New Template dialog box

Canvas: Click to select the color of the background.

Width and Height: Determines the size of the blank canvas, image or template.

Standard: Lists common layout schemes.

Portrait: Specifies that the document should be arranged with its top along the short side.

Landscape: Specifies that the document should be arranged with its top along the long side.

Size: Provides a selection of fixed dimensions (for example, common dimensions for photos, envelopes and labels).

User defined

Width: Type a  width of the blank canvas, image or template.

Height: Type a height of the blank canvas, image or template.

Units: Select how the canvas is measured: in pixels, inches or centimeters.

OK: Click to open the newly created image file in the workspace.

Note

In Project mode, an image placeholder button appears at the bottom of the new template. Click it to replace the existing image or background.

Related info

  New Template


Insert: Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box
Get From Scanner (or Digital Camera) dialog box

Select data source: Displays all installed input devices and allows you to select one of them.

Apply post processing: Automatically applies any number of preset processes (for example, adjust brightness) to images immediately after acquiring them.

Show TWAIN data source (Scanner only): Select to activate your TWAIN driver when you click Acquire. If clear, Photo Explosion will scan the image using the default resolution and color settings.

Change device type: This allows you to change the type of device named. Photo Explosion automatically displays the most correct type.

Action

Add: Adds the file into the Photo Explosion project template.

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

Acquire: Begins the acquisition process.

Close: Closes this panel.


Insert: Video Capture dialog box
Video Capture dialog box

Available capture driver: Displays all the installed capture devices in your computer.

Action

Add: Adds the file into the Photo Explosion project template.

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

Change Plug-in: Click to open a dialog box where you can change the video capture plug-in.

Import: Click to open the Video Capture dialog box where you can capture still images from your video camera.

Close: Closes this panel.

Related info

  Insert: Video capture


Insert: My Computer dialog box
My Computer dialog box

Currently browsed folder: Displays the name of the currently open folder. Click the arrow to display the other available folders.

Recent folders: Displays the last ten folders that you have opened. Click a folder to open it.

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

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

Action

Add: Adds the file into the Photo Explosion project template.

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

Apply: Inserts the images into the selected project template.

Close: Closes this panel.

Related info

  Opening a Template


Insert: Digital Camera
Get From Digital Camera

Acquires and inserts an image into a Photo Explosion project template from a digital camera.

Related info

  Opening a Template


Insert: Scanner
Get From Scanner

Acquires and inserts an image into a Photo Explosion project template from a scanner.

Related info

  Opening a Template


Insert: Video Capture

Captures and inserts an image into a Photo Explosion project template from a video capturing device.

Related info

  Opening a Template


Insert: My Computer

Inserts an image stored on your computer into a Photo Explosion project template.

Related info

  Opening a Template


Open Template File

Displays a dialog box for you to open a Photo Explosion template file (*.TPL).

Related info

  Opening a Template


New Template

Opens a dialog box for creating a new template file (*.TPX) in workplace.

Related info

  New Template dialog box


Opening a template

Photo Explosion comes with many ready-made designs that you can use.

Note

If you did a Typical or Compact installation, with the Deluxe version, you’ll need to have either Content CD 1 or Content CD 2 in your CD-ROM drive to actually open a template. With the Standard version, you’ll need to have the Content CD in the drive. If you have more than one CD-ROM drive (for example, Drive D: and Drive E:), Disk 2 must be in the first drive (for example, Drive D:).

To open a template:

1.	Switch to Project mode.

2.	In the Choose a Project window, click a project type.
The template folder opens in the workspace and displays samples of the projects.
or
If you’ve been in Project mode, open the Get Project menu on the Command panel, point to a category and click a project type.The template folder opens in the workspace and displays samples of the projects.

3.	To select a different category (or different project type), click it in the panel on the left.

4.	To open a template, double-click it.
or
Right-click a template and click Edit.
or
Select a template and click the Open selected file button on the toolbar.
The template opens in the workspace.

