a text file or to a printer.  To display the File List Dialog select Thumbnail|Print/Export File Information

Choose which files to export information on:

•	Export information on SELECTED files

This option creates a file list for all files that you have selected

•	Export information on ALL files in this mode

This option creates a file list for all files that are displayed in the current mode

How do you want to export your text list?

•	Export the File List to a Printer

This option prints the created file list to your printer

•	Save the File List to the following file

This option saves the created file list to the specified text or HTML file

Export Fields

These are a list of all the fields that can be exported.  Check those fields that you want to export.  You can also reorder the fields using the Up and Down buttons

Include header row with field titles

If this option is set then a row will be added to the top of the file list containing all the fields names

Separate fields with the character:

This option allows you to specify the character that is used to delimit the fields within the export list.  Some programs require this to be a comma.  However a infrequently used character such as hash (#) is generally better.

Exporting File Lists for Diji Album Editor

You can create a list of filenames and descriptions to import into Diji Album Editor (v3.01 or greater, download from: http://www.xequte.com/dijialbum/).  These are the steps

1. Select the files to export in Smart Pix Manager (if you wish to maintain a specific order then Bookmark them and reorder the bookmarks)

2.  Select Thumbnails|Print/Export file list

3.  Check the 'SELECTED FILES' option and specify a filename to save to.  Leave other settings as default

4.  Run Diji Album Editor and open an album (or create a new one).

5.  Select Page|Import Pages Wizard

6.  Browse for the file you exported and follow the displayed instructions

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Thumbnails|Print/Export File List

Also:

•	Overview

•	Print pages of thumbnails or save pages of thumbnails to an image file

•	Create a web site (HTML pages) from your files


 Printing and Exporting Thumbnail Sheets

The Thumbsheets Dialog allows you to create or print pages of thumbnail indexes.  To display the File List Dialog select Thumbnail|Print/Export Thumbnail Sheets

Choose which files to export information on:

•	Create Thumbsheets for SELECTED files

If selected then thumbsheets are created only for the selected files

•	Create Thumbsheets for ALL files in this mode

If selected then thumbsheets are created for all files displayed in the current mode

•	Exclude non-image files

If checked then only images are added to the thumbsheets, otherwise non-image formats are added but only given a default graphic

How would you like to export your thumbnail sheets?

•	Export the Thumbsheets to the following printer:

If selected then the thumbsheets will be printed to the specified printer

•	Save the Thumbsheets to the following filename stem:

If selected then the thumbsheets will be saved to the specified file, if more than one file is required to export your thumbsheets then successive pages will be given an incremented filename, e.g. if your first file is mythumbs.jpg, then the second will be mythumbs2.jpg, then mythumbs3.jpg..)

Settings

•	Number of thumbnails per page

These setting will determine how many thumbnails are placed across (horizontally along the image) and down (placed vertically down the image) the page .  The higher the setting the more thumbnails will be displayed but the smaller they will appear.

•	Resolution of the image (when saving)

This determines the size of the image (in pixels) that will contain your thumbnails.  A good choice is to set this to the size of your screen.  (most screens are 800 or 1024 pixels wide and 600 or 768 pixels high)

Advanced Settings

If you click the advanced settings button you will be given the following extra options:

•	Custom Heading

By default Smart Pix creates a heading for each thumb sheet based on the mode you are in.  If you prefer you can choose the heading by selecting this option and entering your text.

•	Append the Page Number to the Heading

If you want the page number to be appended to the heading (in the format ',page x') then select this option

•	Specify Heading Font Size

By default Smart Pix determines the size of the font by the available space.  If you prefer you can specify a point size.

•	Filename Position

Allows you to specify whether the filename for the thumbnails should be shown, and if so, above or below the thumbnails

•	Specify Filename Font Size

By default Smart Pix Manager calculates an appropriate font size based on the average width of your filenames.  If you prefer you can specify a point size.

•	Use custom colors:

By default created thumb sheets will have white text on a black background (or black text on white, when printing).  If you prefer you can set your own values for the background and text color of your thumb sheet

•	Page Margins:

This setting allows you to specify what proportion of the page is not used at either the top and bottom or left and right of the image

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Thumbnails|Print/Export Thumb Sheets

Also:

•	Overview

•	Print file details or Save file details to a text file

•	Create a web site (HTML pages) from your files


 Creating HTML Image Indexes

The HTML Creation Wizard (Registered version only) allows you to create an HTML thumbnail index for all images in the current mode.  These can either be used as an index to files on your computer or to publish your images on the Internet.

To display the HTML Creation Wizard select Thumbnails|HTML Creation Wizard

Smart Pix Manager will then walk you through the options for your HTML index set.

Here is a summary of each step:

Step 1: Choose which files to include

Specify whether all files in the current mode should be included in your thumbnail index, or just the selected files.

What do you want to do with files that are not HTML compatible?

•	Only include files that can be displayed in a browser (*.gif,*.jpeg,*.jpg)

If checked then files that cannot be displayed in a browser will be ignored

•	Convert non-compatible images to JPEG

If you are creating a web site then you can optionally have all non HTML compatible images automatically converted to JPEG so that they can be displayed in a browser

Step 2: What kind of HTML Index?

Specify whether the created index will be used just on your computer for accessing of files, or for publishing onto an internet or intranet web site.

Step 3:  Specifying Save location (Web Site Publishing Only)

Specify the folder where the HTML index should be created.  All HTML, images and other required files will be copied to this folder so that you can easily publish it to the Internet

Also you will need to specify the name of the first HTML file

Step 3:  Specifying Save location (Local Indexes Only)

Specify the filename for the main HTML page, all other pages will have an incremented file name (e.g. if you first file is Index.html, your second will be Index2.html, etc)

Also specify whether the thumbnails created should be saved to the folder of the HTML pages or to same folder as the image which they relate to

Step 4:  Thumbnail Page Layout

Specify either to display thumbnail in:

•	Multiple columns:

If this option is selected then your thumbnails will appear in multiple rows and columns.  Beneath each Thumbnail will be its file name.  The description is not displayed

•	Single Column plus Description:

If this option is selected then there will only be a single row of thumbnails.  To the right of each thumbnail will be its file description

Also specify:

-	How many thumbnail should be displayed horizontally and vertically

-	Whether the filename should be displayed

-	Whether there should be a visible grid around the thumbnails

Step 5:  Thumbnail Options

•	Maximum thumbnail Size

These settings allow you to specify the maximum dimensions of the thumbnails.  As the image aspect ratio is maintained, images will generally be narrower or shorter than the value you set here.

•	Thumbnail border width

By default, all thumbnails appear with a 2 pixel border around them.  You can change this setting to your preference.

•	Thumbnail JPEG quality setting

Specify the quality setting for your JPEG thumbnails.  This does not need to be as high as you would normally use because the thumbnails are small so image degradation is not as noticeable.  A setting of 60 - 70% is recommended.

Step 6:  Page Colors

Specify your preferred colors for the created pages. The color is shown in a box to the left and the HTML value for the color to the right.

You can set the color for the following items:

•	Body Text:  Any text within the HTML file that is not a link

•	Background: The color of the HTML page

•	Links: Any links (to other files) within the document

•	Visited Links:  Any links within the document that you have previously clicked on

Step 7:  Custom Options 1

This step provides optional settings for customizing your HTML Page:

•	Use a custom heading

By default Smart Pix creates a heading for each HTML page based on the mode you are in.  If you prefer you can choose the heading by selecting this option and entering your text.

•	Add a link to your home page

If you would like to add a link to your home page or other file at the bottom of each page, then select this option.  You need to provide two values:

- 	The text for the link, e.g. 'Back to Home Page'

-	The actual link.  This will generally be a HTML file name such as 'Index.htm' (if it is in the same folder as the Thumbnail indexes), but any can be any HTML supported link, e.g.

file:///C:\Windows\Black Thatch.bmp

http://www.xequte.com/

../home.html

./about/aboutme.html

•	Use Background Image

If checked then you can specify an image to use as a background on the created HTML pages

Step 8:  Custom Options 2

•	Use custom images for your Previous/Next Page links:

If you select this option then you can specify images to use for the Previous Page and Next Page links.  Otherwise a text link is used

•	What Image should be used to create a thumbnail for non-image files:

Specify the image that will be used to create a thumbnail for formats for which a thumbnail cannot be created (i.e. non image formats)

•	Display image at same size as thumbnails

If this option is checked then the specified file will be resized to the same size as your image thumbnail.  Otherwise the file is not resized and displayed at its current size

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Thumbnail|HTML Creation Wizard

Also:

•	Overview

•	Print file details or Save file details to a text file

•	Print pages of thumbnails or save pages of thumbnails to an image file


Working with the Smart Pix Database


Overview
 Database Functionality Overview

What sets Smart Pix Manager apart from other multimedia products is its powerful database functionality which allows you to categorise and search the files in your collection.

For further information consult the following sections:

Database Functionality:

•	Adding Files to your Database

•	Working with Keywords

•	Adding Descriptions

•	Setting the DB Storage Method of your files

Maintaining your Database:

•	Updating your Database

•	Checking for Duplicate Files

•	Database Settings

•	Maintaining your Source Folders

•	Using Multiple Database

•	Importing and Exporting

Advanced Functionality:

•	Moving, Copying and Deleting Databases

•	Backing up your Database

•	Using Relative Paths

•	Distributing a Smart Pix Database on CD-ROM

•	Sharing a Database on a Network


 Adding Files to your Database

You can add new files to your database by selecting 'Database|Add Files to DB Wizard' from the menu.

1.  You are presented with a folder dialog box.

In the folder section select the folder which you wish to add to the database.  Note: Only references to the files are added, not the files themselves (unless you have selected the 'Store files in database' option)

Options:

•	Include Sub-Folders

If you wish Smart Pix to add references to files in the child folders of this folder select the 'Include sub-folders' check box.

Click OK to proceed.

2.  Select what formats you want to add

The second dialog lists your supported formats and allows you to select which formats should be added to the database

3.  Confirm your folders

The third folder lists all the folders that were located with files and allows you to exclude folders and change the default keywords.

If you select one of the listed folders then the following functions are available:

•	Edit Default Keywords

Clicking this will display the default keywords dialog.  You can specify the default keywords for the folder by adding them to the list on the right.  Any files that are added to the database from this folder (even if you add them in a later session) will be given the default keywords for the folder.

•	Skip Selected Folder

Clicking this will remove the selected folder from the processing list (i.e. no files that it contains will be added).

4.  Commencement of Insertion

If you are happy with your settings, click 'Finish' to commence insertion.

Note that as Smart Pix is only storing references to the location of the files, if you move or delete a file in an application other than Smart Pix (e.g. Explorer) it will no longer be accessible by Smart Pix (Though you can perform an update to correct this).

While the number of files that can be stored in the Smart Pix Database is very high, you are likely to experience performance problems when databases get excessively large (e.g. in excess of 30,000-40,000 files).  If you have a database of this size it is recommended you split your file collection across multiple databases.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:	 (in Folders Mode)

•	Menu: 	Database|Add Files to DB Wizard

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


 Working with Keywords

Keywords are very important in Smart Pix Manager, as they are the primary method for locating and categorizing your files.

There are two ways to add keywords to files:

•	Using the Keywords Flyover tool

Display the Keywords Flyover using View|Flyover Tools|Keywords (if you are using the Simplified interface option then the menu item is View|Keyword Selector). The keywords of the current file will be displayed in the uppermost grid.  In the lower grid all your available keywords are given.  To add keywords select them in the lower grid and click 'Add'.  To remove keywords from the selected file(s) select them in the upper gird and click 'Remove'

•	Using the File Information Dialog

Display the File Information dialog by selecting File|File Information.  You can alter the keywords for the file by right clicking the Keywords box.

Editing Keywords

To create, rename and remove keywords, click 'Edit Keywords' or right-click a keyword grid

Grouping Keywords

If you have assigned your keywords to groups you can display them within their groups (as above) by right-clicking a keyword grid and selecting 'Group Keywords'

Controls:

•	Menu: 	View|Flyover Tools|Keywords

•	Keyboard: 	K (Display Keyword Toolbar), Alt+K (New Keyword), Ctrl+K (Edit Keywords)

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


 Adding Descriptions to your Files

Smart Pix Manager supports the addition of text descriptions (without a fixed length) to your files.

There are two ways to add descriptions:

•	Using the Description Flyover tool (not available if using the Simplified Interface option)

Display the Description Flyover using View|Flyover Tools|Description. The description of the current file will be displayed and you can modify it directly.  To apply your changes to ALL selected files then click 'Set All'

•	Using the File Information Dialog

Display the File Information dialog by selecting File|File Information.  You can enter the description for the file in the appropriate box.

You can search for files with specific text within their description in Database mode

Note: You can also add or append descriptions to existing files using the Import function

Controls:

•	Menu: 	View|Flyover Tools|Description

•	Keyboard: 	D (Display Description Toolbar)

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


 Setting the DB Storage Method

Smart Pix Manager supports three ways of referencing a file by your database (plus the option of not being referenced).

To see the setting for your files display the field 'Storage Method' in the file grid (You will need to change to 'full file details' by selecting Thumbnails|File Details|Full Details).

To change the storage method of your files, select the files and click File|DB Storage Method.  You will be presented the following options:

•	No Link to the File(s) within the Database

If this option is chosen then the the links to all the selected files will be removed from the database (if they exist).  You will no longer be able to search for these files within Database mode (they will lose their keywords and description) but you can view them in Folders and Bookmarks modes.

