Copyright: Ulead Photo Express 4 Help


Menu commands - Index

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

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


Photo Menu

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

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


  What's New in Photo Express 4

The latest version of Photo Express offers a new look that makes image editing much more fun and intuitive. There are a lot of improvements and enhancements that comes with Photo Express 4. Here are some of the new features that you can expect in Photo Express 4.

Brand New User Interface Photo Express has a brand new look and feel. With a more intuitive layout and easier to understand interface, image editing is made even easier than before.

Customizable User Interface Change the appearance of the interface to suit your taste. You can now download skins from the Ulead Website to give your interface that unique look.

Browse Mode A Windows Explorer like browsing feature that makes photo management easier. You can also now browse your image, audio and video files visually.

Internal Browser Open any of the links to Ulead related Web sites, available from the Ulead Links menu, right in the Photo Express Workspace. Download extra content, presets and program updates in the Ulead Website right inside Photo Express.

Batch Adjust Do quick enhancements or file conversions to your images. With Batch Adjust, you can apply the same enhancements or conversions to all the selected images with just one click. There is no need for you to do it one image at a time.

Enhanced Features Photo Express added more editing tools to the different effects already existing before. Adding a signature and stamp clone are just a few of the newly added tools in Photo Express 4. There are also new special effects that you can apply to your text objects like Imprint and Chisel.

Acquiring Images In Photo Express 4, you can now capture still images from your DV camera. There is also the auto slice feature in scanning that lets you save images as separate files while scanning them all at once.

Share over the Web With iMira, Ulead's new free photo sharing site, you can now share those memorable photos over the net. Photo Express lets you upload your photos to iMira right inside the program.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Editing images

  Welcome to Photo Express


  Welcome to Photo Express

Photo Express is a photo-editing software that offers a wide range of editing and sharing capabilities that lets you maximize the potential of your photos.

Photo Management With Photo Express' new user interface, it is now easier to keep track of your files. In the Browse mode, you are able to view your image, audio and video files visually.

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

Sharing You can jazz up your desktop with your own creative images or photos. You can also now share your photos over the web with Ulead's new free photo sharing site, iMira.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Editing images


Getting started

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

Browse mode This mode is used to store, organize, browse and otherwise enjoy your photos or projects. You can also share your photo or project albums in many different ways.  For example, iMira, e-mail, Kodak PhotoNet™ online or Gift Service.

Photo mode This is where you will do most of your work. All of the standard tools found in any good image editor can be found here, as well as many advanced features unique to Photo Express. You can open, adjust, paint, add text, add decorations, save and print your images here.

Project mode This is where you can produce amazing and attractive creations. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have any photos ready at the moment. Photo Express package provides you with lots of samples that you can work with. Photo Express can get you started and give you ideas that will unleash your creativity. Album scrapbook, bookmarks, calendars and even gift boxes are all simple to create.

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


Editing images

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

In Photo Express, you open an image by selecting it in a folder (Selected images are outlined in blue.) and then double click on the image thumbnail or right click on it and select Edit. When an image is active for editing, it will fill the workspace. It will also be visible on the Thumbnail Strip located at the lower side of the program, along with any other active images. Broad categories of tools (like Adjust tools) are available as buttons below the Edit button. Often, there may be another sub-menus that appear with even more selections. The Options panel at left will have a plethora of specialized buttons and sliders, giving you detailed control over the attributes of a tool (like width and transparency). Every tool has a different set of controls. Quick and balanced effects can be instantly selected from the Presets mode as well.

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

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Understanding objects

  Welcome to Photo Express


Using this help
Reading this help

Photo Express’ online help now has a new look. The new format of Explorer View Help offers the complete table of contents is now conveniently located at the left side of the help window. To choose a help topic to view, simply double-click a book on the browser pane and then select a topic you want to learn more about. The information will then be shown on the right side of the help window.

This help provides aids that make navigating through related topics easier:

Links you to other related topics.

This usually appears in dialog box and procedure topics. It displays information regarding other tabs in a dialog box or other related procedures.

Jumps to the related nested dialog box.

Pops up extra information to enhance understanding.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Hot tips

Here are some handy advice that will make your experience using Photo Express more enjoyable.

Use the Thumbnail Strip While still in Browse mode, select all the photos that you will be working on, then drag and drop them in the Thumbnail Strip below the workspace. By doing this, when you are done editing one photo, you can quickly go to the next by selecting it in the Thumbnail Strip. Previously opened photos and templates will also appear here so you can just access them by clicking on their thumbnail.

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

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

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

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

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Getting images from Kodak PhotoNet online


  E-mail

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Contacting Ulead Systems
How to contact us

  International

  North America

  Germany

  Japan


Technical Support

Please visit the following Web sites for support on your products:

America = URL:  http://support.ulead.com/

Germany = URL:  http://www.ulead.de/tech/tech.htm

Japan = URL:  http://www.ulead.co.jp/tech/tech.htm

Taiwan = URL:  http//www.ulead.com.tw/ulead/twsuppform.cfm


Contacting Ulead Systems
United States

info@ulead.com

http://www.ulead.com


Contacting Ulead Systems
Germany

info@ulead.de

http://www.ulead.de


Contacting Ulead Systems
Japan

info@ulead.co.jp

http://www.ulead.co.jp


Contacting Ulead Systems
International

info@ulead.com.tw

http://www.ulead.com


Preferences dialog box (Photo Express)
Preferences dialog box

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

Photo Express tab:

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

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

Show Guide Tips Allows Photo Express to pop up Guide Tips whenever a command is selected.

Turn on sound effects Turns on or off the sound effect associated with using the program.  For example, the "clicks" you hear when you push a button.

Web update checking system When this feature is selected, Photo Express will periodically check Ulead's Web site for product updates.

Enable command reminder Pops up the hint for the menu command on the top of each option panel whenever you select one.

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

Plug-Ins tab:

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


Search dialog box

Search under folder Select a folder to start searching.

Include subfolders Select to search for image files in all the subfolders included in the selected folder.

Filename match Enter the item/word in the column of the file name of image to search in a selected folder.

File list box Shows all files found matching the search criteria with names and path in the box.

File Information Displays all the file information includes the properties and data associated with a selected image file.

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

Stop Click to stop a lengthy searching process.

Close Closes the dialog box and return to the workspace.

Clear settings Select to remove all the settings in the columns that you have just defined.

Go to Select the target image file in the box then click this button to locate it for you in the thunbmails.

Open Select the target image file in the box then click this button to open it directly in the photo mode.


Ulead Color Picker dialog box

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

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

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

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

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

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


Thumbnail dialog box

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

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

Select all Click to select the entire image.

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

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


Eyedropper dialog box

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

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

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

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

Color preview box Displays a sample of the chosen color.

View tools

  Zoom In/Out Magnifies the preview image.

1:1 Restores view to the actual size.

Fit screen Resizes the preview to fit the screen.

Panning Click and drag on the preview image to pan.

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


Move Object Up

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


Move Object Down

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


Delete (Object)

Deletes the currently selected object.


Merge

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


Merge All

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


Duplicate

Copies or duplicates the currently selected object.


Remove Shadow

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


Remove Frame

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


Remove Edge

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


Acquiring images

1.	Click the Browse mode and click a folder in the folder tree window pane.

2.	From the Command menu above, click Get Photo.

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

4.	Click Acquire or Import when you have located and selected your image(s).

Note: This procedure works for both Photo and Project albums from the Browse mode.

Related info:

 Opening an image in the workspace


About Photo Express
Help: About Photo Express

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


Paste (Album)
Paste

Pastes an image thumbnail and its associated data into a folder or an album.

[Ctrl+V]


Dialog boxes

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


Understanding objects

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

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

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

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

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

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects


Understanding templates

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

Related info:

  Making selections

 Understanding objects

 Creating objects


Understanding resolution

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

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

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

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


Resolution, resizing and image quality

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


Printing basics

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

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

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

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

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

Related info:

  Resolution, resizing and image quality

  Printing (General)


Troubleshooting e-mail problems

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

Outlook Express

Netscape Messenger

Eudora

Note: MS Outlook should not require any additional setup.


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Outlook Express

1.	Select Tools: Options.

2.	Select the General tab in the Options dialog box.

3.	Under 'Default Messaging Programs' if you see 'This application is NOT the default Mail handler', then click 'Make Default'.

4.	Click Apply then click OK.

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


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Netscape Messenger

1.	Select Edit: Preferences.

2.	Select Mail & Newsgroups in the Category list.

3.	Select Use Netscape Messenger from MAPI-based applications.

4.	Click OK

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


Troubleshooting e-mail problems - Eudora

1.	Run Eudora.

2.	Select Tools: Options.

3.	Select MAPI from the Category list.

4.	Check Always under Use Eudora MAPI server.

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


Understanding soft edge

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

Related info:

  Making selections

  Creating objects


Not for you… Y knot?


Glossary A - M
Glossary

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

  3D	  Contrast 	  Fill

  Album 	  Data source	  Frame

  Advanced mode	  Data type	  Gamma

  Anti-aliasing	  Decorate	  Gradient

  Artist	  Digital	  Grayscale

  Balance color	  Digital camera	  HTML

  Base image 	  Digital photo 	  Hue

  BMP	  Digitizing	  Import

  Brightness	  Download	  Input device

  By color	  Edges	  JPEG

  Camera	  Effects	  Lossy

  Client 	  Export	  Magic texture

  Clipboard 	  Express 	  Mask

  Clone 	  Field	  Mode tabs

  Command panel	  File

  Context Sensitive Help


Glossary N - W
Glossary

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

Object	Scanner	Touch-up
Options panel	Scratch	TPL
Paint tools	Screen Saver	TPX
Panel	Selection	Trace
Photo Tab	Share	Transition effect
Pixel	Shortcuts bar	Transparency
Post processing	Slide show	True Color
Poster	Soft edge	TrueType fonts
Presets	Storyboard	Turnpage
Progress bar	Templates	TWAIN device
Project Tab	TGA	UPX
Props	Thumbnail	Vector data
Resolution	Thumbnail strip	Wallpaper
Retouch tools	TIF	Warping
Saturation	Toolbar	Workspace


3D

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


Album

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


Anti-aliasing

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


Artist

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


Base image

The original image file opened in the workspace.


BMP

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


Brightness

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


By color

Tool for creating selections based on color(s).


Camera

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


Client

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


Clipboard

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


Clone

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


Balance color

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


Command panel

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


Context Sensitive Help

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


Contrast

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


Advanced mode

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


Data source

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


Data type

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


Decorate

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


Digital

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


Digital camera

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


Digital photo

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


Digitizing

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


Download

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


Edges

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


Effects

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


Export

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


Express

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


Field

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


File

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


Fill

The process of applying color into a region.


Frame

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


Gamma

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


Gradient

A gradual transition between two or more colors.


Grayscale

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


HTML

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


Hue

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


Import

The process of putting your image files on your computer.


Input device

Equipment that allows you to upload images to your computer.


JPEG

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


Lossy

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


Magic texture

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


Mask

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


Mode Tabs

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


Morph

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


Object

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


Options panel

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


Paint tools

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


Panel

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


Photo Tab

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


Pixel

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


Post processing

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


Poster

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


Presets

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


Progress bar

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


Project Tab

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


Props

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


Resolution

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


Retouch tools

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


Saturation

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


Scanner

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


Scratch

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


Screen saver

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


Selection

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


Share

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


Shortcuts bar

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


Slide show

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


Soft edge

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


Storyboard

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


Templates

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


TGA

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


Thumbnail

A small, low resolution representation of an image.


Thumbnail strip

A small window strip located at the bottom of your screen. This holds all the thumbnails of images and projects that you have open at this session. You can choose the image thumbnail you want on the strip and directly drag it to the workplace for editing or paste it on the image already opened.


TIF

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


Toolbar

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


Touch-up

Fix imperfections in your photos.


TPL

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


TPX

A file format for saving templates in Photo Express.


Trace

A selection tool for creating irregularly shaped areas.


Transition effect

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


Transparency

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


True Color

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


TrueType fonts

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


Turnpage

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


TWAIN device

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


UPX

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


Vector data

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


Wallpaper

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


Warping

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


Workspace

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


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Shortcut bar

Select a Shortcut bar for more information:

Browse Mode

Batch Adjust

Photo / Project Mode

Print

Share

Calendar

Animation

Ulead Links


Browse Mode Shortcut bar


Animation Shortcut bar

This shortcut bar appears when animation is playing in the workspace


Photo / Project Mode Shortcut bar


Project Mode Shortcut bar


Print Shortcut bar


Share Shortcut bar

This shortcut bar is displayed in Browse Mode

This shortcut bar is displayed in Photo Mode:


Caledar Shortcut bar
Share: Calendar Shortcut bar

This shortcut bar is displayed when only one image is selected for the calendar.

This shortcut bar is displayed when more than one image is selected for the calendar.


Ulead Links Shortcut bar

This shortcut bar is displayed when you are viewing one of the Ulead Web sites in Photo Express 4.


Batch Adjust Shortcut bars
Batch Adjust Shortcut bar


Command Panel

There are three modes in Photo Express: Browse, Photo and Project. They contains all aspects of creative editing, saving, printing, opening, etc. In different modes, you can find the different set of commands in Photo Express. They also control the rest of the workspace. By moving your mouse over or clicking a button, different options will become available. Watch the Toolbar for additional choices, as well as the Options Panel, for fine control of your tools.


Options panel

This panel provides the finest level of control for all of Photo Express’ functions. This panel, like many others in the program, is context sensitive and often changes depending on what you are doing with the program. For more information about a specific panel, click the Index tab in the Photo Express Online Help and type Options panel. This will display all the different Options panel commands that are included in the program. Select from the list the command you want to find more information about. If you need help while using the Options Panel, press F1 to open the Photo Express Online Help.


Browse mode

This tab contains many useful and creative templates to organize and display your images.

Related info:

  Editing images


Photo mode

The Photo mode contains everything you need to edit and enhance your images.

Related info:

  Editing images


Project mode

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


Thumbnail strip

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


Copy (Shortcut bar)
Copy

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

[Ctrl+C]


Paste (Shortcut bar)
Paste

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


Delete (Shortcut bar)
Delete

Deletes a thumbnail from a folder.


Sort By Name

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


Sort By Date

Sorts thumbnails in a folder by the date their source files were last modified.


Sort By Size

Sorts thumbnails in a folder by the size of the file, from smallest to largest.


Sort By Type

Sorts thumbnails in a folder type or extension (e.g. *.BMP and *.JPG).


Change Thumbnail Size

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


Search

 Searches a folder for thumbnails that match the specified criteria in the Search dialog box.

[Ctrl+F]


Context Sensitive Help

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


Show/Hide Right-click
Show / Hide Shortcut bar

Hides or reveals the bottom Shortcut bar.


Panning tool

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

Related info:

  Understanding objects


Zoom In/Out

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


Undo

Undoes the most recent changes made to a document.


Redo

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


Object level

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

Related info:

  Understanding objects


Font

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

Related info:

  Adding text


Get: Photo Album
Photo Album

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

Related info:

  Opening an image


Adjust: Rotate & Resize

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

Related info:

  Straightening


Adjust: Trim

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

Related info:

  Creative trimming


Adjust: Resize

Changes the size and/or resolution of an image.

Related info:

  Resizing and printing


Adjust: Focus

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

Related info:

  Adjusting sharpness


Adjust: Lighting

Adjusts the apparent lighting of an image. This is useful for creating emphasis in a picture.

Related info:

  Controlling brightness and contrast


Adjust: Balance Color

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

Related info:

  Adjusting color


Adjust: Remove Red-eye

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

Related info:

  Removing red eye


Selection: Shape

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

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: Trace

Allows you to draw a freehand selection area.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: By Color

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

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection: Mask

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

Related info:

  Making selections


Text: Add/Edit

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

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Reshape

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

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Shadow

Adds a drop shadow to text.

Related info:

  Adding text

  Adding shadows to text


Text: Transform

Allows you to rotate and spin text through three dimensions.

Related info:

  Adding text


Text: Alignment

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

Related info:

  Adding text


Print: Normal

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

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Print: Tiled

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

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing - Tiled


Share: Save

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

Related info:

  Saving


Share: E-mail

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

Related info:

  Sending images via e-mail


Share: Wallpaper

Loads a user image as Window wallpaper.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Thumbnails selected

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


Progress bar

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


Preview window

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


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Modifying an existing template

1.	Open a template.

2.	Click on the object you wish to modify.

3.	Depending on the object selected, there are different ways to edit it.

Text objects

Image objects/Project background image

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

4.	You can add new objects into the existing template by going to Edit: Decorate - Props.

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

Related info:

  Opening a template

  Understanding objects


To move the position of the text object, select the object then drag it.

To move the layer of the text object, select the object the click either (bitmaps). You can also move the layer of the object by selecting the object, right click then selecting Move Object Up or Move Object Down.

To edit or add a text, click on the icon (bitmap) that appears with the selected object. You can also add/edit a text by going to Edit: Text - Add/Edit.

Once (bitmap) is clicked, there will be a rectangular box with nodes that will appear surrounding the text object. You can resize and rotate the text object by dragging these nodes.

To reshape, transform, add a shadow or special effects, go to Edit: Text.

To adjust the transparency of the selected object, select the text object, right click then select Transparency.


To move the position of the image object, select the object then drag it.

To move the layer of the image object, select the object the click either (bitmaps). You can also move the layer of the object by selecting the object, right click then selecting Move Object Up or Move Object Down.

To replace the image object or Project background image from file, digital camera, scanner or video capture, click on the icon (bitmap) that appears with the selected object.

You can also change the Project background image by going to Edit: Decorate - Background.

To adjust the image object or Project background image, go to Edit: Adjust.

To add a frame, edge or shadow to the image object, go to Edit: Decorate.

To adjust the transparency of the selected object, select the text object, right click then select Transparency.