5.	Insert your own images and customize your own project.

Related info

  Get Project Templates


Saving templates and objects

To save a project and keep objects to edit later:

1.	In Project mode, open the Share menu and click Save.

2.	In the Options panel locate and select a folder.

3.	Type a File name.

4.	Select TPX as the File type.

5.	Click Save.

6.	Click Close.

Note

Using the default File type and Data type saves your template in a format proprietary to Photo Explosion. This allows object information to be retained, but you cannot open the template in another application.

Related info

  Get Project Templates


Get Project: Templates

Point to the project category on the Get Project menu and click a project type to view the available templates.

Note

If you did a Typical or Compact installation, with the Deluxe version, you’ll need to have either Content CD 1 or Content CD 2 in your CD-ROM drive to actually open a template. With the Standard version, you’ll need to have the Content CD in the drive. If you have more than one CD-ROM drive (for example, Drive D: and Drive E:), Disk 2 must be in the first drive (for example, Drive D:).

Related info

  Opening a Template


Template Folder Window dialog box

Displays the available project template folders within the program.

You may select a category of project templates to display the templates in the workspace.

Related info

  Get Project Templates


Troubleshooting & Tips
Troubleshooting & Tips in Acquiring Images

  Tips for scanning

  Scanner troubleshooting guide

  Tips for using a digital camera

  Digital camera troubleshooting guide


If you have trouble in getting your scanner to work in Photo Explosion

If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message

If your scanned image display is too large or too small on the screen

If your scanned image is too light or too dark

If your scanned image's colors are incorrect

If your scanned image has a lot of spots

If your scanned image is poor and filled with horizontal lines

If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks detail

If your scanned image has moire patterns

If an image takes too long to scan


Scan in the same color mode as the output device

Scan good quality images and text

Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

Do before scanning checks

Limit the image size when possible

High resolution is not always recommended

How to determine resolution value

How to calculate resolution for output devices

Experiment with different settings

Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)


Make sure you have adequate lighting

Take pictures of nearby subjects

Limit the image size when possible

Use your digital camera as a scanner

For faster transfers

Focusing your camera


If your camera doesn't work...

The batteries are OK, but the camera still won't shoot...

The batteries seem to run out too quickly...

If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message...


Limit the image size when possible

Small images require much less hard disk space and processing time than large ones. Be aware of how much disk space you have on your system when you acquire your pictures. If your available disk space is limited, you may only be able to copy a few photographs from your camera to the computer. Some cameras allow you to adjust the photo compression before you take the pictures.

By increasing the compression, you get smaller file sizes. This allows you to collect more images in your camera, (like getting a longer roll of film) and copy more to your computer. However, your images may not be as sharp or accurate as images with lower compression.

   Other photography tips


Limit the image size when possible

Small images require less hard disk space and processing time than large ones. Before you start scanning, note the predicted file size in KB (kilobytes) and compare it to your available hard disk space. If the expected file size for the scanned image is be greater than the available disk space, your scan will be faulty. To control file size, make sure to select only the area you want to keep before you start scanning.

Here are some other things you might try to limit the file size:

If your scanner supports sharpening, try scanning at a lower resolution with sharpening.

Save True Color or Grayscale images as JPEG (*.JPG) files.

   Other scanning tips


Scan in the same color as the output device
Scan in the same color mode as the output device

For most accurate reproduction, scan your images for the intended output device. This may also help you control file size. Here are some examples:

OCR text: Black and white.

Line art: Black and white.

Laser printer: Grayscale.

Monitor: 256/True color (depending on the video driver).

Post production: True color (CMYK).

   Other scanning tips


Scan good quality images and text

You always lose some information when you scan. By carefully choosing your images and settings, you can minimize this problem. For example, don't try to scan extremely light or dark images or any images with very low contrast.


Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

Images from magazines or books are composed of tiny dots. The typical resolution for color typesetting is 180 or 300 dpi, so scanning at higher resolutions offers no advantages. As a matter of fact, higher resolutions may even be worse. To preserve accurate details, scan photographs instead of printed materials, if possible.