Note:  You can also quickly a file link from the database by selecting the file(s) and clicking Ctrl+R

•	Store Link to the File(s) within the Database

This is the default option which adds a link to files (in the current location) to your database.  This allows you to add keywords and descriptions to the files and search for them in Database mode

- 	Give files a false extension so they cannot be viewed from other programs (Registered Users Only)

If checked then images (other formats will be ignored) will be renamed with a false extension (the current default false extension as specified under Files|Supported Formats), e.g. Images.jpg might be rename image.spm, in this way the files will be largely invisible to other users/programs.

•	Store the complete File(s) within the Database (Registered Users Only)

This option removes the file(s) from its folder and stores within the encrypted Smart Pix database.  It offers the same function as Linking, but improves the security because the files can only be viewed within Smart Pix Manager.  Whether the file is renamed to an irrelevant extension or deleted will depend upon your setting under options.

Options

•	Use this as the default storage method for all newly added files

If this option is checked then the option you have specified will be applied to all new files that are inserted into the database. You can choose specific options for your different file types by selecting File|Supported Formats

•	Pause conversion if error detected

If set then Smart Pix will stop every time an image is encountered and advise you.  Otherwise you are advised upon completion of any errors encountered.

Conversion Tips:

•	If you are going from normal storage to storing files within your database ensure you have enough disk space as you will need twice the size of the images being added:

•	All the files stored in the database

•	The original files, renamed to a temporary name (xyz.~jp for example)

Note: this depends on the setting you have used for DB Stored files under Database options.

•	If you are going from storing files within your database to normal storage, please note that your blob table spm_file.blb will remain at the same size until you perform a database repack using Database|Update Database.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	File|DB Storage Method

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


 Updating your database

Selecting 'Database|Update Database' from the menu displays the Update dialog.  It is recommended that you regularly perform database updates to keep your Smart Pix database and source folders aligned and to repack your database.

Update performs three functions:

1.  Adds references for new files

The first function is to go through your nominated source folders and check for new files, i.e. files you have copied to the folder but which are not presently referenced in the database.   These are entered without keywords (in Database Files mode you can highlight these new files by clicking 'Hide assigned files').

You can select which source folders Smart Pix should scan for new files.

•	Scan all Source Folders

By default Smart Pix will scan all your source folders for new files.  That is, every folder listed in the Source Folders box will be looked at and if new files are found they will be added.

•	Scan selected Source Folders

If you do not wish to scan all of your source folders you can select which to scan by setting this option.  Smart Pix will remember the list of scanned folders in case you want to use the same folders next time.

2.  Removes references for files that no longer exist

The second function is to check the folders for any files that have been deleted or moved elsewhere.  If any files cannot be located the references to them are removed from the database.

•	Ignore files in CD-ROM or network folders that are not available

If you select this option then when Smart Pix cannot locate a folder on a removable drive (e.g. CD-ROM or Zip drive) or network the files from the folder will be ignored.  If you do not have this option selected you will be prompted as to whether you want to delete this folder.  It is advised that you leave this option selected as the most likely cause for the error will be that the CD-ROM is not in your drive, it is sitting on your CD rack.

•	Ignore files in hard drive folders that cannot be located

If you select this option then when Smart Pix cannot locate a hard drive folder the files from this folder will be ignored.  If you do not have this option selected you will be prompted as to whether you want to delete this folder.

Note: if you are using Database File storage then checking for deleted folders is not available because the files are automatically kept up to date.

3.  Optimize database files

The third function, which is always performed during an update, repacks and optimizes your database.  The repack function clears deleted fields from your database tables, e.g. if you are using database file storage and you delete half of your files, the spm_file.blb database file will remain the same size until you perform a repack.

Options:

•	Update Automatically

The final check box allows you to have Smart Pix perform the update automatically, i.e. without prompting you before it deletes file and database references and adds new file references.

You can also set up Windows to schedule an update while you are not using your computer.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Update Database

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


Scheduling Updates

If you want to set Smart Pix to update your database while you are not using it, e.g. in the middle of the night, you can use a scheduler (such as the System Agent that ships with some versions of Windows).  In the scheduler enter the full path of Smart Pix Manager followed by one of the following:

•	/updatenew   Smart Pix will add references for new files, while ignoring files that cannot be located

•	/updategone  Smart Pix will remove references for files that cannot be located, but will not search for new files

•	/updateall	    Smart Pix will remove references for files that cannot be located and add references for new files

E.g. "C:\program files\Smart Pix Manager\smartpix.exe" /updatenew

Note: that Smart Pix will use the default settings and will not prompt you for confirmation, so it is advised that you only use the '/updatenew' option unless you back up regularly.


Duplicate File Checking
 Checking for Duplicate Files

Smart Pix Manager provides support for checking for duplicate files, it can monitor inserted files and compare them with existing files to ensure that the same file does not already exist (e.g. two images the same but with different filenames).

There are two ways this can be done:

•	Automatically (when inserting new files)

If you have set the relevant setting under Options then Smart Pix Manager automatically creates a checksum for the file and check for any duplicates every time you add a file to your database.  If a duplicate is found you are warned and can, optionally, delete the duplicate file.

Note:  This process will make file insertion much slower!

•	Manually

You can also scan for duplicate files at any time by selecting Database|Check for Duplicate Files.  All files referenced by your database will be checked and you will be advised of any duplicates and offered to delete them.

Note:  This function is only available in the Registered version.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Check for Duplicate Files

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview


 Database Settings

The Database settings are displayed by selecting 'Database|Settings and Source Folders'.

The settings of the currently open database are displayed:

•	Database Name: This is the name of the current database, you can change it by editing the text in this box.

•	Location:  This is folder where the database resides, if you want to change it you will need to use the Database Management tool.

•	Owner:  This setting allows you to specify the name of a person or department which may be responsible for the database.

•	Description:  A short description for the database can be supplied.

Access Password (registered version only)

If desired, you can enable the password on start-up/open option and enter your password.  This function limits access to the current database, meaning that without a password it cannot be accessed by Smart Pix or any other database application.  Do not forget your password!

•	Close Smart Pix on incorrect password

By default if a user opens a database and does not know the correct password, Smart Pix will still run but will not open the database, i.e. they can still use the 'Folders' and 'Bookmarks' modes or choose to open a different database.  If you would prefer that other users cannot run Smart Pix at all unless they know your password then you should check this item.  Then as long as you have specified that your default database requires a password then, on starting, users Smart Pix will be prompted for a password and the application will close if they cannot supply it.

Other

•	Read Only

If you want to prevent editing of the current database you can check the read-only setting.  You will need to specify a password (this is not related to the access password above) that will be used whenever you want to write-enable the database.

•	Use Keyword Groups to allow Categorisation of Keywords

If checked your keywords are listed beneath the group which you have assigned them to.  Otherwise they are displayed in a single long lists.  You can also change this option by right-clicking any keyword grid.

•	Convert Storage Method for All DB Files

Click this option to change the storage method for all of the files referenced by your database.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Settings and Source Folders

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview

•	Source Folders

•	Database Options


 Maintaining your Source Folders

The Settings and Source Folders dialog (Database|Settings and Source Folders, Source Folders tab) contains a list of all folders you have nominated as file source folders for the current database.

Some Source Folders may contain special characters. A '%' symbol is a wild card that is generally used to refer to your CD-ROM drive.  A '$' refers to the Smart Pix Manager program folder.

Displaying Source Folder Information

Clicking on the information button will provide extra details about the selected Source Folder, including the volume name of the drive and the number of files in the database from that folder.

Adding Source Folders

To add new folders click add.  This will take you to the Add Folder dialog.

Removing Source Folders

To remove a folder from the database and all references to the files it contains (and all the references to the keywords that these files have), click Remove (it does not delete the actual folder from your hard drive only the reference to the files in it from your Smart Pix database)  You can add them back again later by clicking "Add.." however you will need to re-assign their keywords.

If you are using:

•	False extensions for image files:  When you remove this source folder any images referenced by the database from this folder will be renamed to their original names and removed from the database.

•	Database File Storage:  When you remove this source folder any files stored in the database that are originally from this folder will be extracted from the database and saved back to the folder.

If you wish to remove this source folder but want to retain its files in your database use the relocate function instead.

Note: when deleting folders in Folders mode Smart Pix will automatically remove your source folder reference to it (after confirming with you)

Removing All Source Folders (Purging your database)

If you want to purge all your database files and start afresh then click on 'Remove All'.  There is absolutely no way to undo a database purge, so do not select this option lightly.

If you are using:

•	False extensions for image files:  Purging your database will leave all image files referenced by Smart Pix with your false extension so you will not be able to view them.  Before deletion you should first convert your storage method back to Normal, this will rename all files to their original extension.

•	Database File Storage:  Purging your database will also delete all files stored in your Smart Pix database!  If you want to keep these files but still purge your database, you should first convert your storage method back to Normal, this will save all files to their original locations.

Relocating Source Folders

If you have renamed a folder or moved it from one drive/location to another, you can use the "Relocate" button to point Smart Pix to the new location of the folder and save you from reloading its files and re-assigning their keywords.

If you have moved the folder in Folders mode Smart Pix will have automatically updated your database reference.

Editing the Drive Name

For each of your Source Folders, Smart Pix stores a drive name, this is used so that when the file cannot be located Smart Pix can advise you which CD-ROM or other removable device to insert.  By default Smart Pix uses the volume name of the drive, although when inserting a CD-ROM folder Smart Pix will prompt you for a name for the CD-ROM, if you have the relevant option set.

You can change the drive name for any source folder by selecting it and then clicking the 'Edit Drive Name' button and entering a new name.  If you wish to rename all drive names for source folders on that drive or CD-ROM then select the option at the bottom of the dialog.

Changing the Default Keywords

For each source folder you can specify a set of default keywords by clicking the 'Default Keywords' button and adding keywords to the list on the right.  Any files that are added to the database from this folder will be given its default keywords.

Wildcard

The wildcard value is generally only used when you have received a Smart Pix database on CD-ROM, or plan to ship a Smart Pix database on CD-ROM.  See the 'Using Relative Paths' section for more information.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Settings and Source Folders

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview

•	Database Settings

•	Database Options

•	Using Relative Paths


 Using Multiple Databases

Smart Pix allows you to create and use multiple databases (registered version only), i.e. have separate sets of file lists and associated keywords and descriptions for different file collections.

For example, you may want to:

•	Use Smart Pix for your personal as well as business files, so create a separate database for each

•	Create separate databases for each of your image CD-ROMs.

•	Use different file storage methods for different files.  I.e. you might want extra security for private files so use database file storage and password access, but use normal storage for your general files

Note that the file collections can overlap between databases, you might in fact have them pointing to all the same files, but have a different set of keywords.  The exception to this is if you are using file database storage.  Because the file is stored within the database, that file is not available to other databases.

You can create and open databases just like a document in a word processor, with one important difference:

A Smart Pix database is not a single file, it is actually made up of many files.  For this reason each database uses an entire folder.  That is, you cannot have two Smart Pix databases in the same folder.  When you open a database you don't locate any particular file, you simply point to the folder that contains these files.

Creating a new database

Click Database|Create New Database.  You will be presented with the Create Database dialog.

All Smart Pix requires is that you give it a name and a folder in which to create it.  It is advised that you create a whole new folder just for this database.

I.e. browse to your Smart Pix manager folder and click 'New Dir' to create a new folder.  Enter a name, for example; 'My Second Database'.  Open the new folder and click OK, then OK to the confirmation.  Viola, a new database is created.

Note: that as two Smart Pix databases cannot share the same folder, Smart Pix will warn you if you select a folder that already contains a database.

Opening databases

Smart Pix provides two ways to open a database:

•	Select Database|Open Database and browse to the folder of the database you want to open (remember Smart Pix databases are not a single file they are a folder of files)

•	Select Re-open Database and select one of the recently opened databases.  Smart Pix remembers the last four opened databases.

Also:

•	Database functionality Overview

•	Moving, Copying and Deleting your Databases


 Importing Database Entries

Importing Database Entries

Smart Pix supports inputting of database entries from text files.

Importing is generally used for three functions:

1.	 Importing data into Smart Pix from other applications

2.	 Restoring backed-up database information

3.	 Batch addition of keywords and descriptions to files.

Files should be in the format:

File name and path#Description:Description of file#Keyword 1#Keyword 2

(in this example a hash symbol (#) is used as a separator but you can use any character as long as you specify it as the delimit character, see below)

•	File name and path: Location of file to be input

•	Description(optional): A text description of the file, must be preceded by the word; 'Description:'

•	Keywords(optional):  Keywords to be added to the file, separated by commas

For example:

C:\my pics\cars\porsche.gif, Description: A red porsche, red, porsche, nice car

D:\anotherpic.jpg

C:\my pics\Japan\Osaka Skyline.jpg#Japanese pics#scenes#cities

C:\my pics\more\PamelaA.png, Description: Beautiful Baywatch Babe

Note:  Each record must appear on a single line within the text file!

Browse to the CSV that you wish to import and click OK.  You do not need to do any preparation as Smart Pix will create Source Folders, File references, Keywords and descriptions as required.

Importing Keyword Groups

When importing a database file Smart Pix looks for a file of the same name as your import file but with the extension '.kgr' (in the same folder).  If it finds this file it uses it to create keyword categories and assign keywords to them.

Batch Assigning of Keywords and Descriptions:

If Smart Pix locates a file being imported that is already in its database it will assign any listed keywords or description to that file.  In this way you can use this function to Batch assign keywords and descriptions to your files.  Simply export your database to a text file and open it in a spreadsheet, such as Excel, add any keywords or description to the items and import it back into your database.  All the new keywords and descriptions will be added.