You can remove the shadow, edge or frame of the image object by selecting the object, right click then selecting the effect you want to remove.

Notes:

1.	You cannot move the position or layer of the Project background image.

2.	You cannot use Edit: Rotate and Resize for the Project background image.


Opening an image in the workspace

Open an image in the PhotoExpress workspace either from the Browse or Photo Mode.

To open an image from Browse mode:

1.	Select the image you want to open in the workspace.

2.	Double click the image or click [image] from the shortcut bar.

3.	You can also select File: Open - Open Photo or [Ctrl + O] then select the image you want opened in the workspace.

4.	If you have opened an image in the workspace before, you can open it again by double clicking its image in the Thumbnail Strip.

To open an image from Photo mode:

1.	Click Get Photo - My Computer on the toolbar.

2.	You can also select File: Open - Open Photo or [Ctrl + O] then select the image you want opened in the workspace.

3.	If you have opened an image in the workspace before, you can open it again in the workspace by double clicking its image in the Thumbnail Strip.

Note:

You can select multiple images to be opened in the workspace. However, the last selected image will be the only one displayed in the workspace. The other images will first be put in the Thumbnail Strip below the workspace where you can access them by double clicking the image.

Related info:

 Acquiring images


Printing General
Printing (General)

1.	If you are in Browse Mode, select the image(s) you want to print. If you are in Photo or Project Mode, the image in the workspace will be the one that will be printed out.

2.	Click Print in the Command Panel or select File: Print Preview.

3.	From the submenu, select the printing style operation you want to use.

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

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

5.	Adjust the options in the dialog box in the left panel to the desired settings.

6.	Click the Print button at the bottom of the dialog box when done adjusting.

Note:

Selecting File: Print while in Photo or Project Mode is similar to the Normal print operation but with less options for printing.

Related info:

  Resizing and printing

  Printing basics

  Understanding resolution

  Printing thumbnails

  Printing posters


Printing thumbnails

1.	Click an folder in the folder trees on the left of the workspace.

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

3.	Click Print: Thumbnails.

4.	In the Options panel, choose the printing device and paper size.

5.	Define the paper layout.

6.	Specify the number of rows and columns that you want the thumbnails to be arranged.

7.	Click Print.

Related info:

  Print: Thumbnails


Resizing and printing

1.	Open an folder into the Photo Express workspace.

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

3.	Select Adjust: Resize.

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

5.	Click Apply.

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

7.	Click the Printer icon at the bottom to adjust your printer’s settings. The DPI of your printer will also affect image quality. (DPI: The number of dots per inch that your printer can print.)

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  More information on printing posters

  Printing basics

  Understanding resolution


Printing - Tiled

Printing multiple copies on a single page.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Print: Tiled.

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

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

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

6.	Click Print.

Related info:

  Printing basics


Adjusting color

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

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

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

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

5.	Use the Advanced mode on the Options panel to fine-tune your processing.

6.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image


The first image is a bit dull and gray. The second image has been subtly adjusted

and looks much better.


Straightening

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

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Rotate and Resize from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

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

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

Related info:

  Opening an image


Controlling brightness and contrast

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

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Lighting from the Command Panel at the top of the workspace.

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

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections


These images clearly show how an image can be improved

by using the Spotlight tool in concert with the Selection tool.


Creating objects in an image

1.	Open an image in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Selection from the Command panel.

3.	From the submenu, select the type of selection you want to use.

4.	Create a selection area in the image.

5.	Drag the selection area from its original position to anywhere in the workspace. Hold down Shift if you want to cut the selection area. The original selection area will be filled with white.

6.	The selection is now an image object.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections

  Understanding objects


Adding and editing text

Adding text

1.	Open an image or template in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Text - Add/Edit from the Command panel.

3.	Enter your text in the box in the dialog box in the left panel.

4.	Set the Font, Format, Alignment and Fill option for the text.

5.	Select Enter new text in the Options box.

6.	Click Apply.

7.	Reposition the text object by dragging text box to the desired position.

8.	Adjust the size and rotate the text by clicking and dragging on the sizing handles.

9.	If you want to enhance the text object you can go to Edit: Text in the Command panel. You can also adjust the transparency of the text object by selecting the text object, right click and select Transparency.

Editing text content

1.	Select the text object you want to edit.

2.	Double click on the text object or select Edit: Text - Add/Edit from the Command panel. If you are working on a template, select the text object then click on the icon that appears with the text object.

3.	Re-enter the desired new text in the text entry box.

4.	Select Update the selected text in the Options box the click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Adding shadows to text


Adding shadows to text objects

1.	Select the text object in the image

2.	Select Edit: Text - Shadow from the Command panel.

3	Click Add Shadow in the dialog box in the left panel..

4.	Set the Color, Transparency and Soft edge settings .

5.	Position the shadow in relation to the object by dragging the shadow handle.

6.	When done adjusting, click Close.

Tip:

You can remove the shadow of the text object quickly by selecting the text object, right click then select Remove Shadow.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Adding text


Removing Red-eye

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

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select Remove Red-eye from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

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

5.	When Remove Red-eye is selected, Photo Express will assist you by using default red color in the eye and replace it with black. You can select Change eye color to use this tool to replace a color. Click the left box to select a color to replace and click the right box to select the replacement color.

6.	 Use the ideal size of brush to gently remove the red reflections.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


The first image has imperfections and shows a typical example of “Red-eye”. In

the second image, the red-eye has been removed and the subjects’ eyes have

been returned to their original color.


Adjusting Focus

Photo Express does not actually adjust the focus of your images, but can simulate this effect with the Sharpness tool. An image that is out of focus can be improved with this procedure, but it is impossible to make it perfect. Adjusting the focus can be used to create some nice artistic effects.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Adjust.

3.  Select Focus from the Command Panel on the top.

4.	Select a balanced adjustment from the Presets or use the Advanced mode to fine-tune the adjustments. Both can be found on the Options panel on the right.

5. Click Apply.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Making selections

1.	Open an image in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Selection from the Command panel. From the submenu select the selection tool you want to use.

3.	Depending on the selection tool selected, there are various settings for you to determine. Set the applicable options to the desired settings.

4.	Depending on the selection tool selected, there are various ways to make the selection.

Shape Drag to mouse over the area you want selected.

SmartSelect Click at the area of the image that you want as your starting point for your selection. Drag then click to create the various points of the selection. Double click or click the red ball to close the selection

Trace Click at the area of the image that you want as your starting point for your selection. From there click and drag to create your selection shape. Double click to finish the selection.

By Color Click on the image that you want to include in the selection

Note: To subtract from or add to a selection area, select Subtract selection or Add selection in the Selection mode drop down menu in the dialog box in the left panel.

Related info:

  Making smart selections

  Creating objects

  Understanding objects


Getting images from Kodak PhotoNet online
Getting images from Kodak PhotoNet™ online

1.	Select Get Photo in the Browse mode.

3.	Click Kodak PhotoNet™ online from the command panel at the top of the workspace.

4.	If this is your first time using Photo Express in conjunction with your photo service, click the Insert web site shortcut button and enter the URL of your service.

5.	Select your photo service from the shortcuts list.

6.	Click Go to run your browser and automatically jump to your service provider’s site.

7.	Follow the instructions of your service to retrieve your images.


Sending images by E-mail

1.	If you are in Browse mode, select the image(s) you wish to send. If you are in Photo or Project mode, the image in the workspace will be the one that will be sent.

2.	Select Share: E-mail from the Command panel.

3.	Select whether to send the image(s) as a HTML e-mail or as an attachment.

4.	Set the Image Dimension and Quality.

5.	Click Send.

6.	Enter the address, subject and message, then click Send.

Notes:

Make sure you have set a default mail client before sending an e-mail using PhotoExpress.

You can also send by selecting File: Send To - Mail Recipient. However, you can only send the image(s) as attachments and you can adjust the image dimension and quality.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting e-mail problems


Creating Windows wallpaper

1.	Select an image from the Photo Express workspace.

2.	Select Express: Wallpaper to use the image as your new wallpaper.

3.	Click the Apply button to finish.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Saving (General)

This works for saving edited images and templates (not albums).

1.	Select Share: Save from the Command panel.

2.	Enter a File name in the Options panel and click Save.

Related info:

  Understanding objects

  Understanding templates


Creative trimming

The Trim tool can be used to create more than just simple selection areas. The many preset designs can be used as a beginning point for more elaborate projects. As an example, check out this brief procedure on creating your own postage stamps.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Adjust - Trim.

3.	Select the Stamp Trim shape from the Options panel (Don’t click Apply just yet.).

4.	The selection area will appear on your image. The eight handles around the outside can be used to resize the area. You can move the selection area around by simply clicking and dragging.

5.	Resize and align your stamp. Make sure Create a new image is selected.

6.	Click Apply. This will crop or trim your image around the trim shape.

7.	Select the Text tool and add a price and message to your stamp.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Adding text


With a little imagination, the apparently boring Trim tools can

be used to spectacular effect.


Cropping an image

You can eliminate unwanted edges, trim parts of an image or otherwise crop an image with this simple procedure.

1.	Open the image you wish to crop.

2.	Go to Edit: Selection - Shape from the Command panel.

3.	Click Shape. Rectangular (and square) selection areas work most simply. If you use a circular or elliptical area, a mask will be created and the cropped image will be place on a rectangular canvas (All images must be rectangular).

4.	There are a number of features you can adjust on the Options panel on the right. For example, Soft Edge controls how fuzzy the edges of the selection area appear and helps a selection blend with the background more smoothly. When cropping, setting the soft edge to zero usually works best.

5.	Click the Crop button.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace

  Making selections


Using Batch Adjust: Enhance

1.	Go to Browse mode if you are not yet in that mode.

2.	Select the image file(s) that you want to adjust.

3.	Select Batch Adjust from the Command panel. From the submenu, select Enhance.

4.	Click on one of the available enhancements. These are all automatic enhancements, there are no settings for you to adjust. You can use multiple enhancements but you have to do it one at a time.

5.	If you are finish adjusting, click Next.

6.	Select one of the saving options available.

Update original files This will overwrite the existing file.

Save to another folder This allows to save the enhanced image in another folder but still using the same filename.

7.	Select one of the options for Already existing file names:

Skip If there is another file existing in the same folder with the same filename then the save action is cancelled.

Replace Overwrites the existing file.

{bmct.dgbutt.bmp}	Rename Allows you to enter a new filename for the adjusted image and save it as another file.

8.	Click Save then click Close to exit the dialog box.

Note:

Click the Back Arrow if you want to go back to the previous dialog box.

Related info:

 Batch Adjust: Enhance


Using Batch Adjust: Rotate

1.	Go to Browse mode if you are not yet in that mode.

2.	Select the image file(s) that you want to adjust.

3.	Select Batch Adjust from the Command panel. From the submenu, select Rotate.

4.	Click on one of the available rotate or flip actions. You can use multiple rotates and/or flips but you have to do it one at a time.

5.	If you are finish rotating and/or flipping, click Next.

6.	Select one of the saving options available.

Update original files This will overwrite the existing file.

Save to another folder This allows to save the enhanced image in another folder but still using the same filename.

7.	Select one of the options for Already existing file names:

Skip If there is another file existing in the same folder with the same filename then the save action is cancelled.

Replace Overwrites the existing file.

{bmct.dgbutt.bmp}	Rename Allows you to enter a new filename for the adjusted image and save it as another file.

8.	Click Save then click Close to exit the dialog box.

Note:

Click the Back Arrow if you want to go back to the previous dialog box.

Related info:

 Batch Adjust: Rotate


Using Batch Adjust: Convert (JPEG mode)

1.	Go to Browse mode if you are not yet in that mode.

2.	Select the image file(s) that you want to adjust.

3.	Select Batch Adjust from the Command panel. From the submenu, select Convert.

4.	Set the Quality and Data type.

5.	Select one of the Action for converted files available.

Update original files This will overwrite the existing file.

Save to another folder This allows to save the enhanced image in another folder but still using the same filename.

6.	Select one of the options for Already existing file names:

Skip If there is another file existing in the same folder with the same filename then the save action is cancelled.

Replace Overwrites the existing file.

Rename Allows you to enter a new filename for the adjusted image and save it as another file.

7.	Click Convert then click Close to exit the dialog box.

Related info:

 Batch Adjust: Convert


Using Batch Adjust: Convert (More file formats mode)

1.	Go to Browse mode if you are not yet in that mode.

2.	Select the image file(s) that you want to adjust.

3.	Select Batch Adjust from the Command panel. From the submenu, select Convert.

4.	Click the More file formats button.

5.	Select a file format and data type. Click the button next to the file format to adjust the settings for the selected file format.

6.	Select one of the Action for converted files available.

7.	Select one of the options for Already existing file names:

8.	Click Convert then click Close to exit the dialog box.

Related info:

 Batch Adjust: Convert


Don’t use!


Custom Print Layout dialog box

Presetting Select Auto-tiling to have Photo Express space your thumbnails evenly across the page or Customize to control the layout yourself. Select the Units to measure the layout: Inches or Centimeters.

Image size Setup the Width and Height. If Keep aspect ratio is selected, the proportions of the thumbnails is maintained. Select Keep original size to leave the thumbnails as their default.

Image offset Determines the distance from the edge of the paper.

Image spacing Determines the distance between thumbnails.

Save custom setting Select to arrange your pre-defined settings in the dialog box.

Preview Click to view your layout of your tiled image in the workspace after you have completed all the settings.

OK Applies any changes you have made and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Load dialog box

  Save dialog box

  Delete dialog box


Load dialog box

Name Displays a list of previously saved layouts.

Load from Displays the currently selected layout.

Load Applies the layout in the Load from box and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Save dialog box

Name Displays the names of previously saved layouts.

Save to Enter a name to save your current settings.

Save Saves the current layout and returns to the Print options panel.

Cancel Ends the Layout options procedure.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Delete dialog box

Name Displays the names of previously saved layouts.

Delete Deletes the currently selected layout settings.

Close Closes the Delete dialog box.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Print: Thumbnails

Prints the selected image thumbnails in a folder or an album as a page of thumbnail images.

Note: This command is only available in Browse mode.

Related info:

  Print: Thumbnails dialog box


Adding frames to images

A normal image can really stand out with even the simplest frame.

1.	Open an image into the workspace and switch to the Photo or Project mode.

2.	Under the Edit button, click Decorate.

3.	Click the Frame button.

4.	Select a frame from the Options panel by double clicking on it or dragging it to the workspace.

Related info:

  Saving templates


Post processing

Post processing is a fast and easy method of adjusting your images automatically as you acquire them into Photo Express. These adjustments are applied to your images at the time of your capture.

1.	Open the images you want to adjust and switch to Photo mode.

2.	Under the Edit button, click Adjust.

3.	Click the SmartEnhance button.

4.	From the Options panel, select the type of adjustment you want to make.

Basic Editing Tools:

Straighten & Transform Fixes images which are skewed or scanned at an angle.

Crop Allows you to choose a portion of the image to save, eliminating unwanted outer areas.

Brightness & Contrast Automatically adjust the sharpness and overall brightness of an image.

Hue & Saturation Enhances the color of images that may be washed out or dull. This is commonly useful with images from digital cameras.

Focus Adjusts the fine focus of an image to make it a bit sharper.

While each of these tools is different, the user interface is similar in all of them. Your image, before any changes have been made, appears as the larger preview on the left. The rest of the interface is taken up by simple controls allowing you to control the effect. Some tools have an Auto button which will let Photo Express estimate the best parameters to change. Click on a tab to change tools. Click OK when you are satisfied with the results. The Wizard button on the bottom will walk you through each transformation in a step by step way if you need extra help.

Color Enhancer Makes your photo looks more color-rich. Also brings your major object in the image out and obvious. This tool is specially useful when your photo is taken indoor and specially on the dull side.


Stop Sound
Stop playing Sound

Stops any sound annotation that is currently playing.


Go to first image

Goes to the first image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Previous image

Goes to the previous image among those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Next image

Goes to the next image among those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Go to last image

Goes to the last image of those selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Images selected

Shows the number of the image currently selected over the total number of images that are selected to print.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Rename dialog box

From Displays the current name of the file.

To Enter the new name of the file.

OK Renames the file and returns to the workspace.

Help Runs Photo Express help.


Minimize

Minimizes Photo Express. Individual documents cannot be minimized.


Close

Closes Photo Express or the active document.


Unavailable command

Sorry, this is a standard Windows command that is unnecessary and unavailable in Photo Express.


nothing


Ulead Video Capture Help

This help file contains information about the Ulead Video Capture dialog box. To access the actual help file, please click Import on the Toolbar and in the resulting dialog box, click the Help button.


Ulead Video Capture
Ulead Video Capture dialog box

Capture Click to capture the image from the video source

Insert Click to import the captured images currently displayed in the preview into your photo album.

Exit Closes this dialog box and returns to the Video option panel.

Help Runs Ulead Video Capture dialog box help.

Video Device Click to select a video camera connected to a capture device or other miscellaneous source.

Video Format Opens the Video Format dialog box. Depending on the video capture board installed in your computer, you can specify the data type and size of the image to capture.

Video Display Opens the Video Display dialog box. Depending on the capture device (ex. video camera) that is connected to your computer, you can adjust the settings of the display on the preview window.

Video Source Opens the Video Source dialog box.

Video Mode Most capture boards support Overlay mode. In the Overlay mode, the capture device displays the preview in the actual speed as movements happen. If your capture board doesn’t support Overlay mode, then the mode is automatically set to Preview.


Get Photo: Digital Camera

Allows you to acquire photos from a digital camera and open them in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Camera or Scanner dialog box


Get Photo: Scanner

Allows you to acquire images from a scanner and open them in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Camera or Scanner dialog box


Get Photo: Video Capture

Allows you to capture a series of single frames from a video device and open them in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Video capture dialog box

  Ulead Video capture dialog box


My Computer

Allows you to retrieve an image stored in your computer and open it in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Adjust: SmartEnhance

Allows you to enhance and adjust your photos or images automatically with many useful photo-editing tools.