   Other scanning tips


Highest resolution is not always the best selection
High resolution is not always recommended

High resolution images take enormous amounts of disk space and will take longer to scan. Scanning the image at a higher resolution does not mean the result is going to be better. Keep in mind the maximum resolution of the image to be scanned and the output device. The standard color typesetting resolution is 180 dpi and standard photographic printing ranges from 400 to 600 dpi.

Similarly, exceeding the resolution capabilities of your monitor (for web graphics) will not result in better image quality. A standard Windows VGA monitor display resolution is 72 dpi (large fonts) or 96 dpi (small fonts).

However, if your computer resources are ample, then scanning at a high resolution is not a bad idea. Scanning at a high resolution produces a large and good quality image. This can be used as a "master copy" when the image will be used frequently for other projects.

Image quality deteriorates when enlarging a small image. By starting out with a large image, you can preserve the image quality when reducing or changing the image.

   Other scanning tips


Experiment with different settings

Scan images using different settings. Compare the results on your screen to select the one that suits your needs.

Different scanners have different TWAIN drivers and different user interfaces. They all have the basic tools (like resolution setting and color mode). However, some have more advanced features so it is best for you to familiarize yourself to the available features of your scanner to get the best scans. If there are flaws with the scanned image, Photo Explosion offers a variety of tools to correct these flaws.

Remember: Experimentation is the best teacher in getting good scans.

   Other scanning tips


If you have trouble getting your scanner to work in Photo Explosion...

When using Photo Explosion to acquire an image, make sure that your TWAIN driver (provided by the scanner vendor) is installed correctly. The TWAIN driver sends the acquire command from the application to the scanner and processes the data from the scanner and passes it to the application. You need to select the data source before starting the scanning process. There may be more than one device attached to your computer, so you need to specify which one to use.

Check if the scanner’s power switch is on.

Check for loose connections between your computer and the scanner. Try scanning again.

Open the File menu and click Acquire>Scanner or open the Get Photo menu and click Scanner. Select your data source. If your data source is not in the list, install your TWAIN driver.

If you have multiple TWAIN drivers installed, make sure you select the one for your current scanner.

Check if your scanner's model name is note on the data source list, install the TWAIN driver to your Windows program and then check again if it was installed correctly. (If you still can't find your scanner's model name, contact your scanner’s manufacturer for more information on how to install the TWAIN driver.)

   Other common scanning problems


If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message...

There are three systems that interact with each other when you capture an image: the TWAIN-compatible input device, the TWAIN driver, and the TWAIN-compatible application. Each has its own set of conditions that must be met before you can successfully scan an image. Most of the time the problem is that the TWAIN-driver is not properly installed. Try the following before contacting your vendor about a problem.

1.	Make sure your camera or scanner has power.

2.	Check the cable between your computer and the camera or scanner.

3.	Open the File menu and click Acquire>Scanner/Digital Camera or open the Get Photo menu and click Scanner/Digital Camera. Check the data source list to see if your device’s name is listed. If yes, select it. Otherwise, install your TWAIN driver and try again.

4.	If you continue getting TWAIN error messages, please contact the scanner’s or camera’s manufacturer for information on how to install the TWAIN driver or for information on how to avoid hardware conflict with the interface adapter.

   Other common scanning problems

   Other common digital camera problems


If your scanned image quality is poor and filled with horizontal lines...

Chances are your scanner is not calibrated properly. Calibration is the process of correcting the scanner to account for differences between the monitor, scanner and the printer. Try the following:

Check your scanner with the  calibration test image and software provided by the scanner manufacturer. Make sure that the scanner is correctly calibrated.

For hand-held scanners, try scanning slower and steadier. Make sure that the image to scan is placed on a flat surface.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has a lot of spots...

Images that require a lot of colors need to be scanned at a higher resolution to blend colors more smoothly.

Check your scanner resolution. Your settings may be low for your output device.

Check your monitor display settings. If your display is at 256-Color, change it to HiColor (16-bit) or True Color (24-bit).