Note, however, that this process only adds keywords or descriptions, NO keywords or descriptions are removed!  If you want the keywords and descriptions of files to match exactly those of the import file then you need to import them into an empty database or remove all existing keywords and descriptions on your files before importing (back up your database first!).

Options:

•	Do not create for files that cannot be located

If this is checked then Smart Pix will ensure that the file exists before attempting to import it. If it cannot be located then the entry is skipped.

•	Append descriptions to existing file descriptions

By default if a description is listed in the import file for a file which already exists in the database, the existing description is replaced by the new description.  If you check this item, the new description will added to the existing description.

Importing Keyword Lists

If you only want to import a list of keywords and/or keyword groups, then you can use the Keyword list import function to batch insert new keywords.

Keywords should be in a single list with one keyword per line.  You can easily create such a list in a text editor such as Notepad.

You can also add the keywords to a specific group by including the group name after the keyword separated by the delimit character, if you check the box: Keyword entries may include a Keyword Group

Example Entry List:

Keyword 1#Group 1

Keyword 2#Group 1

Keyword 3

Keyword 4#Group 2

#Empty Group 3

Delimit Character

•	Character used to delimit fields

This is the character that Smart Pix will use to separate fields.  You need to set this to the character that is used to separate items within each record in the file you are importing, generally this is a comma, or a hash (#) if it was created by Smart Pix.  If you are not sure what the character used is then open the file with Notepad and check what characters separates each item.  For example in the following record the delimiting character is a percentage symbol (%)

C:\An Image.jpg%Description: My Favorite car%Car%Blue%Porsche 959

Automating Database Importing

You can have Smart Pix automatically import a set of database entries from a text file when it starts up by passing it the /Import: parameter.

For example,

"C:\Program Files\Smart Pix Manager\SmartPix.exe /Import:c:\import.txt"

will run Smart Pix and input the database entries from the file, C:\import.txt.  Note: that your default import settings will be used.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Import and Export..

Also:

•	Database functionality


 Exporting Database Entries

Smart Pix allows you to export all entries within your database for using in other applications or for archival purposes.

Smart Pix exports an entry for each file in your database and includes all assigned keywords and descriptions.

The file can be imported back into Smart Pix at any time.

Please note that the exported file does not include:

•	Thumbnails

•	Files: If you are using Database file storage the export procedure will NOT export the files stored within your database

The above information will be lost if you export a database and then later import it into an empty database

Note: If you wish to create file lists for specific sets of files or with more information such as image size and color depth, you should use the Create Lists feature instead.

Options:

•	Also export categories to category file

If you are using keyword categories you should set the option to create a category file.  This will create a file of the same name as your export file, but with the extension '.kgr'.  You should keep this file with your export file.

•	Character used to delimit fields

This is the character that will be used to separate fields within each record.  You should set this to a symbol that is not used in any of your fields, e.g. it is not recommended you set this to a comma, as you may use commas in your file description and when importing the file into another program it will know whether the comma is a real comma or indicates a new record.  The default is a hash (#) symbol which is a safe option as you are unlikely to have this symbol in your database.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Database|Import and Export|Export Database Entries

Also:

•	Database functionality

•	Importing Database entries


File Management


File Management Overview
 Overview

Smart Pix has the following file management capabilities:

•	Renaming

•	Moving and Copying

•	Deletion

•	Launching files in an external editor

•	E-mailing Files

•	Printing Files

As well as Folder Management Functions and Image Batch Conversion.

Smart Pix is completely integrated with Windows Explorer so you can move and copy files or folders by dragging and dropping them between windows.

You can also monitor a particular folder and automatically display any files that are added.


 Renaming Files

Files can be renamed by selecting File|Rename or pressing F2.  If you rename a file referenced by your database it will also change the corresponding reference in the database.

Note: if you have multiple files selected then Smart Pix will prompt you to rename each file in turn (or you may use Batch Renaming).  You can discontinue this process by pressing Cancel.

Batch Renaming Functionality:

If you select multiple files and choose Rename, the rename dialog will also have a tab for Batch Renaming.

Batch renaming will rename all remaining files within your current selection to a specified name followed by a number.  All files will be keep their current file extension.

You need to supply three details:

•	File name stem:  The text you want to be used for all files, e.g. myimage

•	Followed by an incrementing number, starting at:  Set the number you want to use for the first file.  This number will be increased by one for each subsequent file.

•	Minimum number of digits in added prefix:  Set this at greater than 1, if you always want your file names to have a set number of digits in their name, e.g. myfile0001 (4 digits).

For example, if you select the following four files and click Rename

•	An image.jpg

•	Another image.jpg

•	Mygirlfriend.gif

•	LastPix.WMF

Then select Batch Rename and enter the text as 'MyImage', leave the other settings to their default, then the images will be renamed to:

•	MyImage1.jpg

•	MyImage2.jpg

•	MyImage3.gif

•	MyImage4.WMF

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|Rename

•	Keyboard: 	F2

Also:

•	Other File Management Functions


 Moving and Copying Files

Selecting File|Move or File|Copy will bring up a dialog box allowing you to move or copy the selected file(s) to a new folder.

Displaying of Recent Folders or Favorites

In the area below the destination folder you are presented with a list of folders to expedite folder selection.  You can choose whether Smart Pix should display the folders you have most recently moved/copied files to or your list of favorite folders (from Folders mode).

Creating new folders:

You can create new folders while moving or copying a file by either:

•	Typing in a new folder in destination box.  When you go to move the file Smart Pix will confirm that you want to create this new folder.

•	Clicking the 'New Folder' button in the browse dialog.  It will create a new sub-folder in the currently selected folder.

Database File Reference

If the file is referenced by your database you can also specify what Smart Pix should do with the file reference in the database:

Leave File Reference (when moving): The file reference (including keywords and description) will remain with the original file

Transfer File Reference:  The file reference (including keywords and description) will be assigned to the destination (new) original file

Copy File Reference:  The keywords and description of the old file will be copied to the new file

Function of move and copy with Database File Storage:

If you copy a file in database storage mode the file is created and saved as a normal file in your destination folder.  If you select Move, it will create the file in the destination folder and delete the file stored in the database.

Using Quick Move/Copy

The Quick Move/Copy Tool displays a list of favorite Folders, recent folders and source folders and allows you to move files simply by double-clicking on a destination folder.

You can display the Quick Move/Copy Tool by selecting View|Flyover Tools|Quick Move/Copy.

Note: You can also move and copy files by dragging and dropping them between Smart Pix and Windows Explorer

Move Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|Move File...

•	Keyboard: 	X or M

Copy Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|Copy File...

•	Keyboard: 	C

Also:

•	Other File Management Functions


 Deleting Files

You can delete selected files by selecting File|Delete or pressing the 'Del' key.  By default you are prompted to confirm the deletion.

File Deletion Options

You can turn off Confirmation of Delete under Options.  You can also select whether Smart Pix should move files to the Recycle Bin upon deletion.  If you want to speed up file deletion you should switch off the option to move files to the Recycle Bin.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	File|Delete

•	Keyboard: 	Del

Also:

•	Other File Management Functions


 Folder Management Functions

In Folders mode you can perform standard functions on your folders by selecting them and clicking the right mouse button.

•	Create Sub-folder

This allows you to create a new sub-folder in the selected folder

•	Rename Folder

This allows you to rename the currently selected folder.  If the folder is a source folder then then your database will automatically be updated.

•	Move/Copy Folder

This allows you move or copy the folder to a new location.    If the folder is a source folder then then your database will automatically be updated.

•	Delete Folder

This will delete the currently selected folder.  If the folder is a source folder then then you will be asked if you want to remove references to this folder from your database.

•	Add Current Folder to Favorites Lists

This will add the currently selected folder to your 'favorites'.

•	Add Current Folder to the Database

This will bring up the 'Add new source folder' dialog, with the currently selected folder entered.

Also:

•	File Functions


 Using the Favorite Folders Function

Smart Pix stores a list of your favorite folders and allows you to switch to these folders in Browse Mode simply by clicking 'Go to..' and then a destination folder.

This list of folders is also used for quickly moving or copying files using the Quick Move/Copy flyover tool.  It is also displayed in the move/copy dialog box to allow you to quickly select a favorites folder.

You can add new folders to the list by selecting them and clicking 'Add Folder'.

The list can be altered by clicking on one of the following options from the bottom of the favorites list:

Update:

This will remove references to any folders that no longer exist

Clear All:

This will delete all items in your favorites list.

Editing items in your Favorites List

If you want to remove items from your Favorites List:

1.	Display either the Quick Move toolbar (View|Flyover Tools|Quick Move, not available if you are using the simplified interface) or the 'Quick Links' tab of the Move/Copy dialog (File|Move...)

2.	Select the folder you want to remove

3.	Right-click it and select 'Remove from the list'

You can also edit the file FavDir.txt in your Smart Pix directory.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:   (in Folders Mode)

Also:

•	File Functions


 Monitoring a Folder for Added Files

The Watch Folder function monitors a specified folder and displays any files that are added to that folder.  Generally this is used in tandem with Internet downloading software, such as a newsgroup downloader.  If you set Watch Folder to the folder where you save your downloaded files, Smart Pix will pop up to show you new files as they are saved in that folder.

To start the Watch Folder function, select File|Watch Folder.. and browse to the folder you wish to monitor.

A check mark will be shown next to the Watch Folder menu item to show you that it is currently monitoring.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	File|Watch Folder

Also:

•	File Functions


Multiple Selection

The effect of your selection depends on whether you have the Ctrl or Shift key depressed:

•	Neither Ctrl nor Shift depressed while mouse click

Every time you click an item without Ctrl or Shift your multiple selections are cleared and only the current file is highlighted.

•	Ctrl Key depressed while mouse click

Every time you click a new file it will be highlighted and added to your multiple selection.

•	Shift Key depressed while mouse click

If you click a file and then while holding down the shift key click a second file in the panel it will select both files and all files in-between.


 Launching Files to an External Editor

Selecting Edit|Open in Editor (or Ctrl+E) will open the current file in the editor that you have specified for this file type in the Supported Formats Dialog.

If you have problems launching into external editors, try changing the option for Launching under Advanced Options.

Controls:

•	Toolbar:

•	Menu: 	Edit|Open in Editor

•	Keyboard: 	Ctrl+E

Also:

•	File Functions

•	Editing your images


 E-mailing Files

Smart Pix allows you to forward files to other people using e-mail.  If you select a file (or files) and click File|E-mail File, a blank e-mail window will be opened with the files attached so that you can easily forward them to friends and colleagues.

No setup is required within Smart Pix to use this function, however you need to have installed and setup a MAPI compliant e-mail program on your computer, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Outlook.

If you have problems using this function please reinstall your e-mail software.

Image E-mailing Options:

Smart Pix offers auto-convert and resize functions for e-mailing of images.  This makes sending and receiving of e-mails containing images much faster.  You can enable this feature under Options.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	File|E-mail File(s)

Also:

•	File Functions


Editing Images


 Overview of Image Editing

Smart Pix allows you to perform a number of image manipulation functions:

Editing Functions (under Edit|Editing):

•	Rotate or Flip the Image

•	Resize the Image

•	Crop the Image

•	Add text to an image

•	Merge two images

•	Removal of the "Red Eye" effect

Effects (under Edit|Effects):

•	Manipulate the colors of the image with Filters and Effects

Smart Pix also provides a batch conversion function for automatically performing common image manipulations.

See the Toolbars section to view the Image Editing Toolbar

Also:

•	Acquiring Images from a scanner

•	Launching an image in an external editor


 Rotating and Flipping Images

Selecting Edit|Editing|Rotate or Flip Image will display the Transform dialog.  If you have installed the Photo Editing plug-in then JPEG rotation will be lossless (i.e. there will be no reduction in quality).

You have three options:

•	Rotate the Image:

Select the number of degrees by which the image should be rotated clockwise (any number between 1 and 359), for example if you select 90 degrees the Top of the image will become the Right of the image.

•	Flip the image horizontally:

This will create a mirror copy of the original, i.e. the left of the image will be moved to the right and visa versa.

•	Flip the image vertically:

This will reverse the image vertically, i.e. the top of the image will be moved to the bottom and visa versa.

Rotate and Flip Image:

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Image|Rotate and Flip Image

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+R

Rotate Left:

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Image|Rotate Left

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+Period

Rotate Right

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Image|Rotate Right

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+Comma

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Resizing Images

The resize function will alter the size of your image.  Unlike zooming, which only changes the displayed size of the image, Resize will permanently alter the height and width of the image.

To display the Resize dialog select Edit|Editing|Resize Image.

You can set a new image size by altering either:

•	The size in pixels of the destination image

•	The percentage increase over the original.

If you do not wish to maintain the aspect ratio of the image you can deselect the 'Maintain aspect ratio' option and set the new height and width of image individually.

Controls:

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Image|Resize

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+S

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Cropping Images

If an image has a blank or unwanted area along its edges you can trim it using the image crop.  If you have installed the Photo Editing plug-in then JPEG cropping will be lossless (i.e. there will be no reduction in quality).

To crop an image:

1.	Select Crop (Image|Edit Image|Crop Image)

2.	Select the portion of the image that you want to keep (everything outside of your selection will be removed).

3.	Click OK

Crop Binding

If you check the box marked, 'Snap selection to..', you can enable the crop binding function.  This function causes Smart Pix to automatically resize the selection to common photo printing sizes when you release the mouse key.

Note:  Advanced users can crop images without using the crop dialog by choosing a rectangular section of the main image (using Image|Cursor Action|Rectangular Selection) and clicking the crop button.  You will need to uncheck the setting, 'Always display the crop dialog' under Other Options.