Related info:

  SmartEnhance dialog box

  Post processing


Selection: SmartSelect

Provides a “smart” selection tool that allows you to select and crop any portion from the current editing image in any shape. Photo Express will try to anticipate exactly what you are trying to select (based on color similarity) and assist you in making the selection.

Related info:

  SmartSelect dialog box

  Making selections


Share: Panorama

This is for creating special panoramic images from your photos. Ulead COOL 360 is a companion program from Ulead Systems that is included with Photo Express. You can take a number of panoramic images, save them to an album, and then open them in Ulead COOL 360 to stitch them into an immersive 360 image. Please see the Help for Ulead COOL 360 for specific instructions.

Related info:

  Creating a panoramic image

  Panorama dialog box


Get Photo: My Computer

Allows you to retrieve an image stored in your computer and open it in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Modify Printable Area

  Opens a dialog box where you can adjust the size of the printable area to accomodate your images. There are times that an image that is centered on the print preview but  when printed out it is not centered. This is where you can correct the problem by adjusting the X and Y offset.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Page Reset

  Resets the page settings back to the default.

Related info:

  Printing


Thumbnail Strip

Shows a small preview version of all of your opened photos or projects during the current session. The Thumbnail Strip runs along the bottom of the Workspace. Images and objects can be dragged to and from the Thumbnail Strip.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Thumbnail Strip: Switch To
Switch To

Switches to  the currently selected image or template thumbnail on Thumbnail Strip and opens it in the workspace.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Thumbnail Strip: Paste As Object
Paste as Object

Pastes the selected thumbnail onto the opened image or project as an object.

Related info:

  Understanding objects


Thumbnail Strip: Close
Close

Closes the selected thumbnail of an opened image or template on Thumbnail Strip and prompts you to save any changes made on the file.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Global Viewer

Located on the right side of the thumbnail strip, this window allows you to move anywhere on an image after you've zoomed in on it. To go to another area of the image, simply click the Global Viewer, then move the viewing frame to the area that you want to view.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Help: Photo Express Home Page

This takes you to the Ulead Photo Express homepage, where you can find templates, tutorials, news, and free downloads.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Home Page
Help: Ulead Homepage

This takes you to the main Ulead Systems homepage, where you can read the latest Ulead news, learn a few new tricks, and find out more about other great products and offers.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Help: Online Registration

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

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Technical Support
Help: Technical Support

Launches your default Web browser and loads the Technical Support section of Ulead’s web site.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Rotate Left
Rotate Left 90

Rotates the image counterclockwise by 90 degrees.

Related info:

 Straightening


Rotate Right
Rotate Right 90

Rotates the image clockwise by 90 degrees.

Related info:

 Straightening


Context Sensitive Help

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

Related Info

  Welcome to Photo Express


Edit

Click to open the selected image thumbnail(s) in the Photo Express workspace.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Copy Thumbnails

  Copies the selected file(s) into the Windows Clipboard and makes it available to be pasted into another folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Paste Thumbnails

  Pastes the file(s) in the Windows Clipboard in the currently selected folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Delete Thumbnails

  Deletes the selected thumbnail(s) in the currently selected folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Sort Thumbnails

  Sorts all the thumbnails in the currently selected folder according to the criteria you select.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Change Thumbnail Size

  Changes the size of the thumbnails displayed in the folder. There is also an option here to view the files as a list.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Search Thumbnails

  Locates a file in the computer that matches the specified criteria in the Search dialog box.

[Ctrl+F]

Related info:

  Search dialog box


Object Transparency

Adjusts the transparency level of the selected image object. Click a thumbnail to apply the transparency level.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


View: File Information

Displays the properties and data associated with a selected image (thumbnail) file.

Related info:

  Opening an image in the workspace


Replace From My Computer
Replace From Album

Click to open a dialog box for replacing the default image in a project with an image in your computer.


Replace From Digital Camera

Click to open a dialog box for replacing the default image in your project with an image from a digital camera.

Related info:

  Insert: Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box

  Camera or Scanner dialog box


Replace From Scanner

Click to open a dialog box for replacing the default image in your project with an image from a scanner.

Related info:

  Insert: Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box

  Camera or Scanner dialog box


Replace From Video Capture

Click to open a dialog box for replacing the default image in your project with an image from a video camera.

Related info:

  Insert: Video Capture dialog box

  Video Capture dialog box

  Ulead Video Capture dialog box


Replace From My Computer

Click to open a dialog box for replacing the default image in your project with an image from your computer.

Related info:

  File dialog box


Text / Image: Replace button
Text / Image Replace Button

    Click to select a command from menu to replace the current text or images in the project templates with your own selected options.

Related info:

  Insert: Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box

  Insert: Video Capture dialog box


Get: Kodak PhotoNet online
Get Photo: Kodak PhotoNet™ online

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

Note:

1. Kodak PhotoNet™ online services are only available in North America.

2. Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company.

3. PhotoNet™ is a trademark of PictureVision, Inc.

Related info:

  Get: Kodak PhotoNet™ online Download dialog box


Share: Kodak PhotoNet online
Share: Kodak PhotoNet™ online

This feature lets you upload your images to Kodak PhotoNet™ online for printing on paper or on a special gift item.

Note:

1. Kodak PhotoNet™ online services are only available in North America.

2. Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company.

3. PhotoNet™ is a trademark of PictureVision, Inc.

Related info:

  Kodak PhotoNet™ online Upload dialog box


Print: Kodak PhotoNet online
Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online

This feature lets you upload your images or completed projects to Kodak PhotoNet™ online for printing on paper or on a special gift item.

Note:

1. Kodak PhotoNet™ online services are only available in North America.

2. Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company.

3. PhotoNet™ is a trademark of PictureVision, Inc.

Related info:

 Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box


Print: Kodak PhotoNet online (Project Tab)
Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online (Project Tab)

This feature lets you upload your completed projects to Kodak PhotoNet™ online for printing on paper or on a special gift item.

Note:

1. Kodak PhotoNet™ online services are only available in North America.

2. Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company.

3. PhotoNet™ is a trademark of PictureVision, Inc.

Related info:

 Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box


Share: Gift Service

This connects you to an Internet gift service that can turn your photos and images into mugs, T-shirts, and a number of other interesting products.

Note: This service is only available in North America.

Related info:

  Gift Service dialog box


Gift Service dialog box

Select a gift service from the drop down list and then click Upload to connect to a gift service via the Internet.

Related info:

  Gift Service


Share: Upload to iMira

Uploads the selected images to your account in iMira.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Get Previous Command

  Opens a pop-up list of your most recently used commands that can be re-applied to your image.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Open Thumbnail for Editing
Open Thumbnails for Editing

  Opens the selected files in the Photo Express workspace. Only one will be put in the workspace, the other images will first be put in the Thumbnail strip.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Modify Photo Express Interface

  Allows you to change the color of the mode box and assign an image to tile as your Photo Express image browser background.

Related info:

  Modify Browser background dialog box

  Welcome to Photo Express


Batch Adjust: Enhance

Automatically enhances and adjusts multiple images simultaneously with various useful photo editing tools.

Related info:

  Using Batch Adjust: Enhance


Batch Adjust: Rotate

Automatically rotates and/or flips multiple images simultaneously.

Related info:

  Using Batch Adjust: Rotate


Batch Adjust: Convert

Automatically converts the file format of multiple images simultaneously.

Related info:

  Using Batch Adjust: Convert (JPEG mode)

  Using Batch Adjust: Convert (More file formates mode)


Print: CD Cover

Prints the selected image thumbnails in a numbered sequence for a standard CD cover layout.

Related info:

  Printing


Ulead Links: Get Skins

Connects to the PhotoExpress Web site to select to download Skins to customize the style of the PhotoExpress user interface.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Get Content

Connect to the PhotoExpress Web site to download additional seasonal projects, including calendars, Web Albums, Web Shows, special effects and more!

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Program Updates

Connect to the PhotoExpress Web site to check for PhotoExpress product updates and patches.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Get Plug-ins

Connect to the PhotoExpress Web site to check for additional plug-ins available for download.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: FAQ

Connect to the Ulead Web site's Frequently Asked Questions page.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Photo Express Homepage

Connect to the PhotoExpress Homepage.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: iMira Homepage

Connect to the iMira Homepage.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


View: Thumbnail Size
Thumbnail Size

Shows a submenu offering different sizes for media file thumbnails. Larger sizes allow you to see the thumbnail images more clearly, but reduces the number of thumbnails you can see at one time.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Browse for: Image Files

Displays all the files in the selected folder having recognized image file extensions in the browser as thumbnails or as a list depending on the browser's view mode.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Browse for: Audio Files

Displays all the files in the selected folder having recognized audio file extensions in the browser as thumbnails or as a list depending on the browser's view mode.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Browse for: Video Files

Displays all the files in the selected folder having recognized video file extensions in the browser as thumbnails or as a list depending on the browser's view mode.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Browse for: All Files

Displays all files in the selected folder having recognized file extensions in the browser as thumbnails or as a list depending on the browser display settings.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Go to: Backward

Goes back to the folder selected before the currently selected folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Go to: Forward

This command is only available if the Go to: Backward command was used. Using this command goes back to the folder selected before Go to: Backward command was used.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Go to: Up One Level

Goes up to the parent folder of the selected folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Refresh

Reflects the changes made in your disk drive, if there are any.

[F5]

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Recent Folders

Displays the folders that were most recently selected. The maximum number of folders that can be stored is ten.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Rotate 180 Degrees

Rotates the selected file(s) 180 degrees. This command can only be applied to image files.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Set as Background

Uses the selected file as a tiled image background for the browser. This command can only be used for image files.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Reset Background

Resets the browser background to its default settings.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Convert

Opens the Convert dialog box where you can change the data type and the output format of the selected file. You can then save this new file into a new folder or replace the existing file. This command is only available for image files.

Related info:

  Convert dialog box


Play GIF Animation

Only available if the file is in GIF format. Opens the selected GIF file in a separate window where the animation is shown.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Play

Opens the selected media file in a separate window where the video is played out.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


View Mode: Thumbnail Mode

Displays the files in the folders in the browser as thumbnails. You can change the sizes of the thumbnails by right clicking on the browser and selecting thumbnail size or go to Change thumbnail's size in the toolbar. The bottom left part of the thumbnail (except image files) has a small icon that represents the file type of the thumbnail.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


View Mode: List Mode

Displays the files in the folder as a list showing their name, size, the file type and the date that it was last modified in the browser.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


New Folder

Adds a sub folder to the selected folder in the disk drive.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Arrange Icons: by Ascending

Organizes the files in the selected folder, depending on the selected criteria for sorting, in ascending order.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Arrange Icons: by Descending

Organizes the files in the selected folder, depending on the selected criteria for sorting, in descending order.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Learning Center

Brings you the Web page of Ulead's Learning Center.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Convert to Object

Creates a new object from the current selection. This feature is not available if there is no selection made on your image.

Related info:

  Making selections

  Understanding objects


Next

 To view a page you viewed before clicking the Back button, click the Forward button.


Refresh

 Click if you want to make sure you have the latest version of the page or the Web page that you were browsing cannot be displayed.


Previous

 Links you to the last Web page you just viewed.


Stop

 Click this button if a Web page is taking you too much time to open.


Home

 Brings you back to the Web page that appears each time you start your browser.


Select Invert (Browse Mode)

Deselects all the selected thumbnails and then selects the thumbnails that are not currently selected.


New Folder

Click to create a sub folder for the selected folder or click to create a new folder if a hard drive is selected.


Refresh

Recovers the sequence of all thumbnails in a folder.


Recent Visited Folders

Display the latest ten folder directories that were recently visited. Clicking one opens the folder and displays its image thumbnails in the workspace.


SmartEnhance dialog box

Straighten Aligns images that are crooked or askew.

Crop Selects the portion of your images that you would like to keep, trimming away the edges.

Brightness & Contrast Lightens or darkens and modifies the overall contrast of the image.

Hue & Saturation Automatically adjust the color and intensity of your images to match the subject in nature light.

Focus Sharpens or blurs the image.

Color Enhancer Sharpens the colors in the image so they stand out more.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adjusting color

  Enhancing your images automatically


SmartSelect dialog box

Selection mode Choose one to determine the selection behavior: new; add or subtract selection.

Tolerance Determines the sensitivity of the selection tool. Left is almost no smart selection and right means the tool is very sensitive.

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

Create options

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

Move Selection Marquee Allows movement of the selection area without moving its contents. With this option cleared, moving the selection area creates a new object.

Quick selection

 All Selects an entire image.

 None Deselects anything currently selected.

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

Remove last selection point Erases the reference point that is being used to make the next point of the selection. The segment between this point and the point before it is erased. You cannot use this command if you have already closed the selection.

Next Goes to the SmartSelect Other Options dialog box.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

 SmartSelect

 Selecting shape

 Making selections


Selection dialog box - SmartSelect Other Options
SmartSelect dialog box

Other Options

Show selected edge type presets Allows you to add an edges effect to the selection made.

Edge effect Select the type of edges effect that you want to use for the selection.

Show Tint effect presets Allows you to add a color tint to the selection.

Crop with current selection Crops the selection and creates a new image out of the selection made.

Back arrow Goes back to the main SmartSelect dialog box .

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Making selections


New Photo dialog box

Canvas Click to select the color of the background.

Width and Height Determines the size of the blank canvas/image/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 you to choose from (including: common photo, envelope, label, greeting card and name card dimensions)

User defined

Width Enter the specific width of the blank canvas/image/template.

Height Enter the specific height of the blank canvas/image/template.

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

Resolution Set the resolution of your new image by matching your monitor display or printer output resolution. The measurement can be pixels per inch or pixels per centimeter.

File size Displays the file size of the newly created image file.

Preview Shows a preview of the selected photo size.

Printer Click to see the photo dimensions relative to a sheet of paper.

Screen Click to see the photo dimensions relative to your monitor screen.

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

Related info:

  New Photo

  Creating a new photo / template


Adjust Color Printing
Color Printing Options dialog box

Adjust color printer settings Click to correct or adjust the printing color.

Printer profile Select a specific color management profile for your printer from the drop-down list.

Don’t adjust color printer settings Select this option to use the default settings.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Printing Basics


File Information dialog box

Displays all the file information includes the properties and data associated with a selected image file.

Note: This command is only available for Album and Photo

In Browse mode, when you right-click on an image, select File Information from the submenu, this dialog box appears with the following information:

Attributes:

Data type Indicates the type of color for the selected image.

Width and Height Dimensional information about the image.

Res Displays the resolutions which are the number of pixels per inch (or centimeter) in an image.

Size Displays the file size for the selected image.

File:

Name Displays where the source image is stored and file name.

Format   See the data-type, size, resolution, and other file statistics.

Size Displays the size for the image file.

OK Closes the File information dialog box and returns to the workspace.

Help Opens this Help file.

Related info:

  Controlling brightness and contrast

  Preferences dialog box


Share: Panorama dialog box

Panoramas are wide-angle (up to 360 degrees) images that can be joined together into a single large image. Select the images (you must select two or more) that you want to join together into a panorama and then click the Apply button.

Note: Ulead COOL 360 is included only with the full version of Photo Express.

Apply Runs the standalone program Ulead COOL 360, which is used to create a panorama from the images you have selected.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Creating a panoramic image


Kodak PhotoNet online Billing dialog box
Kodak PhotoNet™ online Upload dialog box

Billing

This dialog box allows you to set up or access your Kodak PhotoNet™ online account. Kodak PhotoNet™ online is an independent service and you will be billed for using it. You must enter the following information to proceed.

Full name Enter your full name (first and last) as it appears on your credit card.

Phone number Enter a phone number where you can be reached during the day.

E-mail Enter your e-mail address.

Address Enter the address where you would like the pictures sent to. This can be a different address from your billing address.

Credit card information Enter your credit card number and expiration date.

Related info:

  Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Kodak PhotoNet online Download dialog box
Get Photo: Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box

Download a new film Click to open a dialog box to download a new roll of film.

Download an existing film Double click on one roll of the films in the content box which are already uploaded to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Photos to download Select one or more photos you desire to download.

Photo quality Click the drop-down list to choose the level of image quality for your photos (low, medium and high).

Download Click to start the process of downloading photos from Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Close Click to close this dialog box.

Related info:

  Get Photo: Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Download New Roll of Film dialog box
Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box

Online Download New Roll of Film

Allows you to download a new film from the Kodak PhotoNet™ online service.

By film ID Click to search the film you wish to download by the film ID.

User name Enter your name in this field.

Film ID Enter the serial code of your film which is numbered by Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

By account Click to search the film you wish to download by your Kodak PhotoNet™ online account number.

Account Enter your Kodak PhotoNet™ online account number (Issued by Kodak PhotoNet™ online.)

Password Enter the password of your personal Kodak PhotoNet™ online account.

Related films Click to pull out the films which are associated with this account from Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

OK Click to send the above information to access in Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Cancel Ends this process and closes the dialog box.

Help Opens this Help file.

Related info:

  Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Share: Kodak PhotoNet online Upload dialog box
Share: Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box

In Browse mode, select the photos or project templates that you want to upload to Kodak PhotoNet™ online. Press Ctrl or Shift key while clicking the desired photos to add them to your album (or folder). There is no need to select photos in the Photo or Project mode. The currently opened photo or template in the workspace will be the only one that will be uploaded to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Upload to a new film Click to open a dialog box to upload a new film of film you took to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Upload to an existing film Click open one roll of the films in the content box which are already uploaded to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Upload Click to start the process of uploading photos to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Close Click to close this dialog box.