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How to determine resolution value

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image's colors are incorrect...

Most desktop color scanners scan images using red, green and blue light sources. Most color printers generate images using cyan, yellow, magenta and black inks. As the image data is translated from one device to another, the resulting colors may shift and become unacceptable. Because of this, ven when working with monochrome images, details visible in the shadows and highlights may be lost when printed.

Check your scanner’s calibration with the test image and software provided by the scanner’s manufacturer. Make sure that the scanner is calibrated correctly.

In Photo Explosion, you can optimize your monitor's display by opening the File menu and clicking Preferences. Then click the Photo Explosion tab.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks details...

Scanning at a resolution that is too low causes this problem. Check the resolution settings. They may need to be set higher.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How to determine resolution value

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image is too large or too small on the screen...

Images displayed on the screen are related to the monitor's resolution settings. To change your display resolution:

1.	Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.

2.	Click Properties on the shortcut menu.

3.	Click the Settings tab.

4.	In the desktop area, drag the slider to higher resolution for smaller images or lower resolution for larger ones.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has patterns...
If your scanned image has moire patterns...

You may see moire patterns when scanning halftoned images from printed material (like magazines). This pattern may also appear when changing the size of a scanned image in an application. Try the following suggestions to avoid or remove moire patterns:

Avoid sharpening when halftoning.

Scan halftone images in the right direction to avoid rotating after scanning.

Select halftone diffusion to scan previously halftoned images when using a desktop printer as an output device.

Lower the resolution by a small amount when scanning grayscale or color images.

Use the Descreen filter (if available) from the scanner’s TWAIN driver. Don't use this if you are scanning real photographs or regular text.

Place one or more sheet protectors on the scanner glass when scanning original artwork. Put the image to scan face down on top of the sheet protectors.

For black and white images, rotate them slightly on the scanner bed.

Try scaling the image during scanning to resize it before bringing it into an application.

   Other common scanning problems


If you're scanning an image that's taking too long...
If an image takes too long to scan...

The scanning process time depends on the file size of the image, scanner settings and your computer's configuration, (such as the RAM, CPU, hard drive, and bus speeds). Try the following to control the speed without changing your computer's configuration:

Check the file size of the pre-scanned image. Larger files take longer processing time.

Select only the portion of the image needed.

Close other running applications to free up some memory.

Lower the scan resolution value. However, the scanned image will not look as nice.

Use a USB connection between your scanner and computer.

  Limit the image size when possible

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How to determine resolution value

   Other common scanning problems


How much resolution is enough
How to determine resolution value

To determine resolution value, keep in mind the output device (for example, monitor or printer) that the scanned image is intended for. This is the most important factor in determining the resolution value. The following suggestions may be helpful in deciding:

Scan for the intended output device. For monitors, use 72 dpi (Windows large fonts) or 96 dpi (Windows small fonts). For laser printers use 300-600 dpi (regular) or 1200-2400 dpi (photo-quality).

Scan at higher resolution (2x the original) if you plan on doing extensive image processing.

Scan at higher resolution when enlarging the image to scan.

Scan at 1.5 to 2x the intended halftone screen's lines per inch when sending the file to a post-production house to create halftones.

   Other scanning tips


If your scanned image is too light or too dark...

Check if your scanner has a brightness control feature. If yes, use it to adjust the brightness.

Check your scanner’s calibration to adjust the color differences between your scanner and the output devices. Use the scanner’s calibration test image and software provided by the scanner’s manufacturer.

You can adjust the Brightness of the image in Photo Explosion using the Adjust>Lighting command on the Edit menu. Photo Explosion also offers automatic Brightness & Contrast adjustment with Adjust> Smart Enhance on the Edit menu.

   Other common scanning problems


How to calculate the resolution for output devices

The relationship between your scanner and output device is important in choosing the right resolution. Scanners reproduce grayscale and color variations by increasing the amount of data for each pixel (or dot) in a picture. Printers, however, simulate grayscale and color variations by arranging dots into larger ones called halftone cells.