Controls:

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Image|Crop Image

•	Keyboard: 	Alt+C

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Color Effects

Smart Pix offers the following Filters and Effects:

•	Auto Color Enhance

This function will maximize the of the current image.  You will generally only see a noticeable effect with images that are very dark or very light.

•	Adjust Colors

A dialog is displayed which allows you to perform custom color adjustments

•	Image Effects

A dialog is displayed which allows you perform to custom image effects

•	Sharpen Image

Makes a blurred image appear more sharp

•	Grey Scale

Converts the image to grey scale (i.e. as if it were a Black and White photo)

•	Negative

Creates a negative of the image

Controls:

•	Toolbar: 	 (On Image Toolbar)

•	Menu: 	Image|Effects|..

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Editing Animated GIF's and Multi-Page TIFF's

Smart Pix Manager provides an image frame editor, so that you can customize GIF images and edit multi-page TIFFs.  To use this function, select or create a GIF or TIFF image then select Image|Edit Animated GIF or Image|Edit TIFF Pages...  You can also create an new GIF using File|New|Animated GIF

All of the frames of the image will be displayed and you can select frames individually to edit or remove them.

Functions:

•	Frame Settings

Allows you to change the settings of the current frame

•	Insert Frame

Inserts a new frame at the current position

•	Append Frame

Adds a new frame at the end of the sequence

•	Delete Frame

Deletes the selected frame

•	Copy Frame Image

Copies the frame to the clipboard for pasting into other applications

•	Paste to Frame

Pastes a frame from the clipboard to the current frame

•	Load Frame Image

Loads an image from file into the current frame

•	Use Frame as Thumb

Sets the selected frame as the thumbnail for this file

•	Save Frame Image

Saves the selected frame to a file

•	Animate (GIF files only)

Animate the current GIF

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Image|Edit Animated GIF or Image|Edit TIFF Pages

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Batch Conversion of Images

Batch Conversion Dialog

The Batch Conversion Dialog allows you to automatically convert, transform, rotate or resize a set of images.

To use the Batch Conversion Dialog you must first select the images that you want to perform the processing upon, then select Images|Batch Conversion.

You will be presented with the following options:

•	Transformation

The transformation option allows you rotate or transform your images depending on the following setting:

-	None:  No transformation will be performed

-	Rotate Image: The images will be rotated by the specified amount

-	Flip Image Horizontally: The images will be flipped horizontally

-	Flip Image Vertically: The images will be flipped vertically

•	Resize

The Resize option allows you to resize your images depending on the following setting:

-	None: No resizing is performed on your images

-	Resize by percentage: The images will be resized by the specified percentages

-	Resize by Dimensions:  The images will be resized to with a maximum dimension of those that you have specified

•	Maintain Aspect Ratio of Image Option:

If this is checked then images will always retain their original ratio of height to width.  If you uncheck this item then the you can freely change the height or width independent of the other dimension.

•	Do not stretch images smaller than this size

If this is checked then images and you have specified the desired dimensions then only images that are greater than this size will be resized. Image that are already smaller than the specified dimensions will be ignored.

•	Other

Perform automatic color enhancement:

If the image is very dark or very light the colors will be stretched across the normal range to improve color depth.  Note: This can produce unfavorable results so do not overwrite your originals

Set Image color depth:

If you need to reduce the number of colors within an image you can use this option to specify a new color depth.

Apply text or an image:

This setting allows you to insert text into every image, e.g. a company name or URL.  You can also insert another image (such as logo) into your images.

•	Saving

This option specifies the method of saving and the format.

You must choose one of the following settings:

-	Overwrite Current File: If this is selected the changed image will be saved with its original name (thereby overwriting the original if it is of the same format)

-	Save to Folder:  If you select this option all new images will be saved to the specified folder

-	Add Prefix to Filename:  This option saves the images to the same folder as the original, but changes the filename by adding the specified prefix

•	Save Format

The image format that will be used for saving the images.

Generally we recommend you use JPEG format for images that you want to e-mail people, put on your web site or store on your computer for viewing.

If you plan to edit your image again later you should use BMP format

•	Delete Original Image

If this is checked then the original image will be deleted after conversion (if it is not overwritten).  Otherwise the original image is kept.

Option

•	High Quality

If this option is set then conversion will be optimized for better image quality, otherwise it is optimized for speed

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Image|Batch Conversion..

Return to:

•	Manipulating your images


 Acquiring Images from a Scanner or Camera

Smart Pix supports the acquisition of images from USB and Twain-compliant scanners and digital cameras.  To open the Acquire Dialog box click Edit|Acquire from Scanner/Camera.

The process of acquiring images is as follows:

1.	Specify the source

Your camera or scanner is most likely to be Twain or USB compliant (these specify the way they connect to the computer).  Newer cameras are USB compliant and appear like a new hard-drive when you connect them.  Older devices are generally Twain compliant.  If you are unsure what type your camera or scanner is, try checking the Twain device and then 'Select Twain Source' to see if it is listed.  If not, click the USB option and see if you can browse to the device on your computer.

Your settings will be remembered.

2.	Specify the destination folder

You can either specify a folder to save the acquired images to, or you can set Smart Pix to automatically create a new folder in 'My Pictures' to store the images

3.	Specify the filename

Optionally you can choose for Smart Pix to assign new names to the acquired images.  They will be given a numbered filename based on the base name that you specify

4.	Other options

•	Insert file into database

If you set this option the newly created image will be automatically inserted into the database after a successful acquisition.

•	Save format (Twain devices only)

If you are acquiring from a twain device you will need to specify the save format.The two recommended formats are:

•	JPEG format for images you want to view but not edit

•	BMP format for images you want to edit

•	Delete images from the camera after retrieval (USB devices only)

If this option is specified the images will be moved from the camera to your computer rather than copied.

Controls:

•	Menu: 	Edit|Acquire Images from Camera/Scanner

Also:

•	Manipulating your images


 Photo Editing Plug-in

This plug-in allows Smart Pix to perform:

•	Red Eye removal: fixing the excessive redness of eyes due to taking flash photos

•	Lossless Rotation:  Rotation of JPEG images without any loss of image quality

•	Lossless Cropping:  Cropping of JPEG images without any loss of image quality

Enabling Support for the Plug-In

Download the plug-in from:

http://www.xequte.com/smartpix/plugins.html

After installing it, run Smart Pix.  Select File|Options, Other tab.  Click the advanced tab and check the option, ‘Use Lossless rotation and cropping’

Removing Red Eye

After installing the plug-in you will see a new ‘Red Eye’ button on the Image Editing toolbar and the new menu item, Image|Edit Image|Remove Redeye.

If you have not already selected part of your image, then the first time you click the function a selection rectangle will appear.  Drag the selection rectangle so that it appears over the Red Eye(s).  Click the ‘Red Eye’ button again to remove the redness.  If the eyes are not yet dark enough, then repeat the procedure.

Performing Lossless Rotation and Cropping

If you have checked the option above (under “Enabling Support for the Plug-In”), then your rotations and crops will automatically be done losslessly when cropping or rotating an image in JPEG format, you do not need to select any special functions.

Lossless rotation will also be performed if you do batch processing (Image|Batch Conversion) if no Rotation is the only function selected.


Setting Options


 Options Overview

Smart Pix Manager offers a large number of settings that can be customized to your requirements.  These can be a little confusing at first so please read the relevant section within this Help file before enacting changes that you are unsure of.

Click the relevant link below for further information on that option tab:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options

Controls:

•	Menu:  File|Options


 Interface Options

User Interface

•	Simplified User Interface

This option reduces the complexity of Smart Pix Manager by hiding many of the advanced functions, such as:

-	Reduces file display modes to Large Thumbnails and full details

-	Hides all toolbars except the main and multimedia (when shown multimedia files) toolbar

-	Displays the simplified format selector (File|Supported Formats)

-	Hides many other 'advanced' menu items

This option is recommended for users who have little experience with Smart Pix Manager or computers.

•	Display titles on toolbars

If this option is set then toolbars will show a short caption on the left indicating their function

•	Override default image background color with:

If you do not want to use the default image background colors (Black in the Main Window and Navy in New Windows) then select this option and choose a new color

•	Style of Mode tabs

This option allows you to choose whether and image and/or a caption should be displayed on the mode tabs

•	Message Beeps

Smart Pix provides three options for when you should be given an audible prompt:

-	Never: Smart Pix will run silently

-	Beep on Error: Smart Pix will only beep if an error is encountered (e.g. when a file cannot be deleted)

-	Beep on Error or Completed Action: Smart Pix will beep on error as well as when an action has been completed (e.g. when a description has been assigned to a batch of files or a set of files has been moved or deleted)

Screen Layout

This setting allows you to specify the layout of the Smart Pix Manager main window.  Three options are available:

Two columns are used with the mode and file panel on the left with the display panel on the right

Two columns are used with the mode and display panel on the left with the file panel on the right

Three columns are used for the mode, file and display panels respectively

Toolbar Background

You can give your application a custom appearance by selecting an image to be displayed in the main toolbar areas by specifying it here.  It will be tiled like Windows wallpaper beneath your toolbar buttons

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Display Options

Image Loading and Display

•	Image Zoom Quality (display only)

This option allows you to specify the quality of images displayed when an image is not display normal size (it does not affect the actual quality of the image when saving or editing, only how they are displayed within Smart Pix Manager):

-	Normal Quality:  No filtering is done to improve the display of the zoomed image (fastest option)

-	Delayed High Quality:  After a moment of inactivity Smart Pix Manager will apply a filter to the zoomed image to improve its quality

-	High Quality:  When zooming a filter is applied to the image immediately to improve its display (recommended for fast systems only)

•	Pre-loading of Images

To speed up the display of images you can set the program to pre-load the next image while you are viewing the current one.  It will be loaded in the background so when you choose to display it can be shown instantly.

Smart Pix uses your previous action to determine what you will do next, for example if you clicked the Right arrow, then it assumes you will click the right arrow next time and pre-loads the next file.  It does the same for left clicks and selection of random images.

A yellow progress bar is displayed in the status bar during pre-loading

Full-Screen Mode

You can display a file full-screen by selecting View|Display Full Screen.  The following settings control full-screen functionality:

•	Hide main toolbar and status bar when in full-screen mode

By default, even in full-screen mode the main toolbar and status bar are shown (you need to double-click on the image to hide them).  However, if you check this option then they will hidden in Full-Screen mode (you can still display them by moving to the top or bottom of the screen)

•	Hide flyover tools in full-screen mode

If this option is set then your flyover tools (description, Quick Move, mixer, etc) are hidden when activating full-screen display

•	Always display images launched from Explorer Full-Screen

When launching images from Explorer or other application, by default, they are only displayed normally.  If you check this option then Smart Pix will always open in full-screen mode to display them

New Windows

You can display a file in a new window by selecting View|New Window.  These are the default settings for the new window:

•	Resize new image windows to fit image

If selected then when you launch an image into a new window the window will be resized so that the image is displayed without scrolling (if possible)

•	Show icon in Windows task bar for each new window

If this is set then New Windows will have an icon in the Windows Task bar that you can click to re-display the Window

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Thumbnail Options

Standard Thumbnail Size

This tab allows you to specify the size of the thumbnails that are displayed in the Thumbnail file display mode (represented by the size of the blue box).  Thumbnails in the Small Thumbs file display mode will always be half this size (represented by the dashed red box).

Other

•	Disk Cache Size:

Memory and Disk Caching is used to speed up the display of thumbnails in this application.  Memory caching is set automatically and only affects your system while Smart Pix Manager is running.  Disk Caching saves a copy of the thumbnail to your hard drive.  Typically it takes up about 2-3 KB per file, depending on your thumbnail format (see below).

You can specify the maximum number of thumbnails to be stored on your system by setting the value here.  A low value will mean that less hard disk space is used, but display will be slower.  A high value gives the best performance.  Smart Pix Manager will automatically delete old thumbnails if the number is larger than you have specified here.

However, if you set the 'Unlimited Storage' option then no thumbnail will be deleted until you click the 'Clear Cache' button

•	Clear Cache

Click here to clear all the thumbnails from your memory and disk caches

•	Thumb Format

This option allows you specify what image format should be used for thumbnails saved to your disk cache:

JPEG Format:  JPEG thumbnails will require less disk space but they will load slightly slower and be of lower quality (the difference is unlikely to be detectable)

BMP Format:  Thumbnails will be better quality and load faster but will require more disk space

•	Display High Quality Thumbnails

Allows you to chose whether Smart Pix Manager should create standard quality images (faster display or smaller thumbnail files) or high quality thumbnails (higher definition)

•	Pre-Cache Thumbnails

If this is option is selected then during inactivity Smart Pix Manager will create thumbnails for other images in the current folder or mode.  This will make their display much faster when you scroll through the remaining folders.

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Slideshow Options

Slideshow Settings

•	Display Filename over image during slideshow

If this option is checked then the filename will be overlaid onto the image while the slideshow is running

•	Switch to full-screen when displaying slideshow

If this option is set then when commencing a slideshow, full-screen mode is activated

•	Hide flyover tools during Slideshow

If this option is set then your flyover tools (description, Quick Move, mixer, etc) are hidden during a slideshow or multishow

•	Display transition effects as switch images

If this is checked then transition effects will be used when flipping from one image to the next during a slideshow.  Click 'Settings' to choose which transition effects to use.