Related info:

  Share: Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Print: Kodak PhotoNet online dialog box
Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online dialog box

In Browse mode, select the photos or project templates that you want to upload to Kodak PhotoNet™ online and have printed out on paper on a gift item. Press the Ctrl or Shift key while clicking the desired photos to add them to your album (or folder). There is no need to select photos in the Photo or Project mode. The opened photo or template in the workspace will be the only one that will be uploaded to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Print Click to start the process of uploading your photos onto Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Close Click to close this dialog box.

Related info:

  Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Print: Kodak PhotoNet online Customer Information dialog box
Kodak PhotoNet™ online Customer Information dialog box

Before you login to the Kodak PhotoNet™ online web site, you have to enter the following
information:

Full Name  Enter your full name.

Phone number Enter your phone number in the field.

E-mail Enter your e-mail address for the ease of receiving messages from Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

OK Click to send out your information and start login to Kodak PhotoNet™ online.

Cancel Ends this process and closes the dialog box.

Help Opens this Help file.

Related info:

  Print: Kodak PhotoNet™ online


Ulead Links: Get Plug-ins dialog box

Visit the Ulead Web site to check for new plug-ins available for download.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Get Content dialog box

Visit the Ulead Web site to check for the latest released templates or plug-ins available for download.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Get Skins dialog box

Visit the Ulead Web site to check for new skins to customize the Photo Express user interface.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Program Updates dialog box

Visit the Ulead Web site to check for Photo Express product updates.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Photo Express Homepage dialog box

Visit the Ulead Photo Express Homepage.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: iMira Homepage dialog box

Visit the iMira Homepage.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: FAQ Homepage dialog box

Visit the Photo Express Frequently Asked Questions page.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Learning Center dialog box

Visit the Ulead Learning Center Web page for all the Photo Express useful tutorials.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Folder Tree Window dialog box
Folder Tree Window

Displays the available folders in the drives connected to the computer.

Go back to previous folder Click to go to back to the previously selected folder before the currently selected folder.

Go forward to next folder This command is only available if the Go back to previous folder command was used. Click to go back to the folder selected before Go back to previous folder command was used.

Go up a level to parent folder Click to go to the parent folder of the selected folder.

Create a new album or folder Click to create a sub folder for the selected folder or click to create a new folder if a hard drive is selected.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Batch Adjust: Convert dialog box - For Web images
Batch Adjust: Convert dialog box - For Web images (JPG)

Allows you to convert the selected image(s) into the JPEG file format and adjust the save settings before converting it.

Quality Choose the image quality of the resulting JPEG image. You can choose from fair, good or best.

Data format Choose the data type of the resulting JPEG image. The only options available are grayscale and true color.

Action for converted files Select whether to save the resulting JPEG image into the same folder or save it in another folder.

Update original files Saves the resulting JPEG image into the same folder. It will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Save to another folder Lets you select another folder where the resulting JPEG image will be saved in. If there is a file in the selected destination folder with the same name and format, it will replace the image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

 Recently visited folders Displays the most recently accessed folders in the disk drive. A maximum of ten can be stored in here. If there are ten already and a new folder is accessed, the tenth folder will be discarded from the list.

Already existing file names Select an option when saving the resulting JPEG image.

Skip If the selected image is of another file format, that image is converted into the JPEG format using the same filename. If the image is already in the JPEG format and has the same filename, the conversion process is cancelled.

Replace Select to converts the selected image(s) into the JPEG format and replace the original with it.

Rename Select to convert the selected image(s) into the JPEG format. It will also let you create a new filename for it if there is an existing image with the same filename in the destination folder. A new image is created when this option is selected. The original image is retained in the same folder.

More file formats Click to go to another dialog box where you can convert your image(s) into other file formats and data types.

Convert Click to execute the conversion process.

Close Click to close the Batch Adjust: Convert dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Batch Adjust: Convert


Batch Adjust: Convert dialog box  - Other Output Format

Allows you to convert the selected image(s) into other file formats and adjust the save settings before converting it.

Output format Select from the drop down menu the file format you want the image(s) to be converted into.

Format option Click to open a dialog box where save settings can be adjusted for the selected output format. This button is only available for some output formats.

Data format Choose the data type for the selected output format.

Converted files Select whether to save the resulting converted image into the same folder or save it in another folder.

Update original files Saves the resulting image into the same folder. It will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Save to another folder Lets you select another folder where the resulting image will be saved in. If there is a file in the selected destination folder with the same name and format, it will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

 Recently visited folders Displays the most recently accessed folders in the disk drive. A maximum of ten can be stored in here. If there are ten already and a new folder is accessed, the tenth folder will be discarded from the list.

Already existing files names Select an option when saving the resulting image.

Skip If the selected image is of another file format, that file is converted into selected output format using the same filename. If the chosen file format and filename is the same, the conversion process is cancelled.

Replace Select to convert the selected image(s) into the output format selected and replace the original with it.

Rename Select to convert the selected image(s) into the output format selected. It will also let you create a new filename for it if there is an existing image with the same filename in the destination folder. A new image is created when this option is selected and the original image is retained in the same folder.

Back to JPG mode Click to go back to the JPG dialog box mode.

Convert Click to execute the conversion process.

Close Click to close the Batch Adjust: Convert dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Batch Adjust: Convert


Batch Adjust: Enhance dialog box

Allows you to automatically enhance the selected image(s).

Straighten Aligns images that are crooked or askew.

Crop Selects the portion of your images that you would like to keep, trimming away the edges.

Brightness & Contrast Lightens or darkens and modifies the overall contrast of the image.

Hue & Saturation Automatically adjust the color and intensity of your images to match the subject in nature light.

Focus Sharpens or blurs the image.

Next Opens a dialog box where you can save the enhanced image(s).

Close Click to close the Batch Adjust: Enhance dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Batch Adjust: Enhance


Batch Adjust: Rotate dialog box

Allows you to rotate the image clockwise or counter clockwise and flip the image vertically or horizontally.

Turn 90 degrees left Click to rotate the image counter clockwise by 90 degrees.

Turn 90 degrees right Click to rotate the image clockwise by 90 degrees.

Flip Vertically Click to flip the image upside down.

Flip Horizontally Click to flip the image sideways.

Next Opens a dialog box where you can save the rotated image(s).

Close Click to close the Batch Adjust: Rotate dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Batch Adjust: Rotate


Batch Adjust: Update dialog box

Allows you to save the batch adjusted image(s) into the same folder or in another folder.

Update original files Saves the rotated image(s) into the same folder. It will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Save to another folder Lets you select another folder where the rotated image(s) will be saved in. If there is a file in the selected destination folder with the same filename, it will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Recently visited folders Displays the most recently accessed folders in the disk drive. A maximum of ten can be stored in here. If there are ten already and a new folder is accessed, the tenth folder will be discarded from the list.

Already existing files names Select an option when saving the rotated image.

Skip The save action is cancelled if there is an existing image with the same filename in the destination folder.

Replace Select to save the rotated image(s) and replace the original with it.

Rename Select to save the rotated image(s). It will also let you create a new filename for if there is an existing image with the same filename in the destination folder. A new image is created when this option is selected and the original image is retained.

Back Arrow Goes back to the Batch Adjust: Rotate - Auto-process dialog box.

Save Executes the saving procedure. If there is more than one image and Rename is selected in Overwrite existing files, you will be prompted for each image.

Close Click to close the Batch Adjust: Rotate dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Batch Adjust: Rotate dialog box


Share: Upload to iMira dialog box

Allows you to post to iMira the selected image(s). If you don't have an account yet at iMira, you can create one here.

User name Enter the user name for your iMira account.

Password Enter the password for your iMira account.

Create New Account on iMira Calls up the iMira Sign-up Web page to enter your personal information for getting yourself an account before you can upload your photos to iMira.

Upload Click to start uploading the selected image(s) to iMira.

Close Click to close the Upload to iMira dialog box and go back to the Folder Tree dialog box.

Related info:

  Share: Upload to iMira


Convert dialog box

Allows you to convert the selected image(s) into other file formats and adjust the save settings before converting it.

Choose output format Select from the drop down menu the file format you want the image(s) to be converted into.

Options Click to open a dialog box where save settings can be adjusted for the selected output format. This button is only available for some output formats.

Data type Choose the data type for the selected output format.

Converted files Select whether to save the resulting image into the same folder or save it in another folder.

Update original files Saves the resulting image into the same folder. It will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Save in another folder Lets you select another folder where the resulting image will be saved in. If there is a file in the selected destination folder with the same name and format, it will replace the original image or create a new image depending on the option selected in Overwrite existing files.

Recently visited folders Displays the most recently accessed folders in the disk drive. A maximum of ten can be stored in here. If there are ten already and a new folder is accessed, the tenth folder will be discarded from the list.

Overwrite existing files Select an option when saving the resulting image.

Skip If the selected file is of another file format, that file is converted into the selected output format using the same file name. If the chosen file format is the same as the original image, no conversion takes place.

Replace Select to convert the selected file(s) into the output format selected and replace the original with it.

Rename Select to convert the selected file(s) into the output format selected. It will also let you create a new file name for it if there is an existing image with the same file name in the destination folder. A new image is created when this option is selected. The original image is retained in the same folder.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Modify Photo Express Interface Dialog Box

Allows you to change the color of the mode button( or skins) and use an image as a tiled background for your Photo Express browser window.

Preset skins Displays the available colors that you can use to change the color of the mode button or your selected skin. The default color is orange.

Background Displays all the images that have been used previously as a tiled background for the browser. The white image with an "X" is the default background and is colored white. Double click an image to make it the browser background or select it then click OK.

Transparency Select to make the selected browser background image/color lighter.

Delete selected Image Erases the selected background image. All images that are used as backgrounds will be stored here, it is a good idea to erase the ones that you no longer want to use in the future.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Organize Print Layout Preset dialog box

Name Lists all the names of the defined presets in the box.

Save to Enter the name of your new defined preset.

Save as default Check the box to set the selected preset as default.

Save Saves the preset after you finish the above settings.

Delete Allows you to delete one of the presets in the box by selecting it.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the Customize Layout Preset dialog box.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Preferences dialog box


Modify Printable Area dialog box

Current printer Indicates the printer that you are currently set up to your computer.

Adjust by Enter the value in to define X- and Y-coordinates for your image in a printed layout.

Units Select how the X- and Y-coordinates value is measured, either in inches or centimeters.

Save it as default Save the offset that you define as default. You have to set the default again if you switch to another printer.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Preferences dialog box


Print: CD Cover dialog box

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

Printer Properties Click to open the Printer Properties dialog box.

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

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

Paper layout Press the button on the right to open a dialog box to define the CD layout.

Cover name Enter the title of your CD. The path of your source images in local is also shown by default. It helps you to locate the image files easily.

Date Click the drop-down menu to pick a date from the calendar for your CD cover. The default date is the day that you create the CD cover.

CD index Allows to specify the category of your CD cover.

Best quality Check the box to generate the best output quality for your thumbnails.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Color printer options Allows you to select a printer color profile to adjust the printer output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Printing basics


Layout Options dialog box

Rows & Columns Enter the number of rows and columns of your image thumbnails appearing on a CD Cover.

Note: This determines the size of each image thumbnail shown on the CD Cover. The more of rows and columns  you define, the smaller of your image becomes while fewer makes your image larger and unclear.

Cover size Defines the Width and Height for the size of your CD cover.

Unit Select how the cover is measured: inches or centimeters.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Printing basics


Page Range dialog box

Print all pages Select to print all the images that you have selected in the Browse mode.

Print current page only Prints only the image that gets opened in the workspace.

Save it as default Save your option as default. Next time whenever you press the Print button in the Option panel, this dialog box will be skipped.

Related info:

  Printing (General)

  Printing basics


Gradient Fill dialog box

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

Direction: Select a gradient direction for the fill.

Color Select two colors to define the colors in the gradient fill. Click the respective color boxes to change the color. The left color box represents the "From" color and the right color box represents the "To" color. Click the middle button to switch the colors.

Color shift Adjusts the brightness of the two colors.

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

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

Delete template Deletes the currently selected gradient template.

Related info:

  Adjusting color


Change Photo Order dialog box

Drag the thumbnail to arrange its order Select the thumbnail image on the panel and re-arrange it's order by dragging it back or forth.

Thumbnail Size Click the menu to change the size of the thumbnails displayed in the panel.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box

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

Apply post processing Select this to automatically run the post processing window after scanning. This allows you to make quick simple changes (like adjusting brightness) before putting them in Photo Express.

Enable slicing (Scanner only) If you are scanning more than one image at one time, select this to save the images as separate files. Make sure there is a reasonable gap between your images on the scanner bed.

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

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

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

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

Acquire Begins the acquisition process.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help


Video Capture dialog box

Available capture driver Displays a list of possible capture drivers which are used to acquire images. This is commonly a video capture device.

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

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

Change Plug-in Click to select a plug-in for the capture driver that comes with the capture device you have installed on your computer.

Import Begins the acquisition process.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Ulead Video capture dialog box


Preset dialog box

The specific type of operations and options presented in this panel will vary greatly from feature to feature, but they all share a similar structure. There is an Advanced mode button in the Preset mode panel for you to click. This mode has additional controls to refine and modify effects.

Preset effects Universal to Preset mode. These thumbnails display quick examples of how the feature will modify the active image. Simply drag and drop a sample thumbnail onto your image. Alternately, you can double-click a sample to apply the effect instantly.

Preview size Sets a user selected portion of an image as the effects thumbnail.

Advanced mode Allows users to customize this effect with more settings.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Using effects


Rotate and Resize dialog box

Rotate 90 degrees left Rotates the image counterclockwise by 90 degrees.

Rotate 90 degrees right Rotates the image clockwise by 90 degrees.

Rotate by degree Rotates the image by a user selected number of degrees (1 to 359).

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

Flip vertically Flips the image vertically (upside down).

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info

  Straightening


Trim dialog box

Trim shape Provides a number of preset shapes from which you can choose from.

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

Create a new image Select to create a new image based on the selection area (the original remains unchanged).

Apply Applies the selected trim.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Creative trimming


Resize dialog box

Active image Displays the properties of the currently active image.

Res Displays information about the image’s resolution.

Standard Displays a list of standard image sizes which you can resize your image to.

User defined Allows you to specify a particular image size.

Keep aspect ratio Select to maintain the ratio of the X dimension to Y dimension (without stretching or squashing).

Apply Applies the size to the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Resizing and printing


Focus dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the final image will appear.

Level Allows for fine modification of the focus of the image.

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

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adjusting focus


Lighting dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the final image will appear.

Brightness Controls the brightness/darkness.

Contrast Controls the level of contrast.

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

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode .

Apply Applies modifications to the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Controlling brightness and contrast

  Preferences dialog box


Balance Color dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of possible changes.

Color sliders Fine control of color selection in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow) or RGB (Red, Green, and Blue). This will affect the overall mood of the image.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode .

Apply Applies modifications to the actual image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adjusting color


Remove Red-eye dialog box

Brush size Selects the size of correction tool.

Similarity Adjusts the sensitivity of the source color.

Strength Sets the level of the effect.

Options

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

Change eye color Replace the current eye color with a different one.

Color boxes The left box represents the source color of the eyes in the original and the right box represents the intended color for the eyes.

Pen Pressure Select pressure options for transparency and pressure.

Note: This setting is only available when using a pressure-sensitive tablet.

Reset attributes Restores the panel options to their original settings.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Removing Red-eye


Shape dialog box - Shape
Selection dialog box

Shape

Selection mode Determines the selection behavior: new; add or subtract selection.

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

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

Selection tool options

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

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

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

Quick selection

All Selects the entire image.

None De-selects everything that is currently selected.

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

Next Goes to Other Options dialog box.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection dialog box - Trace
Selection dialog box

Trace

Selection mode Choose one to determine the selection behavior: new; add or subtract selection.

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

Create options

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

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

Quick selection

All Selects the entire image.

None De-selects everything that is currently selected.

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

Next Goes to the Other Options dialog box.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Making selections


Selection dialog box - By Color
Selection - By Color dialog box

Selection mode Choose one to determine the selection behavior: new; add or subtract selection.

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

Expand selection Select to look for similar colors in the entire image. If de-selected, the search will only comprise the adjacent pixels.

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

Create options

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

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

Quick selection

 All Selects an entire image.

 None De-selects everything that is currently selected.

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

Next Goes to the Other Options dialog box.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Making selections


Add/Edit Text dialog box

Text Enter the desired text here.

Font styles Select the style and alignment of the text.

Font Select the font to be used for the text.

Single color Select a single color for the text.

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

Texture Selects a texture fill to apply to the text.

Options Select an action for the entered text.

Enter new text Creates a new text object.

Update the selected text Updates a previously created text object. You must have the text object selected to update the contents.

Apply Applies the current settings to your text.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adding and editing text


Reshape dialog box

Category Select a reshape category.

Presets Displays the available reshape styles in the selected category.

Apply Applies the selected shape to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adding and editing text


Transform dialog box

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

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

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

Resize text Makes the text selection bigger or smaller.

Freely rotate Freely rotates text manually.

Slant Skews or slants the text.

Perspective Gives the text an artificial sense of depth.

Distort Manual stretching and squashing of the text selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Adding and editing text


Text: Shadow dialog box

Add/Remove shadow Click to apply (or delete) the shadow on your selected object.

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

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

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

Close Closes  the Shadow dialog box.

Related info:

  Adding text to image objects

  Adding shadows to text


Print dialog box - Normal
Print: Normal dialog box

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

Printer Properties Click to open the Printer Properties dialog box.

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout

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

Title Enter a title for the image (this will be printed above the image). If Title is selected and no text was entered, the file name will be printed..

Fit image to page Select to stretch the image to fill the entire page.

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

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

Color printer options Allows to select a printer color profile to adjust the printer's output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Print: Thumbnails dialog box

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

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

Layout:

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

Rows Determines the number of rows of thumbnails.