Desktop laser printers generate 53 halftone cells per inch; whereas high-resolution image setters print up to 133 halftone cells per inch. While printer dots are typically measured in dots per inch (dpi), halftone cells are measured in lines per inch (lpi).

Use this formula in calculating the resolution to use in scanning grayscale and color images for your output device.

1.	Multiply the lpi (lines per inch) setting of your output device by one and a half.

2.	Set the result as the dpi setting for the scanner.
For example, if your final output device is a desktop laser printer, use 53 x 1.5 to get the dpi setting for the scanner. This gives a dpi setting of 80 (rounded off).

   Other scanning tips


Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)

Some scanners provide 36-bit scanning capability for color images and 16-bit for grayscale images. 36-bit scanning allows you to capture additional data from the image.

This results in better image quality. However, most software applications, including Photo Explosion, support only 24-bit files.

Shadow detail is captured better. This is useful when scanning darker images. It also improves the results when the original image is poorly exposed.

Gaps resulting from the tone mapping process are minimized.

   Other scanning tips


In scanning, the tones of the original image are mapped to the modified tones in the scanned image. When the range of input tones is smaller than the output tones, this results in gaps in mapping of the scanned image. Gaps cause color problems in the scanned image and are most apparent in grayscale images. A 36-bit internal scanner's range of input tones exceeds the range of output tones, thus eliminating gaps in the mapping process, resulting in more continuous and high-resolution tones in the scanned image.


Take pictures of nearby subjects

Make sure the subject of your photograph is not too far away. Unlike regular cameras, digital cameras have a fixed resolution for the photographs they take. If your subject is more than 30 feet away, it probably will not be clear in your photograph. As a rule, distances between 5 and 15 feet are best for digital photographs.

   Other photography tips


Make sure you have adequate lighting

Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography also. If your subject is too dark for your regular camera, it is probably too dark for the digital one also. And unlike regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds, so the option of exposing an image longer in dark environments is not available. Check your camera's operator's guide for details on the optimal lighting requirements for your camera.

   Other photography tips


Focusing your camera

Many digital cameras have advanced auto-focus features to help you capture the best possible photo with the least difficulty. But sometimes the lighting or other conditions make it difficult for your camera to focus effectively. Here are some ways to make sure the subjects of your pictures are as clear as possible:

Low contrast, strong backlight, or bright reflections: If any of these conditions exist, focus on another subject that is about the same distance from you and lock the focus on that subject. Then return to your subject to take the picture. (See your camera's user manual for how to lock the focus.)

Parallel lines: If your subject has many horizontal lines (for example steps on a ladder), rotate the camera 90-degrees to focus. Then return the camera to the correct angle and take the picture.

Multiple distances: If the subjects of your photo are at different distances from you, focus on the one that is most important. (If you focus between your primary subjects, chances are both subjects will be out of focus.)

   Other photography tips


If your camera doesn't work...

Chances are it is a small oversight that prevents you from using your camera. Check the following to make sure everything is OK:

1.	Are your batteries installed properly and charged? Check and replace them if necessary. It is always a good idea to have a spare set of fully charged batteries handy when you use your camera.

Note: Always replace all the batteries with a fully charged set. Doing partial replacements with batteries holding different levels of charge can lead to unstable camera operation and shorten the lives of all your batteries.

2.	Are you using the correct batteries? Check your camera's user manual to make sure the batteries in your camera are the right type.

3.	Are the contacts between the batteries and the camera dirty? Remove the batteries. With a clean, dry cloth, carefully wipe the batteries and the contacts to remove dirt and other foreign particles. Then replace the batteries in the compartment.

   Other common digital camera problems


The batteries are OK, but the camera still won't shoot...

Take a moment or two to make sure your camera is set up properly to take pictures:

1.	Make sure the lens cover is off.

2.	Check to see if your storage device is properly inserted into the camera.

3.	Make sure you have enough space available in the storage device for another picture. (It is always a good idea to keep at least one extra storage device with you at all times.)