•	Display Slideshow Toolbar

If this is selected the during a slideshow a toolbar is displayed which allows you to set the direction and delay of the slideshow

•	Play Background Music during Slideshow

If this option is set then you can select music files to play while a slideshow or multishow is in progress

Multishow Settings

•	Highlight current Multishow Image

If this is set then the most recently displayed image in a Multishow is displayed with a red border

•	Number of images:

Allows you to specify the number of images you want displayed Vertically (side-by-side) and Horizontally (top-to-bottom) during a Multishow

Default Settings

Note:  These settings can also be changed by using the slideshow toolbar

•	Order of File Display:

This setting allows you to specify the order of the slideshow:

- 	Backward:  The slideshow will progress in reverse order

- 	Forward:  The slideshow will progress in their displayed order

- 	Random:  At the end of each file display a new file will be selected at random from those available until each file has been displayed once

•	Delay before displaying next file:

Allows you to specify the number of seconds pause between files being loaded

•	Loop Slideshow Indefinitely

If selected then the slideshow will not stop when the last file is reached, rather it will restart display from the beginning

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Save Options

JPEG Settings

JPEG images are compressed to that they take up less disk space.  By default Smart Pix Manager will not prompt you for a JPEG setting, it will use the default.  You can specify your default JPEG Quality setting here.  A high value will be better quality, whereas a lower value will require less disk space

•	Never Prompt for JPEG compression setting when saving

If selected then when saving a JPEG file you will not be prompted for a JPEG quality setting, your default value will always be used

Bookmark File Saving

When you bookmark a file you can then access it easily in Bookmarks mode which has a list of all the files you have bookmarked during the session.  You can also save the lists of Bookmarks to file.

•	Always save the default Bookmark file

If this is checked then the default bookmark file is saved when closing, otherwise additions to the default bookmark file are lost when closing, unless you explicitly save the default file

•	Confirm before saving bookmark file changes

If this is checked then you are always prompted to confirm the saving of your current bookmark file

Other

•	Display advanced image save dialog

If checked then the Save Image Dialog will display an 'Advanced..' button that allows you to change the color depth, compression, etc of the image.  Otherwise the default values are always used, except for JPEG compression which you are prompted for

NOTE: If this option is used you will not be prompted for a JPEG quality setting.  You can specify it using the 'Advanced' button

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 File Display Options

Displayed File Types

The settings below determine whether special file types are displayed within this application

•	Hide System Files

If checked then Windows system files are hidden from display

•	Hide Hidden Files

If checked then files that are set as 'Hidden' are hidden from display

•	Hide Shortcut Files

If checked then Windows shortcut files are hidden from display

•	Hide Thumbnail Files (*_thb.*)

For some special functions such as HTML pages, thumbnail files with the name *_thb.* are created.  If this option is checked then Thumbnail files are hidden from display

Default Column Widths

These are the default widths for two of the file display modes

Note: You can also change the settings by right-clicking the file grid and selecting Column Width.

•	Filenames Mode:

This is the default width for the items when in the Filenames file display mode

•	Small Thumbs Mode:

This is the default width for the items when in the Small Thumbs file display mode

Note:

-	To change the width of columns in the Full Details file display mode drag the space between the column headers.

-	To change the width/height of columns in the Thumbnail file display mode see the options under the Thumbnail Tab

Other

•	Show progress dialog when moving, copying and deleting files

If selected a progress dialog is displayed during actions that may take a long time

•	Hide file extensions

If this option is set then filename extensions are not displayed (e.g. myimage.jpg will be displayed as myimage)

•	Show only images/icons when in Small Thumbs display mode

When using Small Thumbs Display mode, usually an image or icon is shown on the left with information about the file on the right (filename, size, etc).  If this item is checked then only the images (or icon) is displayed, with no text information

•	Display thumbnails as buttons

If checked, then your thumbnails will have the appearance of 3D buttons

•	File Size Detail Level:

This setting allows you to specify the level of detail used when displaying a file size in the file grid:

-	Low:  Always shown in KB, unless over 1MB where it is shown in MB

-	Normal:  If less than 1KB shown in bytes, otherwise shown in KB, or MB if over 1MB

-	Detailed:  Always shown in bytes unless over 1MB, then shown in KB

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 File Function Options

File Management

These options determine the level of confirmation that is required when performing file functions

•	Confirm deletion of files

If this is set then Smart Pix will ask you to confirm before deleting any files

•	Confirm all file drag and drop actions

If selected then when you drag files onto Smart Pix, it will prompt you for confirmation for all actions other than image display

•	Confirm move/copy when using the Quick Move function

If you select View|Flyover Tools|Quick Move you are displayed the Quick Move tool that allows you to move or copy files just by double-clicking a folder.  If you select this option then you are always promoted to confirm such moves.

•	Move files to the Recycle Bin on deletion

If this is set then when deleting files Smart Pix will move them to your Recycle Bin, if not set then files will be permanently deleted (faster)

•	Allow in-place folder renaming

If this option is set then you can rename folders in situ just by double-clicking them

•	Return to Default

Click here to return to the default file management options

Renaming Clashed Files

This option allows you to specify the default text added to file name when offering to rename a file because the same name already exists (e.g. when moving or copying files)

•	This text appears ____ the file name

Specify whether the text that you have entered should be added to the start or the end of the current file name

Folders Mode Startup Directory

This option allows you to specify whether Smart Pix Manager defaults to a specified folder on start-up or remembers the folder that you were using when you last closed Smart Pix Manager.

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Database Options

General Database Settings

•	Share access to Smart Pix Databases (lowers performance)

By default Smart Pix is optimized for single access to its database which gives improved performance.  If the database you are accessing is shared then check this option.

If you are sharing a large database then you might also want to set Database Performance options.

•	Display Source Folders in the Quick Move/Copy Tool

If checked then your source folders will also be listed in the Quick Move/Copy tool (so that you can move files to the folder quickly).  The Quick Move/Copy tool is displayed by selecting View|Flyover Tools|Quick Move/Copy

•	Always do the default DB record action without prompting

When saving and converting files that are linked by your database, you are prompted to determine what should be done to the database reference.  If you check this option then, rather than being prompted, the default action will be done.

•	Settings and Source Folders of Current Database

Clicking this will display the Database Settings and Source Folders dialog.

Database Insertion

•	Add the folders within filenames as DB Keywords

If this option is checked then all the folder names within a filename will be added automatically as DB keywords.  For example if you are inserting the image:

C:\Car Pictures\Porsche\Racing\Boxster.jpg

Then the image, Boxster.jpg, will be given the keywords, Car Pictures, Porsche and Racing.

•	Add the words within filenames as DB Keywords

If this option is checked then the words within a filename will be added automatically as DB keywords.  For example if you are inserting the image:

Porsche Racing Boxster 2.jpg

Then the image will be given the keywords, Porsche, Racing and Boxster.

•	Insert PhotoShop descriptions into the database

If this is checked then when inserting JPEG images that have been assigned a description in PhotoShop the description will be automatically inserted into the database for the file.

•	Add Artist and Genre Tags from MP3 files as DB Keywords

MP3 music files generally contain tags which give such information as the Artist, Song Title, Musical Genre, etc.  If you check this option then when inserting MP3 files into your database, Smart Pix will read the Artist, Album, Genre and Year tags and add them as keywords to your database

•	Confirm insertion of files into database

If this is checked then whenever new files are added to the database indirectly (i.e. when adding keywords or descriptions to a file that does not already exist in the database) then you will be prompted to confirm the insertion.  You are never prompted when inserting by normal means such as using the 'Add Files to DB Wizard'

•	Prompt for a drive name when adding new source folders

If enabled then when adding new source folders from a CD-ROM Smart Pix will prompt you for a drive name to use for all folders on the CD.  If not selected then Smart Pix will use the volume name for each drive and CD-ROM (you can change the drive name later under Source Folders)

DB Storage

If you are storing files within the database (not files that are just linked by the database), then you should specify how you want to treat files after they have been successfully inserted into the database:

•	Delete the original file

If this is set then after inserting a file into the database the original will be deleted, this is not recommended unless you have backed up your files

•	Rename the file to an irrelevant name (e.g. myfile.~??)

If this is set then after inserting a file into the database it will be renamed with an irrelevant name (e.g. myfile.jpg becomes myfile.~jp) so that you can delete or back it up yourself later

Also:

•	Database Options 2

•	Database Performance Options

•	Settings of the Current Database

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Database Options 2

Database Thumbnail Storage

Generally you will not require Database Thumbnails as Smart Pix caches thumbnails on your hard-drive, however you may prefer database thumbnails if you are shipping a database on CD-ROM, want to be able to view thumbnails for CD-ROMs that are not loaded or for extra security.  Please note that for images stored within the database Smart Pix will store a thumbnail within the database.

There are three settings:

•	Never store thumbnails within the database (fastest option)

If this option is selected then no thumbnails will be stored within database (except for images that are using database storage).  With this setting then Smart Pix will also not check for database thumbnails when displaying files, which will make display much faster.

•	Save thumbnails in database for images on removable devices

With removable devices (such as a CD-ROM or Zip disk), you may prefer to always save a thumbnail within the Smart Pix database, so that you can view thumbnails for images even if they are not available, i.e. when the removable device is not inserted (see the option below).

•	Always save thumbnails in database for all images

This option specifies that a thumbnail is added to the database for every image that is displayed.

Other:

•	Show a default thumbnail for files that are missing/unavailable

If you are using saving your thumbnails in the Smart Pix database, then, by default, a thumbnail is displayed even for images that are not available (e.g. on a CD-ROM that is not inserted).  However if you check this item, a special thumbnail (featuring a '?') will be displayed for missing files instead.

•	Edit Thumbnails of the current database

Click this button to add or remove thumbnails from the current database.

Duplicate File Checking

Smart Pix Manager supports Duplicate File Checking, it can monitor inserted files and compare them with existing files to ensure that the same file does not already exist (e.g. two images the same but with different filenames).

The following options are available:

•	Generate a unique ID for files upon insertion

If this is checked then whenever a file is added to the database a Unique ID will automatically be generated for it.  This will slow down insertion but it will allow you to quickly locate identical files.

•	Check for identical files when inserting a new file

If this is checked then whenever a new file is inserted into the database, it will be compared with other files in the database to ensure that an identical file has not already been inserted

•	Rebuild Checksums for All Files

Smart Pix Manager stores the checksums for your files within its database to make the checking for duplicates much faster.  It will automatically recreate checksums if it knows that a file has changed, however you may want to recreate checksums if modifications to files have been performed in other applications

Also:

•	Database Options

•	Database Performance Options

•	Settings of the Current Database

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


 Other Options

Sending E-mail

Smart Pix allows you to e-mail files by selecting them and clicking File|Email File(s).  When you e-mail images such as those from a digital camera you may find they take a long time to send or that your friends complain that it takes too long to download.  This is because the disk size of an image can be very large, either because the dimensions (width and height) are big, because it was not compressed enough or because some formats, such as BMP, do not support compression.

Smart Pix addresses this by giving the option of automatically converting the images to JPEG when sending.  Your original images will not be affected, a second set of optimized images is created and sent.

Options:

•	Only when the image is greater than x KB

If you check this option then images are only converted if they are greater than the specified size

•	Reduce size to..

If this option is set then the dimensions (width and height) of the images will also be reduced during the conversion.  This will help reduce their disk size and make sending faster

Zip Support

Smart Pix allows you to browse the contents of Zip files in the same way that you can browse file folders if you install the Zip Plug-in.  This includes support for encrypted Zip files.

Options:

•	Display progress when opening and extracting files

If you check this option then a dialog will pop up when you open or extract zip files showing progress.

•	Remember my Password

If your zip files are encrypted then you can specify that Smart Pix use a default password when opening them (if the password does not match then you will be prompted to supply another)

Warnings and Tips

Warnings and Tips are displayed when performing some actions to advise you of a correct or more efficient method.

•	Set all Usage Tips to be displayed when relevant

If you click this then all the warnings that you have previously chosen to not display again will be re-displayed when appropriate

•	Disable the display of all Usage Tips

If you click this then you will no longer be displayed any tips and warning

Advanced Options

Click the Advanced Options button to edit advanced and miscellaneous settings of Smart Pix Manager.

Option Tabs:

•	Interface Options

•	Display Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Slideshow Options

•	Save Options

•	File Display Options

•	File Function Options

•	Database Options

•	Database Options 2

•	Other Options

•	Advanced and Miscellaneous Options


Zip Plug-In
  Adding Zip Support to Smart Pix Manager

The Zip plug-in allows Smart Pix to browse the contents of Zip files in the same way that you can browse file folders.  This includes support for encrypted Zip files.

Enabling Zip Support

Download the Zip plug-in from:

http://www.xequte.com/smartpix/plugins.html

After installing the zip plug-in, run Smart Pix.  Select File|Options, Other tab.  Then check ‘Enable support for Zip browsing’

Browsing Zip Files

Select Folders mode.  Zip files will appear like normal folders in the folder display list.  Click a Zip file to see its contents.  As with normal files you can click thumbnails to view the relevant file.  You can also delete files within the zip and copy files from the zip.

Create New Zip Files

To create a new Zip, select File|New|New Zip File…

Adding files to a Zip

In folders mode right click a zip file in the folder display list and select ‘Add files to Zip…’

Extracting all files in a Zip

In folders mode right click a zip file in the folder display list and select ‘Extract files from Zip…’

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Why don’t thumbnails display until I click on the file?

A:  Extracting files to create thumbnails would be too slow.  Smart Pix/MegaView delays thumbnail creation until a file is extracted for display

Q:  Why is it so much slower to browse Zip folders than normal folders?

A:  To display a file in a zip the file must be decompressed and possibly decrypted before it is loaded, this can be slow.  The slowdown is particularly noticeably with large zip files, if you keep your zip files small (less than 100 files per zip) it will be much quicker.