Columns Determines the number of columns of thumbnails.

Output caption Select File name from the menu if you want to output the file name of all image thumbnails on the printed document. Select (Index) File name, you will have sequenced number prefixed besides the file name of each thumbnail. Select None if you don’t want any caption printed out with the thumbnail image.

Best quality Select to print with the highest quality.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Color printer options Allows you to select a printer color profile to adjust the printer output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Printing (general)


Print: Tiled dialog box

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

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

Layout:

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

Rows Determines the number of rows.

Columns Determines the number of columns.

Show cutting grid Select to print out a grid guide for you to know where to cut.

Auto-tiling Select to arrange the image thumbnails in tiled which is defined by default layout.

Customize Click to open the dialog box that allows you to set up your own tiled layout for the image thumbnails.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Color printer options Allows you to select a printer color profile to adjust the printer output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Printing (general)

  Printing - Tiled


Save dialog box

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

Recently opened folders Displays the folders most recently accessed. Select one to make it the destination folder.

File name Enter a name for the image file.

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

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

Save Executes the save function.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Saving


E-mail dialog box

Send as HTML e-mail Attaches the selected image(s) in an HTML format when sending the e-mail.

Send as attachment Attaches the selected image(s) in the e-mail that you send to your friend or family.

Image dimension Select a ideal size for your attached image(s) before it attached in the e-mail. It is useful if the image is extra large and you want it to be seen in a proper dimension. You may set it to one-half or one fourth of the original size.

Quality Defines the quality of your images. This matters to file size of the attached image. Best means highest quality but the largest file size. The Fair one gets you the lowest quality but the smallest file size. No matter what file format your images originally are, when you send them through e-mails, Photo Express will automatically convert them to JPEG file format for the ease of communication.

Note: The above two settings: Image Dimension and Quality do not applies to video and GIF animation files. And the files will not be converted to JPEG files, either.

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

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Sending images by E-mail


Wallpaper dialog box

Background color only Select to set a solid color as your desktop background.

Use image as wallpaper Select to set the current image as the desktop wallpaper.

Display Selects how to display the image on your screen:

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

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

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

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

Apply Applies any modifications to the desktop wallpaper.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

 Opening an image in the workspace


My Computer dialog box

Currently browsed folder Displays the name of the current folder.

Recently opened folders Displays a list of recently accessed folders. Select one to make it the currently browsed folder.

Sort Arranges template or image files in a specified order.

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

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

Open Opens the template in the workspace.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info

  Modifying an Existing Template


Selection dialog box - Other Options
Selection dialog box

Other Options

Show selected edge type presets Allows you to add an edges effect to the selection made.

Edge type Select the type of edges effect that you want to use for the selection.

Crop with current selection Crops the selection and creates a new image out of the selection made.

Back arrow Goes back to the main dialog box of the selected selection type.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Making selections


Noa usa thisa


File: New Photo
New Photo

Opens a submenu where you can open a preset size or custom size canvas for you to create your images or templates in Photo Express. Depending on what type of canvas you open (Photo or Template), you will automatically go to the corresponding mode (Photo - Photo mode; Template - Project mode).

[Ctrl+N]


Open Photo

Opens a previously saved photo or image into the workspace.

[Ctrl+O]


Open Template File

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


Close

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

[Ctrl+W]


Save (File menu)
Save

Saves the contents of the workspace into the existing file.

[Ctrl+S]


Save As

Saves the contents of the workspace with the user being able to determine a new filename and file type for the image or template.


Acquire

Opens a submenu where you can select an input device for acquiring images. It also offers a Troubleshooting option where there are solutions to common problems regarding input devices.

Scanner

Digital Camera

Video Capture

Troubleshooting


Acquire: Scanner

Opens the Acquire: Scanner dialog box where you can determine the settings before acquiring an image from a scanner.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquire: Digital Camera

Opens the Acquire: Digital Camera dialog box where you can determine the settings before acquiring an image from a digital camera.

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Acquire: Troubleshooting

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

Related info:

  Troubleshooting tips & collecting images


Print Preview

Displays a submenu of printing type option and their previews. It allows you to approximate the appearance of a project in different available printing type options and settings. The available printing types are listed below.

Normal Displays a preview of an image when printed using standard printing settings. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

Tiled Displays a preview of how a single image will be printed out when it is repeated or tiled in a single page. If there is more than one image selected, each image will be printed on separate pages. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

Poster Displays a preview of how an enlarged image will be printed out using several sheets of paper that will be put together after printing. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

T-shirt Displays a preview of how an image will be printed out using a piece of special paper before transferring it to a T-shirt. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

Thumbnail Displays a preview of how the selected thumbnail(s) will be printed out. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

CD Cover Displays a preview of how the selected thumbnails will be printed out on a single sheet of paper when they are numbered sequentially for a standard Photo CD cover layout. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

Multiple Displays a preview of how multiple images will be printed out in a single sheet of paper. The left panel offers a dialog box where you can adjust the settings for printing.

Note:

The Thumbnails and CD cover options are only available in Browse mode.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Normal

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

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Tile
Print Preview: Tiled

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

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print Preview: Poster

Displays the currently selected image on screen as it would appear on paper. A poster is an image that has been enlarged and may be printed on more than one piece of paper depending on how large the dimensions of the poster are.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print

Opens a dialog box where there are additional options that you can adjust before outputting your image or project to a printer.

Related info:

  Printing

  Understanding resolution


Print: Thumbnails

Opens a dialog box where you can set up how the selected thumbnail images will be printed out.

Note: This command is only available in Browse mode.

Related info:

  Printing

  Printing thumbnails

  Understanding resolution


Preferences

Opens a dialog box where you can define Photo Express behavior settings and Photo Express Plug-ins.

[F6]


Send to: Mail Recipient

Launches the default mail handler program where you can send an e-mail with the selected image(s) as file attachments.

[Ctrl+M]

Related info:

  Sending images by e-mail


Recent Files

Displays the last six files that were recently opened. Clicking a file name in this list opens it in the workspace.

Related info:

 Opening an image


Exit

Closes the Photo Express program. If there are projects that have not been save, Photo Express will prompt you.

[Ctrl+Q]


Undo Before

Displays the last ten actions that you made and allows you to undo them. Selecting one of the actions in this list will also undo the actions above the selected action.

[Ctrl+Z]


Redo To

Displays the last ten actions that have been undone and allows you to re-apply them. Selecting one of the actions in this list will also re-apply the actions above the selected action.

[Ctrl+Y]


Cut

Removes a selection area or image and places it in the Windows clipboard.

[Ctrl+X]


Copy (Menu command)
Copy

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

[Ctrl+C]


Clear

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

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

[Del]


Paste (Menu command)
Paste

Pastes a selected object or an image on the workspace.

[Ctrl+V]


Delete (Thumbnail)
Delete

Removes the thumbnail from a folder.

[Del]


Search

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

[Ctrl+F]


Select Invert

Deselects all the selected areas and then selects the areas that are not currently selected.

[Ctrl+I]


Select None

Deselects all the currently selected area.

[Ctrl+E]


Select All

Selects the entire image.

[Ctrl+A]


Arrange Icons: by Date

Sorts the thumbnails chronologically by date.


Arrange Icons: by Name

Sorts the thumbnails alphabetically by name.


Arrange Icons: by Extensions

Sorts the thumbnails in ascending order by file extension (e.g. .BMP or .GIF).


Arrange Icons: by Size

Sorts the thumbnails in ascending order by file size.


Increase Thumbnail Size

Increases the size of the thumbnails to the next preset dimensions available in the list.

[+]


Decrease Thumbnail Size

Decreases the size of the thumbnails to the previous preset dimensions available in the list.

[-]


Actual View

Adjusts the magnification of the image to its actual size. This may result in the image not fitting in the workspace.

Note: Templates are quite large and will not display at their actual sizes.


Zoom

Select a zoom ratio from the submenu for zooming in or out on the current image. The submenus offer magnifications ratios ranging from 12.5% to 1000%.


Zoom In

Increases the magnification of the image.

[+]


Zoom Out

Decreases the magnification of the image.

[-]


View: Fit in Windows

Increases or decreases the magnification to fit the whole image in the workspace.


Ulead Photo Express Help

Opens the general program help associated with PhotoExpress.


Ulead on the Web

Ulead Home Page Launches your default internet browser and takes you to the Ulead Systems homepage.

Photo Express Home Page Launches your default internet browser and takes you to the Photo Express homepage.

Technical Support Launches your default internet browser and takes you to the technical support page of the Ulead website.


Edit (Right-click)
Edit

Opens the selected thumbnail in the Photo Express workspace.


Select All

Selects all of the thumbnails in an album or folder.

[Ctrl+A]


Play

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


Soften

Softens or blurs the edges of a selection area.


Rename

Allows you to enter a new filename for the selected file.


Photo Properties

Displays the image’s properties and attributes.


Acquire: Video Capture (File menu)
Acquire: Video Capture

Opens the Acquire: Video Capture dialog box where you can determine the settings before acquiring a still image (one frame) from a video camera.


Import From Album

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

[Ctrl+I]


DON”T use it!


Enhancing your images

1.	Open an image and switch to the Photo mode.

2.	Select Edit: Adjust.

3.	Select SmartEnhance.

4.	Select the type of enhancement you want to make from the Options panel.

Note: If you make any changes that you do not like, you can always undo them by clicking the Undo button or by pressing Ctrl+Z.

Related info:

  Opening an image


The original photo is not clear and bright enough. But no worries!

By simply clicking on several types of amazing tools, the photo could

be easily and automatically enhanced.  Check it out!


Making Smart selections

1.	Open an image and switch to the Photo mode.

2.	Select Edit: Selection.

3.	Select SmartSelect.

4.	Click on the image to begin making your selection.

5.	Move the mouse around the area you want to select, clicking periodically when you want to change directions.

6.	Trace completely around the object and click the orange Starting point button to finish.

Note: SmartSelect works by finding the edges of an object based on the similarity of colors. The effectiveness of this approach varies, depending on the image. You can adjust the tolerance to try to make this work better. You can use this tool in conjunction with the other selection tools by switching to a new tool and changing the Selection mode to Add selection.

Related info:

  SmartSelect

  Selecting shape

  SmartSelect dialog box


Creating a new photo/template

While Photo Express is loaded with creative templates that give you a head start, there are times that you will want to start from scratch with only your imagination and a blank canvas.

* Photo

1.	Select File: New

2. 	Select New Photo.

3.	Set up your canvas and define your ideal photo size.

4.	click OK.

* Template

1.	Select File: New

2.	Select New Template.

3.	Set up your canvas and define your ideal photo size

4.	Click OK.

Related info:

  Opening an image

  Making selections


Creating a panoramic image

Panoramas are very wide images (up to 360 degrees) that are composed of a number of sequential images. You need to intentionally take pictures that are carefully overlapped to use this feature.

1.	Select Share menu in the Browse mode.

2.	Select Panorama.

4.	Select the images (at least two) that you want to stitch together into a panorama.

5.	Click Apply. Your images are opened in Ulead COOL 360 where you will create your panorama.

Note: COOL 360 is a stand-alone program that is included with the full version of Photo Express. As such, it has it's own Help and detailed documentation that you should read to fully take advantage of this remarkable program.

Related info:

  Panorama


Don’t use!


Photo Express Plug-ins: Text Special F/X
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Text Special F/X

Ulead Photo Express Text Special Effect Plug-in provides you with access to exciting special effects that can make that lackluster text stand out and attract attention. Applying text effects, such as Fire, Imprint and Neon, is easy and you can fine-tune most of them to suit your needs. To learn more about how the text special effect plug-in can enliven your images, just click on an item below.

 Glass	 Outline Emboss

 Texture Emboss	 Fire

 Snow	 Neon

 Imprint	 3D

 Chisel	 Border

Related info:

  Using Text Special F/X


Preset dialog box

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

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

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

Advanced mode Allows users to customize this effect with more settings.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text F/X: Glass dialog box
Text Special F/X: Glass dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Reflection Adjust the number of edges (peaks and valleys) of the glass effect. This affects the reflections in the characters.

Fuzziness Adjust the soft edge of the glass frame.

Color Displays the color of the glass. Click the color box to change the color.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note:

Some parts of the text will become transparent after the effect is applied.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Glass

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Outline Emboss dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Thickness Adjust the height of the bevel of the text outline.

Level Adjust the contrast between the bevel outline and the shadow the bevel produces.

Direction of light Determine the position of the light source. The green ball represents the light source.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Outline Emboss

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Fire dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Inside color Displays the color of the flame closest to the text outer edges. Click the color box to change the color.

Middle color Displays the color of the flame in between the inside and outside part of the flame. Click the color box to change the color.

Outside color Displays the outermost color of the flame. Click the color box to change the color.

Strength Adjust the intensity (amount and height) of the flame.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note:

The body of the text becomes transparent after applying the effect.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Fire

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Snow dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Inside color Displays the color of the body of the text. Click the color box to change the color.

Middle color Displays the color in between the text body color and the outermost snow color. Click the color box to change the color.

Outside color Displays the color of the outermost snow. Click the color box to change the color.

Amount Adjust the degree of melting of the snow.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Snow

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Neon dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Colors Displays the color of the neon glow. Click the color box to change the color.

Inner color Select to have the effect radiate inward from the edges.

Outer color Select to have the effect radiate outward from the edges.

Inner and outer color Select to have the effect radiate both inward and outward from the edges.

Glow width Adjust the thickness of the glow effect.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note: The body of the text becomes transparent after applying the effect.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Neon

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text: 3D dialog box
3D dialog box

3D style previews Sample 3D text Special F/X and styles.

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

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: 3D

  Adding 3D text

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Texture Emboss dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Texture Displays the available texture patterns. Click to select a texture pattern.

Size Adjust the size of the texture tile.

Level Adjust the contrast between the bevel and the shadow the bevel produces.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Texture Emboss

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Glass

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

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Glass dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Outline Emboss

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

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Outline Emboss dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Texture Emboss

Embosses the entire text object using a selected texture image.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Texture Emboss dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Fire

Applies an effect simulating flames rising from the text.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Fire dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Snow

Applies an effect as if the text object is like a melting block of ice.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Snow dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Neon

Simulates a neon sign effect applied to text objects.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Neon dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: 3D

Applies a 3D effect to the text object.

Related info:

 Text Special F/X: 3D dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Using Text Special F/X

Text Special F/X are a number spectacular effects to spice up any image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Text from the Command panel.

3.	If the image does not contain any text objects, select Edit: Text - Add/Edit where you can create a text object. If the image already contains a text object, select it.

4.	Select Edit: Text - Special F/X.

5.	Select a text effect from the list.

6.	In the ensuing dialog box, select a preset thumbnail effect. However, if the desired effect is not in the preset thumbnails, click Advanced mode. Here you can fine-tune some settings for the particular effect. (Advanced mode is not available for 3D)

7.	Adjust the settings to the desired values.

8.	Click Apply. You can continue to make and undo adjustments (Ctrl + Z or click  [image]  ). When you are satisfied with the effect, click Close.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Adding 3D text

Text Special F/X are a number of spectacular effects to spice up any image.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Text from the command panel at the top of the workspace.

3.	Select Add/Edit.

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

5.	Select 3D from Text Special F/X submenu.

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

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Imprint dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Softness Adjust the soft edge of the text object.

Thickness Adjust the width of the imprint shadow.

Level Adjust the contrast between the imprint shadow and the text object.

Direction Set the position of the light source by dragging the green ball around the wheel. The green ball represents the light source.

Color Click to change the color you’re your text.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Imprint

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Chisel dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Extrude Adjust the bevel amount of the object. A low value will result in the carvings in the text  object being more noticeable. A high value will result in the carvings being concealed more resulting in a smoother surface for the text object.

Variance Adjust the amount of carvings that will be applied to the text object. A high value will result in the surface of the text object being significantly carved; a low value will result in minimal carving.

Elevation Adjust the height of the light source from the text object. A value of the left of the slider will put the light source at a low position therefore only a small part of the text object is illuminated.

Direction Set the position of the light source by dragging the green ball around the wheel. The green ball represents the light source.

Softness Adjust the soft edge of the text object.

Color Click to change the color you’re your text.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Chisel

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Border dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the effect settings affect the appearance of the text. The letter "A" is used to visualize the possible effect.

Inner Adjust the characteristics of the inner part of the text object. A value from left to right will result in the inner part of the text object being reduced to its outline. The rightmost value will make the inner part of the text object totally transparent.

Outer Adjust the size of the outer boundary (the glow) in relation to the inner part of the text object.

Elevation Adjust the height of the light source on the text object. A value on the left of the slider will put the light source at a low position therefore only a small part of the text object is illuminated.

Direction Set the position of the light source by dragging the green ball around the wheel. The green ball represents the light source.

Color Displays the resulting color of the text object. Click to change the color of the text object.

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the current text object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Border

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Imprint

Applies an effect as if the text object is engraved into a solid surface.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Imprint dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Chisel

Applies an effect that creates an appearance that parts of the text object are carved off.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Chisel dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Text Special F/X: Border

Creates an outer boundary for the text object.

Related info:

  Text Special F/X: Border dialog box

  Using Text Special F/X

  Text Special F/X Plug-in


Photo Express Plug-ins: Special F/X
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Special F/X

Ulead Photo Express Special Effect Plug-in provides you with an array of tools to spice up your images. Once installed, you will have access to numerous special effects that can make your ordinary images into extraordinary ones. Special effects such as ripple, turnpage and firefly are just a few of the effects that you can apply to your images. There are also modification and artistic tools that are available at your disposal. To learn more about what each of the special effect plug-ins does, just click on an item below.

 Artist	 Particle

 Warp	 Sharpness

 Lenses	 Special

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects


Preset dialog box

The specific type of operations and options presented in this panel will vary greatly from feature to feature, but they all share a similar structure. There is an Advanced mode button in the Preset mode panel for you to click. This mode has additional controls to refine and modify effects.