4.	Make sure you are in the right mode before taking a picture. (Most cameras have a "Take picture" and a "Display picture" mode.)

5.	If you are taking indoor flash photographs, make sure the flash is fully charged. Most cameras have a flash indicator that tells when the flash is ready and when it is recharging.

   Other common digital camera problems


The batteries seem to run out too quickly...

The rate at which battery power gets used depends on several conditions. Here are some things to check and be aware of:

Temperature: Batteries get used up faster in extreme temperatures. If you plan to take pictures in sub-freezing or extremely hot conditions, the battery life may be affected. Some cameras may accept specially designed batteries for these times. Check your camera's user guide for more information.

Poor charging practices: Recharging partially used batteries often shortens the total length of a charge. Make sure you fully discharge your batteries before charging them again.

Old batteries: If you haven't used your batteries for a long time, they may be "stale." Discharge them completely and then charge them again to "freshen them up."

Dead batteries: If you have used these batteries many times, it is possible that they can no longer hold a charge. Buy a new set of rechargeable batteries.

   Other common digital camera problems


Taking pictures using the flash

Flash photography is easy using today's modern cameras. Still, there are a few tricks you use  to take the best possible photographs.

Avoiding "Red Eye": Red eyes occur when your subject's eyes have trouble adjusting to the change in lighting from the camera's flash. There are a couple ways to correct this. First, if your camera has a "no red eye" flash setting, use it when you take flash photographs. This causes the flash to blink rapidly before the camera takes the picture allowing your subject's eyes to adjust to the light. If your camera does not have this feature, use the Remove Red Eye command on the Adjust menu to fix the problem after you take the picture.

Washed out pictures: Most professional photographers try to avoid shooting any kind of flash photography straight on. This is because the flash often creates unwanted shadows and washes out other important parts of the photograph. By supplementing the light with other light sources and by diffusing the light through large screens, you can prevent this problem. But for most of us, this is an expensive and complicated procedure. Fortunately, Photo Explosion offers an alternative. Use the Color Balance and Brightness & Contrast commands on the Adjust menu to fix up your photo afterwards.

Shooting through glass: Try not to take flash pictures of subject behind glass or other reflective surfaces head on. The light from your flash will most likely make your subject appear unclear and will almost certainly fill your picture with an unwanted bright spot. Avoid this by shooting these types of pictures at an angle. For best results, try shooting at an angle greater than 60-degrees.

   Other photography tips


For faster transfers…
For faster transfers

Connecting your camera to a computer using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable makes for much faster transfers—about 10 times faster than with a serial cable. Most computers manufactured in the last few years have USB ports built into the computer. Since the connectors are quite small, many users are unaware that they have USB capability. The connectors look like small rectangular holes about one half inch by one quarter (12 x 5mm). To use the USB port, you need a camera with a USB connector, a special cable (usually supplied with the camera) and Windows 98 or later on your computer.

   Other photography tips


Do before-scanning checks

More often than not, some basic things can help you get good scans from your scanner. Check for and remove dust or fingerprints on the image that is going to be scanned. Also, make sure that the scanner’s glass bed is clean.

   Other scanning tips


Use your digital camera as a scanner

Digital cameras with over 1M pixel sensors can capture a page of text from a book, magazine or newspaper, and much more quickly than a scanner. They can also be used to capture other similar things, such as whiteboards in meeting rooms.

1.	If you want to try this, select a high-resolution capture mode in your camera.

2.	Also try to ensure the lighting on the document is even and there are no shadows on the document or whiteboard. It is usually best to turn off the flash in the camera and use better room lighting or daylight.

3.	Select close-up mode if your camera offers it (the button sometimes has a picture of a small flower on it).

4.	Hold the camera straight and directly above the document.

5.	Use a medium zoom setting, not wide angle or telephoto, to minimize barrel distortion. Note that the optical viewfinders of some cameras do not work well for close-ups so use the LCD display on the camera to set it up if you can.

 Other photography tips