Q:  How can I encrypt a Zip file?

A:  You can encrypt zip files as they are added (e.g. when using ‘Add Files to Zip’ you just specify a password to use.  You cannot add a password to files that are already in the zip


Advanced Options
 Advanced and Miscellaneous Options

Advanced Options

These are settings related to advanced functionality within Smart Pix which generally do not need to be altered.

•	Selecting new image cancels loading of current image

Setting this will allow you to cancel image loading by selecting a new image.  Otherwise selecting a new file during loading has no effect

•	Use short (8.3) filenames when launching

By default when launching files their long (32 bit) name is used when launching encased in quotations.  If this does not work with your editing application you can choose to launch with 16 bit names instead

•	Flash application before Video Capture

With some video types, such as MPEG, capture does not work well unless a full re-display of the application is performed before the capture.  This option forces the application to minimize then re-display before performing the capture

•	Use default Windows code for moving/copying of files (slower)

If checked then Windows code will be used for moving and copying files, instead of the internal code

•	Show ToolTips when hovering mouse over controls

When checked a short explanation of their function is displayed when you hover the mouse over buttons and controls.  File Information is also displayed when hovering the mouse over the status bar

•	Use Lossless rotation and cropping for JPEG images

If you have installed the Photo Editing Plug-In then this option specifies whether JPEG images are rotated and cropped using a lossless (no image quality is lost) or lossy (some quality will be lost upon saving) routine

•	Enable support for Wheel Mouse navigation

If you have a wheel mouse, such as Microsoft Intellimouse, enabling this option will allow you to browse files by rotating the wheel when in Full-screen mode

•	Double check CD-ROM Errors

If this is true and a file is missing from a CD-ROM then it is actually checked first to ensure that it is the correct CD-ROM before announcing that it needs to be inserted

Miscellaneous Options

•	Confirm closure of the application

If this is checked then when you close the program, you are prompted to confirm the closure

•	Do not add titles to text files when printing

By default titles are added to text files when printing them.  If you would prefer you can disable this functionality by selecting this option

•	Always display the crop dialog when performing cropping

If this is not checked then if you have a selection and click crop then the image is cropped immediately.  If there is no selection then the crop dialog is displayed to allow you to specify the crop.  If you check this option then Smart Pix always displays the crop dialog.

•	Flat style file grid

If this is set then the file grid for Full Details file display mode will have a flat appearance.  Otherwise it will have a 3D look.

Database Performance Settings:

If you are using Smart Pix with large databases (in excess of 20,000 file records) you may find that the default options make Smart Pix sluggish.  Setting the following options will greatly improve performance:

•	Limit caching of display records

Smart Pix caches the entire set of display records (i.e. all records of files in the current database) in memory to allow full sorting, grouping and faster navigation. However with very large databases, this may cause Smart Pix Manager to load very slowly.  To speed up loading select this option and choose a smaller record cache size such as 2000 records.

Note: If you disable caching of all records then you will only be able to sort on the following fields when in Database mode:  Filename, Path, File Type, Windows Type

•	Use dialog to add keywords in right-click menu

By default, when you click the 'Add Keyword' in right-click menus the keywords are displayed as menu items.  If you have many keywords this may be slow to update and it is recommended you check this setting so that a dialog is used instead

Also:

•	Options Overview

•	Other Options


Specifying Supported Formats


 Supported Formats Overview

Supported Formats dialog

The Supported Formats dialog allows you to specify which file types should be displayed within Smart Pix Manager, and what method should be used to display and edit them.  You can display the Supported Formats dialog by selecting File|Supported Formats

Smart Pix Manager categorizes all of its files into 7 types:

Image Files:  These are all common image formats

Video Files:  These are video files supported by Smart Pix Manager

Sound Files:  These are sound files supported by Smart Pix Manager

Common Windows Files:  These are Office, Adobe Acrobat and HTML files that are supported by Smart Pix Manager

Text Files:  These are plain text and rich text files

Custom formats:  These are formats that you have specified that Smart Pix Manager should include

Other:  These are all files that do not fit into the above categories

For further information on Smart Pix Manager's supported formats and expanding them view the Supported Formats List

You can specify whether to include or exclude each category by checking its item

You can control further details for each category you have selected by clicking on the tabs:

•	File Extensions

This the list of file extensions for each file type.  You can add extra formats or block certain formats within each file type by clicking the 'Select Button'

•	Single-Click

This is your setting for the Standard Display Method for each file type, that is, what happens when you click upon that file type

The following settings are available:

-	Ignore (do not display):  The file will not be displayed (though you can still select it for moving, copying, deleting, etc).

-	Use Windows Default Program:  The file will be launched into the default program associated with it in Windows (Do not use this option if Smart Pix Manager is associated with the file type!)

-	Display with Specified Editor:  The editor that you have specified for the file type under the Editor tab will be used to display the file

-	Display with Smart Pix Manager*:  Smart Pix Manager displays the file

-	Display Full-Screen in Smart Pix Manager*:  Smart Pix Manager goes into full-screen mode and displays the file

* Only available if Smart Pix Manager supports the particular file type internally

•	Double-Click

This is your setting for the Extended Display Method for each file type, that is, what happens when you double-click upon that file type

The following settings are available:

-	Ignore (do not display):  The file will not be displayed (though you can still select it for moving, copying, deleting, etc).

-	Use Windows Default Program:  The file will be launched into the default program associated with it in Windows (Do not use this option if Smart Pix Manager is associated with the file type!)

-	Display with Specified Editor:  The editor that you have specified for the file type under the Editor tab will be used to display the file

-	Display with Smart Pix Manager*:  Smart Pix Manager displays the file

-	Display Full-Screen in Smart Pix Manager*:  Smart Pix Manager goes into full-screen mode and displays the file

* Only available if Smart Pix Manager supports the particular file type internally

•	Editor

This allows you to specify your preferred editor for each file type.  When you click Ctrl+E the file will be launched into the specified editor

•	Database

This allows you to set the default method of database storage for each file type.  Click here for more information on the DB Storage Methods.

•	Associations

The term associations refers to the program that Windows uses to display a particular file type.  E.g. if *.jpg files are associated with Smart Pix Manager then when you click on a *.jpg file in windows then Smart Pix Manager is loaded to display the file.

Click the 'File Associations' button to select the formats that are associated with Smart Pix Manager.

Multimedia

Smart Pix Manager displays a list of all the file types that it has detected support for on your system. You can sometimes expand the formats available to Smart Pix Manager by clicking the 'Expand' button.  This will poll all the formats of Smart Pix Manager and check whether the format is available but not registered with windows.

Controls:

•	Menu:  File|Supported Formats

Also:

•	Supported Formats List


 Supported Formats

Smart Pix Manager can support the following formats:

Note: That you must enable support for the format in the Supported Formats Dialog to display it

•	Image formats:

Bitmaps (*.bmp, *.rle, *.dib), JPEG images (*.jpeg, *.jpe, *.jpg), Standard and Animated GIF files (*.GIF), Paintbrush files (*.pcx), PNG format (*.png), Single and Multi-Page TIFF (*.tiff, *.tif), Paintshop Pro images (*.psp), Photoshop images (*.psd, *.pdd), Truevision Targa (*.tga, *.targa, *.icb, *.vda, *.vst, *.pix), Icons (*.ico), Cursors (*.cur), Metafiles  (*.emf, *.wmf), Dr. Halo images (*.cut, *.pal), GFI fax images (*.fax), Kodak Photo-CD images (*.pcd), Portable bitmap images (*.ppm, *.pgm, *.pbm), SGI images (*.bw, *.rgb, *.rgba, *.sgi) and SGI Wavefront images (*.rla, *.rpf)

All common image formats are supported.

•	Video Formats:

The supported video formats will depend on your Windows installation and which MCI drivers you have installed.

- Standard formats:

Windows Audio-visual Files (*.avi)

This format will play on all Windows installations.

- Extra Formats:

Audio Visual Stream File (*.asf), Video CD file (*.dat), Indeo Video file (*.ivf), MPEG Movie File (*.m1v, *.mpe, *.mpeg *.mpg), Apple Quicktime Video File (*.mov, *.qt), Windows Media File (*.wm, *.wmv)

Availability of the above formats will depend upon your installation of Windows.

•	Sound Formats:

The supported sound formats will depend on your Windows installation and which MCI drivers you have installed.

- Standard formats:

MIDI (*.mid, *.rmi) and Wave (*.wav)

These formats will play on all Windows installations.

- Extra Formats:

Audio Interchange File (*.aif, *.aiff), Compressed Audio Interchange File (*.aifc), Audio Interchange File, UNIX Audio file (*.au), MPEG audio stream, layer II (*.mp2), MPEG audio stream, layer III (*.mp3), MPEG audio stream (*.mpa), Real Audio File (*.ra), RIFF-MIDI file (*.rmi), PCM Sound Sample (*.snd), Windows Media Audio File (*.wma)

Availability of the above formats will depend upon your installation of Windows.

•	Text Formats:

Standard Text (*.txt), Rich Text (*.rtf) and Comma Separated Value Files (*.csv)

Standard text is text without any formatting, such as that you would create in Notepad.  Rich Text is text with formatting information such as Fonts and layout, you can create rich text in a word processor, such as Microsoft Word.

The integrated text editor is displayed automatically when you create a text object, but you can also import text by pasting it from another application.

•	Common Windows Formats:

Support for these formats depends on your Windows installation

- TrueType and OpenType Fonts (*.ttf)

This format will display on all systems

- Web Pages (*.htm, *.html, *.mht, *.xml)

For web pages to be displayed you will need to have Internet Explorer v3.0 or greater installed

- Office Formats: Word Document (*.doc), Excel Document (*.xls), PowerPoint Document (*.ppt, *.pps)

For these formats to be displayed you will need to have the relevant Office software installed

- Other Formats supported by Browser Plug-ins

To display the following formats you will need to have the relevant browser plug-in installed on your system.  These plug-ins can be downloaded free from the given web sites.  You can also add support for any other format which provides an IE browser plugin by clicking 'Add..'

Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf):  Download from: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

DrSid Image Files (*.sid):  Download from: http://www.lizardtech.com

DjVu Documents (*.djvu):  Download from: http://www.lizardtech.com

•	Supporting Other formats:

There are three ways to support other formats:

- External Launching

All other formats can be viewed by launching them into their default viewer under Windows, you can set this to occur on either happen on a single or double click

- Browser Plug-ins

Any format which can be displayed within Internet Explorer using a plug-in, such as Adobe Acrobat files, can be displayed by Smart Pix Manager.  To add support for the file type, select the 'File Extensions' tab and click 'Add and Select' beside the Common format.  Then click 'Add..' and enter the extension (for example, *.pdf).

- Custom DLL

If you are a programmer you can easily add support for new formats by creating a custom DLL, for specifications on this please e-mail support@xequte.com

Also:

•	Supported Formats Overview


Upgrading Microsoft Media Player

To play multimedia files, Smart Pix Manager requires a supported MCI extension to be installed on your computer.  These are automatically added to your system when installing Windows and other software.

To get the fullest range of supported multimedia formats you should download and install the latest version of Microsoft Media Player.

Smart Pix Manager supports all formats of Microsoft Media Player, so you can expand its supported formats by upgrading Media Player.

For more information visit:  http://www.xequte.com/mediaplayer/


Advanced Database Usage


 Managing your Databases

If you are using multiple databases you can use the database management utility for moving, copying and deleting your databases (Registered Version only, to move databases in the unregistered version click here).

Select Database|Manage Databases to display the database management dialog.

You will first need to select the database to manage:

Click on the top right browse button and select the folder of the database you want to move or delete.  Note that you cannot move or delete the currently opened database, switch to a new database first.  If you are not sure of the location of a database, open it and then select Database|Database Info.

Moving a Database:

1.	Click on 'Move the database', then browse to the folder where you want to move it to.  You cannot select a folder where a database already exists.

2.	Click OK.

Copying a Database:

1.	Click on 'Copy the database', then browse to the folder where you want to copy it to.  You cannot select a folder where a database already exists.

2.	Click OK.

After you have copied a database it is recommended that you rename either the original or the copy with a new database name, so that it can easily be opened using the Re-open menu item.

Deleting a Database

1.	Click on 'Delete the database'.

2.	Click OK.

If the database is using:

•	False extensions for image files:  Deleting the database will leave all image files referenced by it with the altered extension, so you will not be able to view them.  Before deleting the database you should first open it and convert the storage method back to Normal, this will rename all files to their original extension.

•	Database File Storage:  Deleting the database will also delete all files stored in the database!  If you want to keep these files but still delete the database, you should first open it and convert the storage method back to Normal, this will save all files to their original locations.

Controls:

•	Menu:  Database|Manage Databases

Also:

•	Using Multiple Databases


Moving your Database Files in the Unregistered Version

By default Smart Pix stores its database files in the folder \DB\ beneath its program folder, if necessary you can change this folder.  Unfortunately doing this in the unregistered version is a little arduous.

The procedure is:

1.  Move the Database files

Close Smart Pix.  Move all of the following files to your new folder:

Spm_dfkw.dat

Spm_dfkw.idx

Spm_file.blb

Spm_file.dat

Spm_file.idx

Spm_info.dat

Spm_info.idx

Spm_keyw.dat

Spm_keyw.idx

Spm_kygp.dat

Spm_kygp.idx

Spm_link.dat

Spm_link.idx

Spm_path.dat

Spm_path.idx

2.  Run Smart Pix

When you run Smart Pix you will be advised that your database cannot be located and asked to browse to the folder where you have moved it.  From now on Smart Pix will always look in this folder for your database files.