Preset effects Universal to Preset mode. These thumbnails display quick examples of how the feature will modify the active image. Simply drag and drop a sample thumbnail onto your image. Alternately, you can double-click a sample to apply the effect instantly.

Preview size Sets a user-selected portion of an image as the effects thumbnail.

Advanced mode Allows users to customize this effect with more settings.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Customizing Effects

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Bubble dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Bubble dialog box

Advanced mode

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of your final image. It allows you to adjust a single bubble by clicking on that particular bubble on this window.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect bubble Click to deselect the currently selected bubble (This button appears when you select a specific bubble to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Amount Determines the number of bubbles in the effect.

Size Determines the size of the bubbles.

Style Click on a sample bubble style to select it and watch the Preview image for the results.

Adjust bubble color Click to select a color to use for the bubbles.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose a bubble effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Ends this procedure and closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Bubble Effect

  Adjust Bubble Color dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Bubble dialog box - Adjust Bubble
Particle: Bubble dialog box

Adjust Bubble Color

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect bubble Click to deselect the currently selected bubble (This button appears when you select a specific bubble to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Preset color combinations Select this option to quickly select a coordinated set of colors for the bubbles.

Customize color Select this option to adjust the colors of the bubble manually using the following controls:

Border Click to select the color of the edge of the bubbles.

Body Click to select the color of the main part of the bubbles.

Ambience Click to select the color of the light used to illuminate the bubbles.

OK Ends this procedure and returns to the main bubble dialog box.

Related info:

  Bubble Effect

  Bubble dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Firefly dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Firefly dialog box

Advanced mode

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of your final image. It allows you to adjust a single firefly by clicking on that particular firefly on this window.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect Firefly Click to deselect the currently selected firefly (This button appears when you click on a specific firefly to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Amount Determines the number of fireflies in the effect.

Size Determines the size of the fireflies.

Style Click on a sample firefly style to select it and watch the Preview image for the results.

Adjust firefly color Click to select a color to use for the fireflies.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Firefly Effect

  Preset dialog box

  Adjust Firefly Color dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Firefly dialog box - Color
Particle: Firefly Color dialog box

Adjust Firefly Color

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect Firefly Click to deselect the currently selected firefly (This button appears when you click on a specific firefly to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Preset color combinations Select this option to quickly select a coordinated set of colors for the fireflies.

Customize color Select this option to adjust the colors of the firefly manually using the following controls:

Body Click to select the color of the main part of the fireflies.

Glow Click to select the color of the diffused light surrounding the fireflies.

OK Ends this procedure and returns to the main firefly dialog box.

Related info:

  Firefly Effect

  Firefly dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Star dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Star dialog box

Advanced mode

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of your final image. It allows you to adjust a single star by clicking on that particular star on this window.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect star Click to deselect the currently selected star (This button appears when you click on a specific star to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Amount Determines the number of stars in the effect.

Size Determines the size of the stars.

Style Click on a sample star style to select it and watch the Preview image for the results.

Adjust star color Click to select a color to use for the stars.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Star Effect

  Adjust Star Color dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Star Color dialog box
Particle: Star dialog box

Adjust Star Color

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Hint Place the cursor over the Hint icon to view useful information regarding the current dialog box.

Deselect star Click to deselect the currently selected star (This button appears when you click on a specific star to adjust.) All adjustments made after clicking this button will now be applied to all of the particles.

Preset color combinations Select this option to quickly select a coordinated set of colors for the stars.

Customize color Select this option to adjust the colors of the star manually using the following controls:

Body Click to select the color of the main part of the stars.

Halo Click to select the color of the ring surrounding the stars.

Light rays Click to select the color of the diffraction spikes emanating from the stars.

OK Ends this procedure and returns to the main star dialog box.

Related info:

  Star Effect

  Star dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Pinch and Punch dialog boxes - Advanced mode
Warp: Pinch and Punch dialog boxes

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Power Determines the strength of the effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Punch Effect

  Pinch Effect

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Swirl dialog box - Advanced mode
Warp: Swirl dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Direction Determines the direction of the whirl. You can select either counterclockwise or clockwise.

Twist level Determines the strength or tightness of the whirl.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Swirl

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Ripple dialog box - Advanced mode
Warp: Ripple dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Direction Determines the origin location of the ripple effect. You can either select center or edge.

Frequency Determines the number of ripples. You can select from low, medium or high.

Amplitude Adjusts the height of the ripple or wave that was created. The higher the value the taller the height of the wave is..

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Ripple Effect

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Spotlight dialog box - Advanced mode
Lenses: Spotlight dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Light location (on the preview image) Controls the location and direction of the light on the image. The red ball represents the light source while the green ball represents the direction of the light.

Light control Determines the elevation (0 to 90 degrees) of the light source, the distance from the object, and the area covered by the light. The red ball represents the light source location and the green balls represent the diameter of the spotlight effect.

Exposure Determines the strength of the light source.

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

Ambience Determines the strength of the ambient light. This affects the brightness outside the spotlight effect.

Brightness Determines the strength of the spotlight.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Spotlight Effect

  Using Effects

  Using Spotlight Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Warm and Cool dialog boxes - Advanced mode
Lenses: Warm and Cool dialog boxes

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Tint Color Determines the color of the filter.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Warm Effect

  Cool Effect

  Using Lenses Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Tone dialog box - Advanced mode
Lenses: Tone dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Hue Determines the hue or color of the filter.

Saturation Determines the strength of the filter.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Tone Effect

  Using Lenses Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Thin and Fat dialog boxes - Advanced mode
Lenses: Thin and Fat dialog boxes

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Level Determines the strength of the effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Thin Effect

  Fat Effect

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Motion blur dialog box - Advanced mode
Lenses: Motion Blur dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Angle Determines the direction of motion.

Motion offset Determines the strength of the motion.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Motion Blur Effect

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Mosaic dialog box - Advanced mode
Lenses: Mosaic dialog box

Advanced mode

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Width Determines the width of each square. The lesser the width, the more squares can fit

Height Determines the height of the each square. The lesser the height, the more squares can fit.

Equal width and height Locks the X and Y axis values together so that both width and height are equal.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Mosaic Effect

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Puzzle dialog box - Advanced mode
Special: Puzzle dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Square size Sets the size of the puzzle pieces.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Puzzle Effect

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Wind dialog box - Advanced mode
Special: Wind dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Motion offset Sets the strength of the wind.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Wind Effect

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Tile dialog box - Advanced mode
Special: Tile dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Square size Sets the size of the tiles.

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

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Tile Effect

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Emboss dialog box - Advanced mode
Special: Emboss dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Spotlight direction Sets the location of the light source.

Coating Color Determines the general color of the processed image.

Depth Determines the depth or strength of the embossing effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Emboss Effect

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Turnpage dialog box - Advanced mode
Special: Turnpage dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Corner Sets the corner where the curl is to be applied.

Type Sets the curl shape.

Mode Sets the transparency of the corner.

Background color Sets the background color and curl shade.

Angle & Lighting Determines the location of the light source and degree of the page turn. Slide the top bulb to adjust the angle of elevation of the light above the image. Adjust the spiral control (green ball) to increase or decrease the tightness of the curl.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Turnpage Effect

  Adding a Turnpage effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Crumpled dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Crumpled dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Fineness Determines how coarse/fine the crumple appears. Left is very fine and right is coarse.

Opacity Determines how strongly the crumpled paper shows through the image. Left is more transparent and right is more opaque.

Angle Determines the angle of the tiles of the crumple effect. This may help to make the effect appear more random.

Seamless tiling Select to possibly smooth the effect out. Try applying with and without this button selected to see the difference.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Crumpled Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Pencil dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Pencil dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Transparency Determines how strongly the pencil strokes obscure the image.

Angle Determines the angle of the pencil lines or strokes.

Variation Determines the difference between individual strokes or lines in the effect.

Background color Click to select the color of the paper.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Pencil Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Rain dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Rain dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Density Determines the quantity of rain in the effect.

Length Determines the length of the rain “drops”.

Width Determines the width of the rain “drops”.

Color Click to select a color to use for the rain.

Transparency Determines how strongly the effect shows through the rain. Left is more opaque and right is more transparent.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Rain Effect

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Cloud dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Cloud dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Density Determines the quantity of clouds in the effect.

Size Determines the size of the clouds.

Color Click to select a color to use for the clouds.

Transparency Determines how strongly the effect shows through the clouds. Left is more opaque and right is more transparent.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Cloud Effect

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Snow dialog box - Advanced mode
Particle: Snow dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Density Determines the quantity of snowflakes in the effect.

Size Determines the size of the snowflakes.

Color Click to select a color to use for the snow.

Transparency Determines how strongly the effect shows through the snow. Left is more opaque and right is more transparent.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Snow Effect

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Fabric dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Fabric dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Fineness Determines how coarse/fine the cloth fabric appears. Left is very fine and right is coarse.

Opacity Determines how strongly the cloth fabric shows through the image.

Angle Determines the angle of the tiles of the fabric effect. This may help to make the effect appear more random.

Seamless tiling Select to possibly smooth the effect out. Try applying with and without this button selected to see the difference.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Fabric Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Charcoal dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Charcoal dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Balance Adjusts the amount of charcoal used, changing the brightness of the image.

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

Level Determines the opacity.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Charcoal Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Watercolor dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Watercolor dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Moisture level Determines the strength of the paint streaks.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Watercolor Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Oil Paint dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Oil Paint dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

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

Level Determines the opacity of the effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Oil Paint Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Tint dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Tint dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image This is a quick thumbnail preview of your final image.

Color Click to select a color to use for the basis of the monotone image.

Level Determines how strongly or brightly the monotone color washes out the image. Left is more muted and right is more washed out.

Preset mode Returns you to the Preset dialog box to quickly choose an effect.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Tint Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Sharpness dialog box

Average, Blur, Sharpen and Emphasize Edges

Thumbnail previews Samples of the effect applied to thumbnails.

Preview size Selects an area of the thumbnail to be displayed in the preview.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Artist

Offers several effects that can make an image appear like a painting or make the image appear like it was drawn on different types of surface textures.

Tint	Fabric

Crumpled	Pencil

Charcoal	Watercolor

Oil Paint	Colored Pencil

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Tint

Applies a tint of a selected monotone color over the image to make it appear aged.

Related info:

  Tint dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Artist - Fabric
Artist: Fabric

Makes it appear as if your images are painted on a piece of cloth or other textured surfaces. The effect is similar to having moire patterns on your image.

Related info:

  Fabric dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Crumpled

Makes it appear as if your images are printed on a crumpled piece of paper.

Related info:

  Crumpled dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Pencil

Makes the image appear like it was sketched using a pencil or charcoal.

Related info:

  Pencil dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Particle

Offers several natural special effects that can be added to an image.

Bubble

Firefly

Star

Rain

Snow

Cloud

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Star

Adds shining and colorful star(s) to an image.

Related info:

  Star dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Bubble

Adds colorful and reflective bubbles to an image.

Related info:

  Bubble dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Firefly

Adds colorful and glowing fireflies to an image.

Related info:

  Firefly dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Rain

Adds a drizzling or heavy downpour effect on the image.

Related info:

  Rain dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Snow

Adds different shaped snowflakes to an image.

Related info:

  Snow dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Particle: Cloud

Adds foggy translucent clouds to an image.

Related info:

  Cloud dialog box

  Using Effects

  Working with Particle Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Warp

Offers several filters that can change the normal appearance of an image by distorting or bending portions of it.

Pinch

Punch

Ripple

Swirl

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Pinch

Creates an impression that the whole image is being sucked into the center of the image.

Related info:

  Pinch and Punch dialog box

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Punch

Creates an impression that the center of the image is placed over a sphere.

Related info:

  Pinch and Punch dialog box

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Ripple

Creates a single source rippled effect. Select to create ripples emanating from the center or edges of the image.

Related info:

  Ripple dialog box

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Warp: Swirl

Creates an effect that the image is swirled clockwise or counter clockwise in a spiral pattern.

Related info:

  Swirl dialog box

  Warping

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Charcoal

Makes it appear that the image was drawn using charcoal with the colors remaining intact.

Related info:

  Charcoal dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Watercolor

Makes it appear that the image was painted using watercolor. Adjust the moisture level of the paint to determine the amount of water to apply in each brush stroke.

Related info:

  Watercolor dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Oil Paint

Makes it appear that the image was an oil painting and therefore creating an impression that the colors of the image are richer.

Related info:

  Oil Paint dialog box

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Warm

Adds a tint of the color red or yellow over the image to create a warm look.

Related info:

  Warm and Cool dialog box

  Using Lenses Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Cool

Adds a tint of the color blue or cyan over the image to create a cool look.

Related info:

  Warm and Cool dialog box

  Using Lenses Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Tone

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

Related info:

  Tone dialog box

  Using Lenses Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Spotlight

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

Related info:

  Spotlight dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using the Spotlight Effect

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Sharpness

Offers several filters that can make an image more sharp or blurry. There is also a filter here that can be used to emphasize edges as well.

Average

Blur

Sharpen

Emphasize Edges

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Sharpness: Average

Softens the image by comparing all pixels in the selected area and changing their values to make them more similar.

Related info:

  Sharpness dialog box

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Sharpness: Blur

Blurs the image and smears colors together creating an impression that the image is out of focus.

Related info:

  Sharpness dialog box

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Sharpness - Sharpen
Sharpness: Sharpen

Increases the sharpness and contrast values across an image creating an impression that the image is more crisp.

Related info:

  Sharpness dialog box

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Sharpness: Emphasize Edges

Increases the contrast between adjacent pixels in the image. This makes edges or borders appear more distinct.

Related info:

  Sharpness dialog box

  Using Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Lenses

Offers several filters that simulate effects that are created using different camera lenses and filters that alter the focus in an image.

Thin	Fat

Motion Blur	Mosaic

Warm	Cool

Tone	Spotlight

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Thin

Pulls the left and right edges of the image towards the center, squeezing the inner area.

Related info:

  Thin and Fat dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Fat

Pulls the center of the image towards the left and right edges creating an impression that the center of the image is stretched.

Related info:

  Thin and Fat dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Motion Blur

Simulates the lateral motion of a camera or an object creating an effect which is either blurred or as if the object was in motion.

Related info:

  Motion Blur dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Lenses: Mosaic

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

Related info:

  Mosaic dialog box

  Using Effects

  Using Lenses Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Effect: Special

Offers several interesting filters that can be applied to an image.

Puzzle

Wind

Tile

Emboss

Turnpage

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Puzzle

Creates an effect that the image is broken into tiles with borders. Each tile is repositioned to make the image appear like an unsolved slide-puzzle.

Related info:

  Puzzle dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Wind

Creates an effect similar to that of a strong lateral wind blowing the image. Wind trails gradually fade away.

Related info:

  Wind dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Tile

Creates an effect that the image is broken into square tiles with background colored borders. The position of the tiles here are shifted, unlike in puzzle, creating an impression that the tiles broke apart.

Related info:

  Tile dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Emboss

Creates an effect that the image was stamped or imprinted on a solid monotone colored surface.

Related info:

  Emboss dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Special: Turnpage

Creates an effect that a particular corner of the image is curled up to make it appear like you are turning a page.

Related info:

  Turnpage dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Customizing effects

There are an incredible number of effects in Photo Express, each having a range of individual controls and adjustments. The short process below only covers the absolute basics for all effects. Details on changing an individual effect can be quickly found by selecting the effect, clicking the Advanced mode button on the Options panel (when available), and then pressing [F1] to open the Online Help.

1.	Select an effect from the Command panel by clicking Edit: Effect while in Photo mode.

2.	From the Options panel, click the Advanced mode button.

3.	All available options can be modified here.

4	Click Apply to apply the selected effect to your image. While working within the same dialog box, applying effects is not accumulative, so you can try applying different settings without using Undo afterwards. However, once the dialog box is closed the last applied settings will be applied to the image.

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects


Using effects

Effects or special effects are a broad category of image processing which is made easy with Photo Express. This is not to say that these effects are not powerful and creative. Most effects can be found while in Photo mode by clicking Edit: Effect on the Command panel. Additional effects can be found by clicking Adjust, and Text Special F/X can be found by clicking Text. In general, all effects can be applied by double-clicking the thumbnail on the Options panel. You can click the Advanced mode button on the Options panel (when available) for finer control. Click Apply to use the effect and Ctrl+Z to undo the changes (or click the Undo button).

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Preset dialog box

  Customizing Effects


Working with Particle effects

Particle Effects are effects that add "flying" particles to your image in a realistic fashion.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effect - Particle.

3.	Select a type of particle to work with: Bubble, Firefly, Rain, Snow, Star or Cloud.

4.	Click the Advanced mode button on the Options panel for fine-tuning. You can move individual particles, change their colors and generally adjust the strength of the effect.

5.	Click Apply. While working within the same dialog box, applying effects is not cumulative, so you can try applying different settings without using Undo afterwards. Once the dialog box is Closed, however, the last applied settings will remain with the image.

tip: Try different effects on your image and you will find something that appeals to you.

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Customizing Effects

  Using Effects


Particle effects can be adjusted to make subtle enhancements or wild special effects.

These images show how amazing these effects can be.


Working with Artist effects

Changing your image from a simple photograph into a natural media painting is easy.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Effect - Artist and select a variation: Tint, Fabric, Crumpled, Pencil, Charcoal, Watercolor Oil Paint or Colored Pencil .

3.	Double-click a preset variation from the Preset mode for quick access to an effect.

4.	Click Advanced mode button on the Options panel for fine control of the brush strokes and strength of the effect.. Watch the preview to see your changes in real time.

5.	Click Apply. While working within the same dialog box, applying effects is not accumulative, so you can try applying different settings without using Undo afterwards. Once the dialog box is Closed, however, the last applied settings will remain with the image.

 Tint, Fabric, Crumpled and Pencil effects

 Charcoal, Watercolor and Oil Paint effects

Related info:

  Using Effects

  Preset dialog box


Take a tour in the Photo Express Art gallery:


The Artist effects can be used to make masterful works of art. The first

image is Oil Paint, the second is Watercolor and the last is Charcoal.


Warping

Change the normal appearance of an image by distorting or bending portions of it and therefore creating a resulting image that can be funny or even bizarre.

1.	Open an image in Photo mode.

2.	Click Edit: Effect - Warp.

3.	Select a type of warp style to work with: Pinch, Punch, Ripple or Swirl.

4.	Click a preset variation, or click the Advanced mode button for finer control.

5.	In Advanced mode, use the dialog box of the selected warp effect to adjust the settings to desired effect.

6.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the result.

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Warp Effects

  Preset dialog box

  Customizing Effects

  Using Effects


Faces are universally important in conveying emotion and thoughts for human beings. That may explain why using the Warping tool on an image of a face can be most startling and strange. Check out this before and after sequence.


Using Lenses effect

Change the mood of the image by using the lenses effect. It offers several filters created by using different camera lenses and by using color tints.

1.	Open an image in Photo mode.

2.	Click Edit: Effect - Lenses

3.	Select a type of lens to work with: Thin, Fat, Motion Blur, Mosaic, Warm, Cool, Tone or Spotlight.

4.	Click a preset variation, or click the Advanced mode button for finer control.

5.	In Advanced mode, use the dialog box of the selected lenses effect to adjust the settings to the desired effect.

6.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results. While working within the same dialog box, applying effects is not accumulative, so you can try applying different settings without using Undo afterwards. Once the dialog box is Closed, however, the last applied settings will remain with the image.

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Lenses Effects

  Preset dialog box

  Using Effects


The first image is a bit drab and gray. The second image has been subtly

adjusted and looks much better. In the final image, the color has been changed

in an interesting and artistic way.


Using the Spotlight effect

The lighting tool in Photo Express can be used to emphasize or highlight portions of an image.

1.	Open an image in Photo mode.

2.	Click Edit: Effect: Lenses - Spotlight.

3.	Click on the Advanced mode button on the Options panel.

4.	The preview image has lighting controls on it (the green and red balls joined by a line). The red ball is the position of the light source and the green ball controls the direction of the light. Click and drag these handles to alter the lighting effect.

5.	The controls in the middle are for adjusting the height of the light source and the size of the spotlight. The two green handles set the radius of the spotlight while the red handle controls the elevation of the light source above the page as well as the position of the light source.

6.	Use the Exposure, Ambience and Brightness controls to adjust the color and intensity of the light.

7.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

The Advanced mode button.

Related info:

  Spotlight Effect

  Spotlight Advanced mode dialog box

  Using Effects


The Lighting tool dramatically brings out the subject in this image.


Adding a Turnpage effect

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

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Special - Turnpage.

3.	Click a Turnpage thumbnail from the Options panel.

4.	Click the Advanced mode for more control over the effect.

5.	Click Apply.

Related info:

  Turnpage dialog box


Artist: Colored Pencil

Makes it appear as if your images are drawn using colored pencils.

Related info:

Related info:

  Colored Pencil dialog box

  Using Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Artist: Colored Pencil dialog box - Advanced mode
Artist: Colored Pencil dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview image Displays a thumbnail preview of the current effect settings applied to your image.

Level Determines the opacity of the effect.

Preset mode Switches back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the effect to the image in the workspace.

Close Closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Colored Pencil Effect

  Using Artist Effects

  Customizing Effects

  Special F/X Plug-in


Paintbrush and Airbrush dialog boxes (Brush)
`Paint: Brush dialog boxes

There are five painting tools available for you to choose from. Select one to start painting.

Click HERE  to see a brief description of the available painting tools.

Shape Select a shape for the brush head.

Options Select a painting method.

Freehand Allows you to paint freely on the image.

Straight Lines Paint a single straight line. Press Shift to constrain the angles to 45 degree increments.

Connected Lines Paints in a series of connected lines.

Eraser Toggles between the eraser and paint mode.

Size Adjust the height and width of the brush head. Close the lock by clicking it to maintain equal height and width for the brush head.

Color Displays the current color of the brush. Click the color box to change the color.

Soft edge Adjust the soft edge of the brush stroke. Select one of the preset soft edge values. In the available presets, going from left to right increases the soft edge making the edges of the brush stroke blend more with the image.

Transparency Adjust the level of transparency of the brush stroke. Select one of the preset transparency values. The orange ball represents the transparency setting of the brush stroke.

Reset attributes Restores the default settings of the tool.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Paint: Clone - Source tab dialog box
Paint: Clone dialog box

Source tab

Source photo view This is the image that you will clone from. Click on the area that you want to clone.

Zoom tools Control the magnification level of the source image.

 Zoom In Click to enlarge the magnification of the source image.

 Zoom out Click to reduce the magnification of the source image.

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

 Fit in Preview Window Click to resize the source image to fit in the Source photo view window.

Select source photo Choose a photo from the thumbnail strip for the source image. All the images that are opened in Photo Express are available here. These are the same photos that are also in the thumbnail strip below the workspace.

Adjust brush attributes Allows you to customize various settings for the brush head and also select a cloning mode.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Clone - Brush attributes dialog box

  Using the Clone tool

  Selecting a brush


Paint: Clone - Brush attributes dialog box
Paint: Clone dialog box

Brush attributes

Shape Select a shape for the brush head.

Options Select a painting method.

Freehand Allows you to clone freely on the image.

Straight Lines Clone using a single straight line. Press Shift to constrain the angles to 45 degree increments.

Connected Lines Clones in a series of connected lines.

Mode Select the cloning alignment.

 Relative Data from the source image will be cloned to the target image relative to where the first mouse click is on the target image.

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

 Frame The top left position of the target image is the reference point where the data from the source image will appear. The top left data of the source image will be cloned into the top left position of target image. This option cannot be used when the source image is the same as the target image.

Size Adjust the height and width of the brush head. Close the lock by clicking it to maintain equal height and width for the brush head.

Soft edge Adjust the soft edge of the brush stroke. Select one of the preset soft edge values. In the available presets, going from left to right increases the soft edge making the edges of the brush stroke blend more with the image.

Transparency Adjust the level of transparency of the brush stroke. Select one of the preset transparency values. The orange ball represents the transparency setting of the brush stroke.

Reset attributes Restores the default settings of the tool.

OK Applies the new settings above and goes back to the Clone Source mode.

Cancel Click to disregard the new settings that were made and return to the Source dialog box using the previous settings used before any adjustments were made.

Related info:

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Using the Clone tool

  Selecting a brush


Brush and Clone tools

There is a collection of powerful, expressive, and easy-to-use painting and cloning tools in the options panel. The best way to learn about a tool is to try it out (and click undo if you don’t like the results).

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Paintbrush tool

This is a standard graphics program painting or cloning tool. The stroke that is created depends on the setting values and can be soft or hard. The paintbrush head can be changed to different presets allowing more painting or cloning style options.

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Airbrush Tool

Tool with a lighter feel and a softer edge than the paintbrush. This tool sprays out paint that produces a very smooth textured stroke. The spray concentration is more towards the center and therefore creates edges that are more diffused.

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Crayon Tool

Rough edges and an irregular look simulate a crayon when painting or cloning. The stroke created appears grainy with some parts clustered together giving an impression that it is more saturated.

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Oil Paint Tool

Thick and opaque, the surface texture of the stroke appears like paint marks are clumped together producing an effect similar to that seen on oil canvas paintings..

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Bristle Tool

The bristle tool really shows the individual, coarse hairs or bristles in a brush stoke. It produces rough "cat-like" scratch strokes

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Painting Tools

Below are the available painting and cloning tools. Click one to get a brief description of that particular tool.

Paintbrush

Airbrush

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush

  Using the Clone tool


Selecting a brush

Photo Express offers the aspiring artist a wide range of brushes to make producing electronic art a truly creative process. The many choices and options may be a bit bewildering to the beginner. The best way to find the right tool for your project is to try it out yourself, remembering Ctrl+Z to undo changes you don’t like. Check out the brush example below for more information:

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Paint - Brush (or Clone).

3.	Select a type of brush to use.

4.	Specific attributes of the brush can be modified with the Options panel on the right. If you have a pen tablet, you can set up its behavior using the Pen pressure drop down list.

5.	To paint, simply click and drag on your image.

6.	If you make an error and want to remove paint, select the Eraser on the Options panel. Click and drag on the image to remove paint. Alternatively, press [Ctrl+Z] to undo the last paint strokes.

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Using the Clone tool


Here are some examples of the default brushes. Changing the size, transparency and soft edge attributes of the tool can make fine control over the brushes possible.


Using the Clone tool

The Clone tool can be used to quickly copy a section of an image and seamlessly paste it into another part of the image. It can be used to repair damaged images or even ‘clone out’ part of a photo, like a person who walked into the camera shot unexpectedly. Or clone the face of your favorite person onto a cherished photo.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Click Edit: Paint - Clone.

3.	Select a type of brush to use. Specific attributes of the brush can be modified with the Options panel on the right.

4.	Move the cursor to the source image on the Options panel. Click on the area you wish to clone. A cross-hair appears and is locked on your source image. This is the area you are going to clone from.

5.	Now click and drag over the area you want to change in the image on the workspace.

6.	The cloned area will gradually appear in the area you want to replace.

Tip: Use short strokes and release the mouse button often. This will allow you to undo mistakes easily, without losing your progress. Click the Undo button, or press [Ctrl+Z] to undo up to ten changes, one at a time.

Related info:

  Brush dialog boxes

  Clone - Source tab dialog box

  Selecting a brush


In the original photo, a person walked into the camera range unexpectedly. The retouched photo clones a bit of the background to seamlessly remove him from the image.


Photo Express Plug-ins: Special F/X
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Animation

Ulead Photo Express Animation Plug-in provides you with animation effects to spice up your images. Once installed, you will have access to tools that can make your images simulate effects similar to that of a Rubik's Cube or a kaleidoscope! Applying these animation effects is easy and you can customize most of the animation effects. To know what the Animation Plug-in can offer, just click on an item below.

  Kaleidoscope

  Fireworks

  Magic Cube

Related info:

  Using Animation Effects


Preset dialog box

This dialog box is common to many of the tools available in Photo Express. The specific type of operations and options presented in this panel are different for each of the available effects but they all share a similar structure. Below are the possible options available in the Preset dialog box for the different effects.

Preset effects Universal to Preset mode. These thumbnails display quick examples of how the feature will modify the active image. Simply click a sample and then click the Apply button. Also, you can double-click a sample to apply the transformation instantly. In Animation effects, click a sample to see a preview of the effect on the image. You cannot apply the effect without saving it to an animation file.

Advanced mode Allows users to customize the settings with additional controls to refine and modify the effect. The Firefly Animation Plug-in does not support this feature.

Next Goes to the Animation Output dialog box.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note:

  Click this button on the shortcut bar if you want to view the animation effect in the workspace.

Related info:

  Kaleidoscope Advanced dialog box

  Magic Cube Advanced dialog box

  Animation Output dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Kaleidoscope dialog box (Advanced Mode)
Kaleidoscope dialog box

Advanced mode:

Type Displays the available kaleidoscope tiling patterns that can be applied to the image. Click a pattern to select.

Adjust pattern Allows you to customize the selected pattern. There are nodes here where you can drag to adjust the size and shape of the tile pattern. You can also move the position of the pattern to where you want it in the image. Adjusting the tile pattern and size drastically changes the kaleidoscope effect.

Preview Displays how the kaleidoscope animation effect will look like when applied to the image.

Preview in the workspace Click to display in the workspace a preview of how the tiling pattern effect will look like when applied to the image. The preview here is only a single frame effect and not an animation. Click the Play animation preview button in the shortcut bar if you want to view the animation effect in the workspace.

Back Arrow Goes back to the preset mode.

Next Goes to the Animation Output dialog box.

Close Exits the kaleidoscope animation effect dialog box without applying the effect.

Related info:

  Kaleidoscope

  Animation Output dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Animation Output dialog box

GIF animation file Saves the animation effect as a single GIF file. There is an additional option here where you can specify the number of frames you want for the animation sequence.

Output to a Web page Allows you to use the image to make a web page. You will automatically go to Web page dialog box where you can start creating your web page. You must have the Web Studio Plug-in installed to use this command.

Back Arrow Goes back to the preset mode.

Close Exits the animation output dialog box without saving.

Related info:

  Animation Save As dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Animation Save As dialog box

For GIF Animation file

Save in Select where you want the GIF or BMP files to be saved in.

File name Enter the name you want for the GIF or BMP files. If you are saving as frames then all the created files will have the same file name but different file name sequential numbers (e.g. IMG00001.BMP, IMG00002.BMP etc)

Save as type There is only one type of file format available for each of the save modes. In GIF animation file mode, the only available file format is GIF. In Image file mode, the only available file format is BMP.

Output Option Determines the properties of the GIF animation file and allows you to preview the GIF Animation file.

Frames Determines the number of frames of the animation sequence. If Image file is selected, the value here will also correspond to the number of files created. If you want better quality animations then you need to specify a bigger number of frames. However, this will cause the file size to be much bigger.

Dimension Select from the drop down menu the image dimensions you want the animated GIF file to be saved in. There are only four dimensions available for you to choose from. If the image's height and width are not equal it will not save as the selected dimension but instead will keep aspect ratio (e.g. 1600X1200 will save as 80X60 if 80X80 is selected).

Preview Click to call up Internet Explorer to view your animation file before you decide to output it as GIF file.

Related info:

  Animation Output dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Magic Cube dialog box (Advanced mode)
Magic Cube dialog box

Advanced mode:

Border Determines the thickness of the borderlines on the Magic Cube. Dragging the slider control to the right makes the borderlines thicker.

Apply color tint Adds a tint of the color red, green, yellow, blue or purple to the images in the Magic Cube. The color of the tint added to the three different images depends on their position on the Magic Cube.

Border color Displays the current color of the border of the Magic Cube. Click to change the color.

Transparent Background color Select to remove the background color. Your cube will be displayed with the transparent background.

Background color Displays the current color of the background of the Magic Cube. Click to change the color.

Back Arrow Goes back to the preset mode.

Next Goes to the Animation Output dialog box.

Close Exits the Magic Cube animation effect dialog box without applying the effect.

Related info:

  Magic Cube

  Animation Output dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Fireworks

Adds an animated fireworks display effect on the image.

Related info:

  Animation Preset dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Kaleidoscope

Transforms the image into a kaleidoscope image and creates an animation effect similar to that of rotating a kaleidoscope.

Related info:

  Kaleidoscope Advanced dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Magic Cube

Transforms the image into a Rubik's Cube and creates an animation effect similar to that of solving a Rubik's Cube.

Related info:

  Magic Cube Advanced dialog box

  Using Animation Effects

  Animation Plug-in


Play Animation Preview

 Click this on the shortcut bar to display your animation file that you created in the workspace. Provides the best view for your animation effect.

Related info:

  Using Animation Effects


Stop Animation Preview

 Click this on the shortcut bar to stop the play of your animation file in the workspace.

Related info:

  Using Animation Effects


Using Animation Effects

1.	Select an image then go to Web then select the desired animation effect.

2.	Select a preset animation effect from the preset effect window. Click the Play animation preview button in the shortcut bar if you want to view the animation effect in the workspace.

3.	If you want to customize the effect, click Advanced mode then adjust the options to the desired settings. This is only available for Kaleidoscope and Magic Cube.

4.	Click Next to save your animation.

5.	Select how to save the animation and adjust the dimensions of the file. If GIF animation file or Image file is selected, click Close after saving.

Related info:

  Animation Preset dialog box

  Animation Plug-in


Photo Express Plug-ins: Decorations
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Decorations

Ulead Photo Express Decorations Plug-in provides you with enhancement effects to spice up your images. Once installed, you will have access to numerous add-ons that will make your images stand out! Effects such as frames, props and shadow are only a few of the available decorations that you can utilize for your images. Applying these Decorations effects is easy and you can fine-tune most of the effects. To learn more about what these decoration effects can offer, click an item below.

 Edges	 Frame

 Fill	 Props

 Signature	 Shadow

 Background (Project mode only)


Decorate: Props dialog box

Category Displays the subject groups of props that are available. Click to select another category from the list.

Prop thumbnails Displays thumbnails of available props inside the selected category. Double click or drag and drop a thumbnail to apply to the image.

Apply Pastes the selected prop into your image or project. It is pasted as an object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Props

  Adding Props

  Decorations Plug-in


Color Fill dialog box
Fill: Color Fill dialog box

Single color Fills the selected area with a solid color. Click the color preview to select another color.

Gradient Fills the selected area with a gradient, blending two colors together. Click the gradient preview to select new gradient colors or a new gradient style.

Texture Fills the selected area with a texture pattern. Click the texture preview to select a new texture.

Transparency Select the level of transparency for the fill. The sphere represents the transparent level of the fill.

Apply Applies the fill to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Color Fill

  Using Gradient Fills

  Decorations Plug-in


Fill: Nature Fill dialog box

Preview image Displays a preview of how the final image will appear.

Pattern Displays the available image patterns as thumbnails. Select a thumbnail to apply a particular image pattern.

Variation Adjust the slider to select a particular style of fill for the selected pattern.

Transparency Adjust the transparency level of the image pattern in relation to its background. Left is more opaque and right is more transparent.

Pattern color Click to select the general color of the pattern.

Background color Click to select the color of the background paper.

Apply Applies the effect to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Nature Fill

  Using Nature and Pattern fills

  Decorations Plug-in


Fill: Pattern dialog box
Fill: Pattern Fill dialog box

Preview image Displays a preview of how the final image will appear with the selected fill pattern applied.