If you encounter any problems, run the Registry Editor (if you don't know how to run the registry editor you are already out of your depth) and examine the key at the location,

 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Xequte\Smart Pix Manager\dbpath.  If all else fails delete this registry key and move your database files back to the program folder.

Other Source Folder Information


Back up and restoration of your database files

If you are using Smart Pix to its full potential and have catalogued all your files files, then there is now significant value held in the Smart Pix database files.  To lose these files either by accidental deletion, hard drive failure or file corruption would be too painful to think about.  Consequently it is important that you regularly back up your files.

There are two options:

•	Back up database to a text file

Advantages: Small back up file that can be imported by various applications

Disadvantages:  Does not back up file stored within the database if you are using DB File Storage

•	Back up database files

Advantages: Faster to back up

The two methods are described below.

Backing Up to a Text File

Backing up your files to a text file is a simple one-click process, simply select Database|Import and Export|Backup DB to File

This will export your database to a text file which can easily be imported back into Smart Pix or other applications.

You can also automate this process using a scheduler by calling Smart Pix with the parameter /BACKUP

E.g. "C:\Program Files\Smart Pix Manager\smartpix.exe" /BACKUP

Which will instruct Smart Pix to write a back up file and then exit.

Full Back Up of Database Files

Alternatively you can back up all of your key Smart Pix files.  On a regular basis, weekly or monthly depending how often you use Smart Pix, you will want to copy these files to another drive, or incorporate them into your regular backup plan (you do backup, don't you?).  You can use the Manage database dialog to copy your database to another drive for back up.

The data files of importance are:

Database files:

Spm_dfkw.dat

Spm_dfkw.idx

Spm_file.blb

Spm_file.dat

Spm_file.idx

Spm_info.dat

Spm_info.idx

Spm_keyw.dat

Spm_keyw.idx

Spm_kygp.dat

Spm_kygp.idx

Spm_link.dat

Spm_link.idx

Spm_path.dat

Spm_path.idx

Bookmark files:

*.bkmk

If you need to back up:

Note: If you get an error when loading your DB files it is likely that they have become corrupted, such as by a Windows crash, in this case you probably can fix them by using the rebuild utility on our support page at (http://www.xequte.com/support/)

1.  Close Smart Pix.

2.  Move all the above files from the folder of the database you are currently using to a temp folder.

3.  Copy your back up files into the folder.

4.  Re-run Smart Pix.

If you are still having problems then one of your program files may be missing or the program registry may be corrupted, try:

1.  Running Smart Pix with the '/RESET' parameter to clear your registry entries, i.e. (include the quote marks):

"C:\Program Files\Smart Pix Manager\smartpix.exe" /RESET

2.  Reinstalling Smart Pix

Also:

•	Managing your databases

•	Importing and Exporting to a text file


Using Relative Paths

If you have been supplied a pre-built database, e.g. a CD-ROM of categorized images, you may have noticed that the source folders contain a % sign instead of a drive letter.  This % sign is a relative path, that is instead of using an exact path, e.g. 'd:\my pictures' the database will contain relative paths, e.g. '%:\my pictures' where the percentage sign is automatically replaced by the drive letter for your CD-ROM drive (though in actuality it does not need to be a CD-ROM drive, e.g. you could copy all your files to your hard drive and use that letter instead).  In this way other users of the same pre-built database don't need to relocate all their source folders to access the images they simply need to set this value.

If you are planning to deploy a Smart Pix database on CD-ROM read these important tips.

Creating Relative Paths

If you are building a database of categorized images where you will supply the images and database to other users then it is advised that you use relative paths.

For example, let's say you have a set of images in C:\images that you will supply to users on CD-ROM, if you set the CD-ROM value to 'C' then your source folder will appear as %:\images.  If you then use the same folder structure on your CD-ROM then when you supply it to other users then Smart Pix will automatically replace the % with their drive letter so that they can access the images without having to configure their source folders.

An Example

Let's say that your source folders are currently:

C:\My Images\Cars\Porsche

C:\My Images\Cars\Ferrari

C:\My Images\Cars\Honda

You plan to copy these images and the Smart Pix database onto your CD-ROM.  The images will be in the folders of the CD-ROM at:

Z:\Cars\Porsche

Z:\Cars\Ferrari

Z:\Cars\Honda

Where Z represents your drive letter.

Here is the process:

1.	Go into database settings using Database|Settings and Source Folders and select the Source Folders tab

2.	If the value for 'CD-ROM Drive/Value of Wildcard' is not blank then clear it by clicking 'Clear Wildcard from all folders

3.	Set the value for 'CD-ROM Drive/Value of Wildcard' to the part of the path name which will change, in our example it is C:\My Images

4.	Click OK

5.	You will be prompted if you want to set all of your folders to the new wildcard.  Click 'Yes'

6.	Go back into Settings and Source Folders, Source Folders tab.  All of the folders that had the old path will now contain the wildcard symbol (%).  In our example, they would appear as:

%\Cars\Porsche

%\Cars\Ferrari

%\Cars\Honda

Now when you give your database CD to someone else, Smart Pix will automatically check for their CD-ROM drive and read all images from the CD-ROM location, for example, the image %\Cars\Porsche\boxster.jpg would be read as Z:\Cars\Porsche\boxster.jpg (assuming that there CD-ROM drive is Z)

Wildcards need not only be used for CD-ROMs, you might also use it if you frequently change the location of the images.  For example if you initially had the above folders but had changed the location to (Not using Smart Pix):

J:\Image Collection\Cars\Porsche

J:\Image Collection\Cars\Ferrari

J:\Image Collection\Cars\Honda

Then use the above steps 1-6 then when you have finished set the value of the wildcard to the new location  (in this example, 'J:\Image Collection')


 Archiving Files to CD-ROM

If your files are taking up too much space on your hard drive then you may want to archive them to CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.  Smart Pix supports archived files and will continue to show their thumbnails and will prompt you to insert the correct CD-ROM when you select them for display.

Alternatively, if you are looking to distribute a CD-ROM with a Smart Pix database to others, read the CD-ROM Distribution section,

Here are the steps to archiving your files to CD-ROM:

1. Copy your source folder to your CD-ROM

Move or copy the entire folder of files to your CD-ROM using the CD Writing Software that came with your CD-ROM.

Note: If the folder is not already a Source Folder (i.e. is not listed in Database|Settings and Source Folders) then just insert the the CD-ROM and use the Database|Add Files to DB Wizard to add its contents to your database.

If you do not wish to move an entire folder, just specify files then see FAQ #1 below.

2. Select the Source Folder you have archived and click 'Archived to CD'

Once you have created your CD-ROM, ensure it is inserted into your drive and run Smart Pix Manager.  In Smart Pix Manager, click Database|Settings and Source Folders and select the 'Source Folders' tab.  Select the folder that you moved to CD-ROM and click the 'Archived to CD' button

3. Specify the updated details

You now need to tell Smart Pix what the location of the folder has changed to.

New location of the Source Folder on your CD-ROM

This is what the specified folder has changed to.

For example, let's say you had a Source Folder, C:\My Pictures\Hawaii\ and it contains files such as Hawaii1.jpg.  Using your CD Writing software you create a CD-ROM and move the above folder to it so that it now contains the folder 'Hawaii', i.e. you now have files such as, D:\Hawaii\Hawaii1.jpg.

For this example you would click browse and select the folder, D:\Hawaii.

And all sub-folders

If the specified folder contained sub-folders and you moved all of these to the CD-ROM too, then select this option.

Create DB Thumbnails for these files

If you select this option thumbnails for your archived images will be inserted into the database so that you can still view them even if the CD is not loaded

4. Click OK

When you click OK, Smart Pix does a quick check to ensure that you have specified the correct location, by checking that a file from the old location exists in the new location.  Once this is completed the changes will be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  I do not wish to archive an entire folder, just selected files from specific folders.  How do i do this?

A:  To do this create a new folder and move the files to it.  You can do this in Smart Pix by selecting the files and clicking File|Move and specifying a new folder.

Move all of the files that you wish to archive to this new folder, then archive the new folder according to the instructions above.


 Distributing a Smart Pix Database on CD-ROM

You can distribute Smart Pix Manager with a database and its associated images on CD-ROM, as long as you respect our license agreement and do not distribute a registered copy (without acquiring a license from Xequte Software).

Note: If you want to move files on your existing system to CD-ROM that are referenced by your database, read the Archiving to CD-ROM section instead.

Important points if you plan to deploy a Smart Pix database on CD-ROM:

1.  Use Relative Paths

Your CD-ROM drive may be E:\ but what if you give your CD of images and a Smart Pix database to someone whose CD-ROM drive is F:\, he will soon complain that Smart Pix can't find the files!  What do you do?  Use relative paths!

Smart Pix allows you to use the % sign to signify the CD-ROM drive.

Here is the method.

i)   Change all of your paths to include the % symbol for what will be the CD-ROM drive letter.  This can be done automatically, here is a complete example.

ii)  Copy the images to your CD-ROM drive using the same folder paths as they appear on your hard drive

When you give your CD-ROM to someone Smart Pix will automatically set their wildcard value to the setting of their CD-ROM.

2.  Include Thumbnails

If you have sufficient space you should include thumbnails to make the display of files on the CD-ROM much quicker.  You can create database thumbnails for each file using the Thumbnail Builder.  To display the thumbnail builder, select File|options, Database 2 tab and click the button 'Edit Thumbnails of the Current Database'

3. Optimize your database settings

Remember the database settings (i.e. all settings under the Database Settings tab in Options) cannot be changed once the database is on CD-ROM (unless they copy the database to their hard drive) so it is very important that you choose them wisely.  For example, if you have set a password then everyone who receives the CD will need to know the password.

These are the recommended settings:

Standard CD-ROM image collection:

•	Use Keyword Groups:  Yes, if you have more than 30 keywords.

•	Read Only: Yes

•	Storage Method: Normal (so images can be browsed with or without Smart Pix)

•	Password: None

Secure CD-ROM image collection:

•	Use Keyword Groups:  Yes, if you have more than 30 keywords.

•	Read Only: Yes

•	Storage Method: Database storage (images can only be browsed with Smart Pix)

•	Password: Yes

3.  Smart Pix Manager installation or Run-time?

If you copy a run-time of Smart Pix Manager to the CD-ROM (i.e. copy all of the files from an installed version of Smart Pix Manager) then users will be able to run Smart Pix directly from the CD-ROM without installation.  Make sure you copy all files from the \Smart Pix Manager\ folder and place the default database in a sub-folder of the name \DB\

You can include a Smart Pix installation on the CD-ROM with your images, however you must include all files within the original installation and cannot include any username or registration key.  If you would like to include a fully registered version of Smart Pix on each CD-ROM please consult us for OEM discounted pricing.

Xequte provides a specialised installer that allows you to install both Smart Pix and a custom database.  You can download this from:

http://www.xequte.com/smartpix/extra.html

If you have any questions please contact support@xequte.com.


 Sharing a Smart Pix Database on a Network

Smart Pix Manager fully supports the sharing of its database across a network, but you will need to specify the database setting, 'Allow databases to be shared,' under Database Options on all copies of Smart Pix Manager which are accessing the shared database

You will want to consider the following details:

1.  Access to Files

Naturally every user of the database will also need to have read access to the images and multimedia files that the database references, so these will need to be in a shared folder with a mapped drive letter.  Also you should have the shared folder mapped to the the same letter on all systems, os that, for example, if the database refers to the file N:\Images\CompanyLogo.gif then the image can be found in N:\Images on all systems (If this is not possible you will need to use wildcards or store the files within the database).

2.  Read/Write Access

There are two ways you can control read/write access to a shared database:

•	Using NT permissions set the user-rights of the folder containing the database

•	Set the Read-Only option on all copies of Smart Pix Manager that do not have write access

Note:  You can quickly enact the key options for network access by running Smart Pix and click Ctrl+Shift+D

Also:

•	Database Options

•	Database Performance Settings


 Thumbnail Builder

The Database Thumbnail Builder allows you to create and delete thumbnails for your database images.   However, generally Smart Pix does not need Database Thumbnails, unless you are storing your files within the Smart Pix database  (when a database image is displayed a thumbnail is automatically created).

You may also want to create them if you plan to ship your database on CD-ROM.

To display the Database Thumbnail builder, select Options, Database 2 tab and click 'Thumbnails of the Current Database'

You can perform three actions:

•	Create thumbnails for all files stored within your database

This setting instructs Smart Pix to check all database files and create thumbnails if they do not already exist.

•	Build thumbnails only for database files in these folders

This will allow you to select which folders that Smart Pix should create thumbnails for.  It will only check files that are referenced by these folders and create thumbnails where they are needed.

•	Delete all thumbnails

This option will delete any thumbnails which exist in the database.

Overwrite existing thumbnails

By default Smart Pix only creates thumbnails if the file reference needs one, however you may want to delete the existing thumbnails and create new ones.

Also:

•	Thumbnail Options


Registration and Licensing


 What is Registration?

Smart Pix Manager is "Shareware".  This means that legally you are entitled to evaluate the software for up to 30 days without any obligation to pay.  After 30 days, if you continue to use it, you must register your copy with us for a small fee.

Registration entitles you free technical support and updates (though not upgrades) to the software.  Registration also entitles you to discounts on upgrades and may also entitle you to discounts on other software releases from Xequte.  We will also send you information bulletins by email to let you know about what's happening with Xequte's products.

Why should I register?


 Why should I Register?

There are also some minor restrictions in the unregistered version.  This is not to say that I don't trust you but sometimes us humans just need a little incentive to get off our behinds and do something.

Main benefits from Registering

EXTRA FUNCTIONALITY

1.	Removal of the nag screen that appears on start-up

2.	Removal of the limit of 2000 files

3.	Removal of the limit of 30 Keywords

4.	Added option of having Smart Pix automatically change and support false extensions for image files (e.g. MyImage.SPM) so they are not viewable in other programs.

5.	Added option of storing your files within your Smart Pix database for a very high level of security.

6.	Password protection.

7.	Automatic checking for duplicate files within your collection.

8.	Creation of HTML thumbnail indexes so you can view your images with your web browser

9.	Exporting of database entries

10.	Support for multiple databases

SUPPORT

If you should have any problems with the program you can contact us for a solution.

SUPPORTING FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

The amount of time that we can justify spending on Smart Pix is largely determined by the recognition we receive.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Smart Pix has largely been developed with ideas of my own and feedback from registered users. This does not necessarily mean it does what you want it to do.  The best way to ensure that Smart Pix performs to your liking is to register your software and ply me often with your recommendations for enhancements and new features.  If I add it, you may be acknowledged in the documentation and will receive the new version free!

BEST OF ALL- IT'S CHEAP AND ORDERING IS QUICK

Registration is easy and cheap (less than US$35), so register now!

How can I register?


 How can I Register?

There are four ways you can register Smart Pix Manager:

1.  Register online with our Secure Server (Credit Card only!)

Direct your browser to http://www.xequte.com/order/

Follow the instructions.

2.  Via standard Post

Go to the registration form and print it out.

Send completed form and payment to:

Xequte Software

PO Box 11301

Manners Street

Wellington

New Zealand

3.  Via E-mail (Credit Card only!)

Go to the registration form and copy all the text.  Then paste it into an e-mail and fill in the details.

Forward to sales@xequte.com.

For extra security you might like to send the part of the credit card in your main e-mail and the rest in another.  (e.g. write your number as 4545-5555-xxxx-xxxx in the first e-mail and then xxxx-xxxx-2121-2121 in the second)

4.   Via Fax (Credit Card only!)

Print out the registration form below and fax to us on:

(603) 908-6364 (within USA)

+1-603-908-6364 (Other Countries)

Cost:

US$33.50	per copy

If you intend to purchase more than ten copies please contact us for discounted pricing.

You can use the world currency converter at http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic to convert this to your own currency

Includes:

* Full registered version

* 12 months e-mail support

* Free Updates

* Discounts on other Xequte products and Upgrades

Payment by:

•	Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc )

•	Personal Cheque (Must be in your own currency!  I.e. if you have a Canadian bank send a cheque in Canadian dollars)

•	Cash (Note: with cash payments we cannot be held liable for any loss. Do not send coinage, only notes)

•	Bank transfer (contact sales@xequte.com for details)

Notes on payment in your own currency

If you are sending currency other than US dollars (or sending cheques):

•	Using a newspaper or the world currency converter (http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic), convert the US$ value to your own currency using the US$ buy price.

•	Record the date at which you worked out the conversion rate.

•	If paying by cash, round the result UP to the nearest paper note (or notes), i.e. 3,926 yen, send four 1,000 yen notes.

Alternatively e-mail us for a quote in your local currency

We will confirm receipt of your order within 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) by e-mail and supply you with a registration key.

Note: if you do not have an e-mail address we will reply by standard post only.

Smart Pix Manager Registration form


 Registration Form

SMART PIX MANAGER REGISTRATION FORM

Customer Details:

First Name: 	____________________

Last Name:	____________________

E-mail Address: 	____________________

Please confirm e-mail: 	____________________

Address: 	____________________

____________________

City: 	____________________

State/Province: 	____________________

Postal Code: 	____________________

Country: 	____________________

Phone: 	____________________   [ ]Day?  [ ]Night?

Payment method:

[ ]Credit card, [ ]Personal Cheque, [ ]Cash.

CREDIT CARD DETAILS:

[ ] Visa

[ ] Mastercard/Eurocard

[ ] American Express

[ ] _________________

Credit Card #:  	____________________

Expiration Date:  	__/__/__(MM/DD/YY or MM/YY)

Name on card: 	____________________

PERSONAL CHEQUE DETAILS

Name on cheque, if not your own: ____________________

Cheque number: 	____________________

Currency: 	____________________

Conversion rate: 	____________________

Date of this rate: 	____________________

CASH DETAILS

if other than US$:

Currency: 	____________________

Conversion rate: 	____________________

Date of this rate: 	____________________

Items required:

Smart Pix Manager,	____ copies at US$33.50	US$_____

Total:	US$_____

(You can use the world currency converter at http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic to convert this into your own currency)

Order confirmation should be:

[ ]Posted

[ ]E-mailed

Other:

What Operating system are you using?

[ ]Win 95/98, [ ] Win NT, [ ]Other: ____________________

Where did you hear about this product?

___________________________________________

What improvements would you like us to make to the program?

___________________________________________

Have you had any problems with the program?

___________________________________________


 Licensing Details

1.   Distribution

This shareware software may be freely distributed, provided that:

1.  Such distribution includes only the original archive supplied by Xequte.  You may not alter, delete or add any files in the distribution archive.

2.  The distribution does not include a registration number or information on disabling the registration features.  You are also forbidden from distributing a registered version of Smart Pix Manager.

3.  No money is charged to the person receiving the software, beyond reasonable cost of packaging and other overhead.

For further information about redistribution of Xequte products e-mail us at sales@xequte.com

2.   License

By receiving and/or using Xequte software products, you accept the following Evaluation and Registered User Agreement.  This agreement is a binding legal agreement between Xequte and the purchasers, users or evaluators of Xequte's software and products.

3.   Evaluation (Unregistered) and Registered User Agreement

You may evaluate Smart Pix Manager for maximum of thirty calendar days, after which you must register the program with Xequte or remove the software from your computer.

You may allow other users to evaluate copies of the unregistered Shareware.   All evaluation users are subject to the terms of this agreement.

The evaluator/user/buyer/owner is not allowed to attempt to reverse engineer, disassemble or decompile Xequte software and products.

Xequte's name and any logo or graphics file that represents our software may not be used in any way to promote products other than our software.  All parts of Xequte software and products are copyright protected.  No program, code, part, image, video clip, audio sample, text or computer generated sequence of images may be copied or used in any way by the user except as intended within the bounds of the single user program.

The evaluator/user/buyer/owner of Xequte software will indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Xequte against lawsuits, claims, costs associated with defence or accusations that result from the use of Xequte software.

Xequte is not responsible for any damages whatsoever, including loss of information, interruption of business, personal injury and/or any damage or consequential damage without limitation, incurred before, during or after the use of our products.  Our entire liability, without exception, is limited to the customers' reimbursement of the purchase price of the software (maximum being the suggested retail price as listed by Xequte) in exchange for the return of the product, all copies, registration papers and manuals, and all materials that constitute a transfer of ownership from the customer back to Xequte.

Each registered copy of Xequte software may be used in only one single location by one user.  Use of the software means that you have loaded the program and run it or have installed the program onto a computer.  If you install the software onto a multi-user platform or network, each and every individual user of the software must be registered separately, except only in the case of a multiple user site licence, in which case you are limited to the number of users as expressly stated on your multiple user site licence contract.

You may make one copy of the registered software for backup purposes, providing you only have one copy installed on one computer being used by one person.   If any person other than yourself uses Xequte's software registered in your name, regardless of whether it is at the same time or different times, then you are considered to be in violation of this agreement.

The sale of and or distribution of registered copies of this software is strictly forbidden.  It is a violation of this agreement to loan, rent, lease, borrow, or transfer the use of registered copies of Xequte software products.


About Smart Pix Manager


 Getting Technical Support

Xequte provides technical support to registered users.  This support includes help on any technical or functional problems you may experience with Smart Pix Manager.

Questions from those evaluating software will be addressed if they relate to evaluation problems or bugs.

You should first check the troubleshooting FAQ this can be accessed under the Help menu of Smart Pix.

If this doesn't shed any light then send an e-mail to support@xequte.com, with your registration name in the subject line.  Please add "- Urgent" to request extra priority.

In your message body enter:

•	Your name

•	Registration name

•	Version of Smart Pix Manager

•	Version of Windows

•	Description of problem, including:

•	What happens, what symptoms occur, what error message comes up?

•	When it happens, e.g. after you have viewed a large file, every time you run.

•	What mode you are in; Search, Browse, etc.

•	Where it happens, e.g. in the options dialog.

•	Any methods you are currently using to work around the problem

•	Any programs that you are running at the same time as Smart Pix, i.e. check your start-up folder and list anything that appears, also check your system tray, do you have antivirus or other software programs running.  Does closing any of these programs cure the problem?

•	If the problem relates to printing, what printer are you using and what driver?

•	If it relates to other hardware issues, please describe the relevant hardware and respective drivers.

•	Any other background information that may be relevant.


 Feedback

We are always keen to receive feedback on our programs from users, particularly:

•	How our product can be improved.

•	What new features you'd like.

•	What current features you most use.

•	What current features you never use.

•	Any problems you might experience.

•	What you like about the product.

•	What you dislike about the product.

Please e-mail us at sales@xequte.com with "Feedback:" in the subject line.

If you don't have e-mail we also accept standard mail at

Xequte Software, PO Box 11301

Manners Street, Wellington, New Zealand

However we are better at responding via e-mail, so please include an e-mail address if possible.


Getting Program updates
 Updates

Updates can be downloaded from our web page at:

http://www.xequte.com

We send information about updates and upgrades to all registered and other interested users via e-mail.  To subscribe to the list send an e-mail to sales@xequte.com with the subject 'Subscribe'


 Acknowledgements

Foremost, Thank you to Sean Cross for getting me started with software development, as well as ongoing help and advice on programming, application design and bug eradication.

Thanks also to Jon Chao of dynamic-e-works (www.dynamiceworks.com) who created the Smart Pix Manager logo and other Xequte Software graphics.

Smart Pix was developed in Delphi 5.0, we thank Borland (www.inprise.com) for writing such a powerful - yet, easy-to-use - development language.


Appendix


BMP format
BMP format, use of BMP format is recommended for images that you will edit and re-save.  Whereas JPEG files lose a little bit of their quality every time they are saved, BMP files maintain the same level of quality.  BMP files are generally very large.


Database
Smart Pix uses a relational database to store a list of all your files, their paths, keywords, descriptions, and thumbnails.   A relational database is made up of a number of tables (seven for Smart Pix) that each store a different aspect of the information for the database, for example, one for file paths, one for keywords, etc.  This allows the size of the database to be kept to minimum by reducing duplication of information.


JPEG format
JPEG format is recommended for any files that you intend to view but not edit, because they have the most effective compression algorithm, i.e. you get the smallest file sizes.  If you have an image collection stored in BMP or PCX format then it is highly recommended that you convert all files to JPEG (you are likely to find space savings of up to 90%).  However it is important to realise that in compressing files to JPEG some picture degradation occurs.

Whenever you save a JPEG you are asked for a compression setting.  100%  means little compression, i.e. big file, high quality.   1% means maximum compression, i.e. small file, low quality.  We recommend using 75%, at this level you receive little noticeable image degradation, but a significant amount of compression will be obtained so the file size will be very small.


Keywords
In Smart Pix we use the term 'keyword' to refer to the descriptive words or phrases that you assign to an image.  For example, you might add the keywords, 'German', 'blue', 'sports car' to a picture of a blue Porsche.  In this way if you perform a search for German sports cars this file will be one of those returned.

While nouns or adjectives are most common, obviously there is no restriction to the descriptions that might be used, e.g.:

Porsche, Car, Red, Being Driven, 911


Maintained aspect ratio
This means that while a picture may be zoomed in or out, Smart Pix ensures that it doesn't change the original x and y dimensions of the image relative to each other.  In other words, if you have a picture 5-cm wide by 10-cm high no matter how you zoom or shrink it the height will remain twice the width.


Reference
In this context, a reference is a link in your database to a file, or in other words 'information (stored in the database) on how to locate a particular file'

For each file Smart Pix only stores a reference in its database, i.e. the database contains information on where the file is located on your hard drive, but not a copy of the file itself (unless you are using database file storage).

When we say that a file is referenced by the database, we mean that somewhere in our database there is information on that file and its location.


Source Folders
At the core of your Smart Pix database is a list of source folders.  You need to inform Smart Pix where on your computer your files are located, these locations are termed 'source folders'.  Not only does this information allow Smart Pix to know where to find your files but it also tells it where to look for new files when you perform an update.

Smart Pix does not change the files in these folders in any way (unless you choose to use a false extension or Database Storage).


What are the ~ Files?
What are ~ Files?

Files with a tilde(~) at the beginning of a name (e.g. ~file.bmp) or at the beginning of an extension (e.g. file.~bm) are temporary files created by Smart Pix (and other programs) and can generally be deleted.

Smart Pix creates two kind of temporary files:

•	Files which have been inserted into the database and have a tilde in the extension, e.g. xyz.~jp.  By default Smart Pix does not delete files after inserting them into the database, merely renames them to a temporary name so that you can back them up before removal from your system.

•	Temporary files, if you are using the False Extension or Database Storage method, Smart Pix sometimes needs to create temporary files, for example if you want to launch a file in an external viewer.  These files will have a tilde at the beginning of their name, e.g. ~xyz.bmp.  Generally Smart Pix will clean up these files automatically, but sometimes it is unable, i.e. if you have launched a file into Paint and leave it open when you close Smart Pix, Windows will not allow Smart Pix to delete the file.