Pattern Displays the available image patterns as thumbnails. Select a thumbnail to apply a particular image pattern.

Variation Adjust the slider to select a particular style of fill for the selected pattern.

Transparency Adjust the transparency level of the image pattern in relation to its background. Left is more opaque and right is more transparent.

Pattern color Displays the current color of the pattern. Click to select the color of the pattern.

Background color Click to select the color of the background paper.

Apply Applies the effect to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Pattern Fill

  Using Nature and Pattern fills

  Decorations Plug-in


Frame dialog box
Decorate: Frame dialog box

Frame type Displays the available frames in thumbnails. Double click the thumbnail to apply the frame to the object.

Apply Applies the selected frame to the current object.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note

You cannot apply a frame to the base image.

Related info:

  Frame

  Adding Frames

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: 2D/Mask and Magic dialog box - Preset mode
Edges: 2D/Mask and Magic dialog box

Preset mode

Preset effects Displays the available preset edge effects for the selected Edge type in thumbnails. Double click the thumbnail to apply the edge to the image or object.

Keep original shape Select this box to conform the edge to the shape of your image or selection. If you have created an object using a selection tool and you wish to conform the edge effect to it, select this box. If deselected, the square-shape edge will replace the previous selection area.

Advanced mode Goes to the Advance mode dialog box where you can customize this effect with more settings.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  2D/Mask

  Magic

  2D/Mask and Magic Advanced mode dialog box

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: 2D/Mask and Magic dialog boxes - Advanced mode
Edges: 2D/Mask and Magic dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the final image will appear with the selected edge effect applied.

Edge color Select to be able to set the color of the edge of the image and frame. If deselected, the edges are transparent.

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

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

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

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  2D/Mask

  Magic

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: Text dialog box - Preset mode
Edges: Text dialog box

Preset Mode

Preset edges Displays the available preset text edge effects in thumbnails. Double click the thumbnail to apply the edge to the image or object.

Edge color Select to be able to determine the color of the text edge. If deselected, the edges are transparent.

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

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

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

Keep original shape Select this box to conform the text edge to the shape of your image or selection. If you have created an object using a selection tool and you wish to conform the text edge effect to it, select this box. If deselected, the square-shape edge will replace the previous selection area.

Advanced mode Goes to the Advance mode dialog box where you can customize this effect with more settings.

Apply Applies the selected effect to an image or area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Edges: Text

  Edges: Text Advanced mode dialog box

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: Text dialog box - Advanced mode
Edges: Text dialog box

Advanced mode:

Preview Displays a preview of how the final image will appear with the selected edge effect applied.

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

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

Text Font Displays the currently selected font style. Click to change the font to one of the available fonts in your computer.

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

Preset mode Click to switch back to Preset mode.

Apply Applies the selected effect to the image or selection area.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Edges: Text

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Tile dialog box

Texture type Displays the thumbnails of the available tile backgrounds. Double click to apply the effect to the background of the template.

Texture size Select from the drop down menu the size of individual tiles in the background.

Apply Replaces the background image of the template with the selected tile background.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Background: Tile

  Background: Center dialog box

  Background: Color dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Center dialog box

Texture type Displays the thumbnails of the available center backgrounds. Double click to apply the effect to the background of the template.

Apply Replaces the background image of the template with the selected center background.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Background: Center

  Background: Tile dialog box

  Background: Color dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Color dialog box

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

Apply Replaces the background image of the template with the selected solid background.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Background: Color

  Background: Center dialog box

  Background: Tile dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Shadow dialog box

Add/Remove Shadow Click to apply or remove the shadow of the selected object.

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

Transparency Select the level of transparency for the shadow. The sphere represents the transparent level of the shadow.

Soft edge Applies a soft edge to the shadow. The different spheres represent different values of soft edge for the shadow.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Note:

1. You cannot apply a shadow to the base image.

2. If you want to apply a shadow to a text object, go to Edit: Text - Shadow.

Related info:

  Decorate: Shadow

  Adding Shadows to Image Objects

  Decorations Plug-in


Texture Library dialog box

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

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

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Edges

Creates many different types of borders around an image object.

 2D/Mask

 Magic

 Text

Related info:

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: 2D/Mask

Creates a cut or ripped border around an image object.

Related info:

  2D/Mask and Magic Preset dialog box

  2D/Mask and Magic Advanced mode dialog box

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: Magic

Creates a colorful and fanciful border of various textures around an image object.

Related info:

  2D/Mask and Magic Preset dialog box

  2D/Mask and Magic Advanced mode dialog box

  Other Edges Effects

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Edges: Text

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

Related info:

  Edges: Text Preset dialog box

  Edges: Text Advanced mode dialog box

  Using Edges Effects

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Frame

Puts a frame around an image object.

Related info:

  Frame dialog box

  Adding Frames

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Fill

Fills an image or selection area with a Color fill, a Nature fill or a Pattern fill.

Pattern Fill

Nature Fill

Color Fill

Related info:

  Using Nature and Pattern Fills

  Using Gradient Fills

  Decorations Plug-in


Fill: Color Fill

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

Related info:

  Color Fill dialog box

  Decorations Plug-in


Fill: Nature Fill

Fills an image or selection area with various natural patterns including flowers, leaves and seashells.

Related info:

  Nature Fill dialog box

  Using Nature and Pattern Fill

  Decorations Plug-in


Fill: Pattern Fill

Fills an image or selection area with different types of patterns.

Related info:

  Pattern Fill dialog box

  Using Nature and Pattern Fills

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Background

Adds a background or texture to a project.

Related info:

  Background: Center dialog box

  Background: Color dialog box

  Background: Tile dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Props

Places a clip art object into an image or project.

Related info:

  Adding Props

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Shadow

Adds a drop shadow to an image object.

Note: To add a shadow to a text object, select Edit: Text - Shadow.

Related info:

  Decorate: Shadow dialog box

  Adding Shadows to Image Objects

  Decorations Plug-in


Adding Props

1.	Open an image or template in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Decorate - Props from the Command panel.

3.	Select a prop by clicking on it. Props are arranged by categories that can be selected from the drop down list.

4.	Click Apply, double click the thumbnail or drag and drop to apply the prop to the image.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Using Gradient fills

Control the extent of a fill by creating selection areas.

1.	Open an image.

2.	Select Edit: Selection and make a selection to limit the gradient fill to a specific area.

3.	Select Edit: Decorate - Fill then select Color Fill.

4.	In the Options panel select Gradient then click on the Gradient fill box.

5.	Define the gradient direction, and colors of the fill.

6.	Adjust the Color Shift to specify the brightness of your color fill.

7.	Click OK if you are satisfied with what you see in the preview window. If you want, you may save the custom gradient fill in the fill presets list.

8.	Click Apply

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


By carefully making an exact selection area around the subject, the gradient fill used in the

background looks interesting, blends nicely, and emphasizes the subject.


Adding frames to image objects

1.	From Browse mode, open an image to the workspace.

Or - From the Project mode, click Get and open a project.

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

3.	Select Decorate and select Frame.

4.	From the Frame type thumbnails, select a frame you like by clicking on it.

5.	Click Apply to add the frame.

6.	If you want to adjust the position of the frame on a template, simply move your cursor on the image and  drag the handle bar around.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Using Backgrounds

For Templates only

1.	Open a template in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Decorate - Background from the Command panel. From the submenu, select a background type.

3.	Select a preset background from the available presets. If Background Tile is selected, you can adjust the size of each tile in Texture size.

4.	Double click on a preset thumbnail or click Apply.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Textures can be some of the most interesting background and when effectively

used can dramatically enhance an image’s composition.


Using Nature and Pattern Fills

Nature and Pattern fills are interesting ways to fill a selection area.

1.	Open an image and select the area you want to fill.

2.	Click Edit: Decorate - Fill.

3.	Select Nature Fill or Pattern Fill from the Fill submenu.

4.	Select a pattern from the thumbnails and modify it with the Options panel.

5.	Click Apply.

Note: Use the Transparency slider to control the subtlety of the effect and make the pattern blend more naturally with your image.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Using Edges Effects

For Templates:

1.	Open a template in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Decorate - Edges from the Command panel. From the submenu, select an edge style

3.	Click on an image on a template.  Select an edge style from the Presets mode, and then click the Advanced mode to adjust other attributes such as color.

4.	For more advanced effects, you can select a gradient or texture to decorate the edges. If you are working on a text frame, enter the text you want repeated around the edges and modify the font properties.

5.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

For Images:

1.	Open an image in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Decorate - Edges from the Command panel. From the submenu, select an edge style.

3.	Select an edge style from the Presets mode, and then click the Advanced mode to adjust other attributes such as color.

4.	For more advanced effects, you can select a gradient or texture to decorate the edges. If you are working on a text frame, enter the text you want repeated around the edges and modify the font properties.

5.	Click Apply when you are satisfied with the results.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in

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Even the simplest Edges effect is a good way of making an image on a Web page (or in any document) really stand out.


Adding shadows to image objects
Adding shadows to image objects.

For Templates

1.	Open a template in the workspace.

2.	Select an image object in the template.

3.	Select Edit: Decorate - Shadow from the Command panel.

4.	Click the Add Shadow button to apply a shadow to the selected image object.

5.	Adjust the position of the shadow by dragging the shadow handle.

6.	Set the color, opacity and soft edge of the shadow.

7.	Click Close when done.

For Photos

When an image is opened in the workspace there is usually no image object. When you want to add a shadow to your photos, you have to create an image object first. To create an image object you have to make a selection. To make a selection, go to Edit: Selection. After making a selection, drag the selection from the original position to anywhere in the workspace. After this, select the image object then follow steps 3 to 7 in the Add Shadow For Templates procedure.

Tip:

You can quickly remove the shadow by selecting the image object, right click then select Remove Shadow.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Tile

Replace the background of your template with a selected tiled texture background.

Related info:

  Background: Tile dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Center

Replace the background of your template with a selected centered image.

Related info:

  Background: Center dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Background: Color

Replace the background of your template with a selected solid color.

Related info:

  Background: Color dialog box

  Using Backgrounds

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Signature

Allows you to add a preset or custom hand written signature to an image or template.

Related info:

  Signature dialog box

  Create a new signature dialog box

  Using Signature Effect

  Decorations Plug-in


Using Signature Effect

This effect is only available in Photo Mode.

1.	Open an image in the workspace.

2.	Select Edit: Decorate - Signature from the Command panel.

3.	Select a preset signature from the preset window or create your customized signature. Click Add new signature to create your own.

4.	When creating your customized signature, use your mouse or pen tablet to write your signature then adjust the available settings.

5.	Click Save to make the signature available in the preset window.

6.	Click Apply to apply the signature on the image then click Close.

Related info:

  Decorations Plug-in


Decorate: Signature dialog box

This dialog box allows you add a preset hand writing signature or graffiti to your image. There is also an option here where you can create your own customized hand written signature.

Category Select a signature type from the drop down menu. You can either select Hand writing or Graffiti.

Preset signatures Displays the available preset signatures in the selected category. Double click or drag and drop the thumbnail to apply the signature to the image.

Delete selected signature Removes the selected signature that you do not need from the Preset box.

Create a new signature Goes to the New Signature dialog box where you can create your own customized signature.

Apply Applies the selected signature to the image.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related Info

  Signature

  Create a new signature dialog box

  Using Signature Effect

  Decorations Plug-in


Create a new signature dialog box

This dialog box allows you to create your own customized hand written signature.

Signature window Drag the mouse or pen tablet here to create your custom signature.

Erase all Clears the Signature window of all its content.

Undo Undos the previous stroke.

Redo Re applies the previously erased stroke.

Stroke attributes Determines the properties of the signature stroke.

Smoothness. Adjusts smoothness of the hard corners of the signature.

Thickness Adjusts the thickness of the stroke.

Color Displays the color of the stroke. Click to change the color.

Save Saves the custom signature in the presets signature window of the selected category.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the Signature dialog box

Help Opens the Photo Express Help file.

Related Info

  Signature

  Signature dialog box

  Using Signature Effect

  Decorations Plug-in


Photo Express Plug-ins: Print
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Print

There are a number of useful printing functions available with Ulead Photo Express that will enable you to depart from the ordinary print layout.

For additional information about a specific printing function click any of the icons below:

T-shirt

Poster

Multiple

Related info:

  Printing posters

  Printing your images on T-shirts

  Printing multiple images


Print: Poster dialog box

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

Printer Properties Click to open the Printer Properties dialog box.

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout:

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

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

Poster size:

 Width Indicate, in percent, centimeters, inches or pages, the width of the printed poster.

 Height Indicate, in percent, centimeters, inches or pages, the height of the printed poster.

Color printer options Select a printer color profile to adjust the printer's output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Printing posters

  Printing posters - Quality and Resolution

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple dialog box - Step 1
Print: Multiple dialog box

Step 1

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

Printer Properties Click to open the Printer Properties dialog box.

Paper layout Click to open the Select Paper Layout dialog box to select the orientation of the images on the page.

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

Select Brand Select from the list of brand name photo-quality paper manufacturers.

Paper Name Select from the list of recognized photo-quality paper names.

Next Click to move to the next step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Multiple - Step 2 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: Poster

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

Related info:

  Poster dialog box

  Printing posters

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple

Prints a single image repeatedly or a number of different images on the same page. This is especially useful for printing stickers (on special paper).

Related info:

  Multiple - Step 1 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple - Project Mode
Print: Multiple

Project Mode

Allows you to print a number of pictures on a single piece of paper. There are a number of layout options available to choose from.

Related info:

  Multiple - Step 1 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: T-shirt

Transfers your creative images on your T-shirt by printing with your printer. This requires special paper that is compatible with your printer.

Related info:

  T-shirt dialog box

  Printing your images on T-shirts

  Print Plug-in


Printing your images on T-shirts

To transfer your images to a T-shirt, you need to use a special type of paper. After printing the image, carefully follow the instructions that came with the paper to iron the image onto the T-shirt.

1.	Select an image that you want to print.

2.	Select Print on the Command panel.

3.	Select T-shirt.

4.	Position the image on the paper.

5.	Click the Print button at the bottom of the Options panel.

Related info:

  T-shirt dialog box

  Print Plug-in


Printing posters

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

1.	From Browse mode, select an image that is ready to print.

2.	Select the Print from the Command panel and select Poster.

3.	Choose the dimensions of your poster.

4.	Your image will now be broken up into a number of 'boxes', corresponding to the paper size selected.

5.	If there are any 'boxes' that you don't want to print, click on them to select them. They will be grayed out.

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

Related info:

  Poster dialog box

  Printing posters - Quality and Resolution

  Print Plug-in


Printing multiple images

This type of printing is well suited for printing stickers, business cards, etc.

1.	Select the image(s) you want to print. If you only select one image, it will be repeated across the page.

2.	Select Multiple from the Print Command panel.

3.	Choose a Layout from the Options panel or click the Paper layout button for more options. Individual images can be moved around the layout by dragging.

4.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

5.	If you want to replace some images, you can drag and drop directly from Windows Explorer

or -

6.	Go to your recently visited folders or the thumbnail window to search for more images on the option panel.

7.	Click the Next button to specify the number of copies and start printing.

Related info:

  Multiple - Step 1 dialog box

  Print Plug-in


Printing posters - quality and resolution

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

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

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

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

4.	Print a test page. Select one sheet (from an important area of your poster) and test it out before you print the whole thing. This will give you a good idea of how the completed project will look. To select one sheet you will need to click once on each of the other boxed areas (sheets) so that they are grayed out.

Related info:

  Poster dialog box

  Printing posters

  Print Plug-in


Select Paper Layout dialog box

Select brand type Select from the list of brand name photo-quality paper manufacturers.

Paper Name Select from the list of recognized photo-quality paper names.

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

Related info:

  Print: Multiple dialog box (Step 1)

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple - Step 2 dialog box
Print: Multiple dialog box

Step 2

At this step, Photo Express allows you to increase the variety of your image thumbnails on your multiple printing layout. Here are the ways of doing it:

1.	Directly drag the opened images on the Thumbnail Strip and drop onto your multiple printing layout.

2.	Open the Windows Explorer, and go to the folder that contains image files, also drag one of them up to your printing layout in Photo Express.

3.	Delete the extra images that you do not need by pressing Ctrl+X on a selected image.

4.	Resize your images until you are satisfied with the layout.

Back Arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to move to the next step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Print: Multiple - Step 1 dialog box

  Print: Multiple - Step 3 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple - Step 3 dialog box
Print: Multiple dialog box

Step 3

Currently browsed folder Displays the current folder being accessed.

Recently visited folders Displays the most recently accessed folders in the disk drive. A maximum of ten can be stored in here. If there are ten already and a new folder is accessed, the tenth folder will be discarded from the list.

Sort Thumbnails Click to open a drop-down menu listing different sorting methods for the thumbnails in the window.

Thumbnail window Displays the files, from the currently browsed folder, as thumbnails.

Back Arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to move to the next step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Print: Multiple - Step 2 dialog box

  Print: Multiple - Step 4 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: Multiple - Step 4 dialog box
Print: Multiple dialog box

Step 4

Copies Enter the number of copies of the image(s) to be printed out.

Color printer options Opens the Adjust color printing dialog box where you can select a specific color profile for your printer.

Back Arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Print Send the image(s) to the printer.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Print: Multiple - Step 1 dialog box

  Print: Multiple - Step 3 dialog box

  Printing multiple images

  Print Plug-in


Print: T-shirt dialog box

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

Printer Properties Click to open the Printer Properties dialog box.

Paper size Select the size of the paper.

Copies Select the number of copies you want to print.

Layout

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

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

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

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

Color printer options Select a printer color profile to adjust the printer's output color.

Print Prints the image.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box

Related info:

  Printing your images on T-shirts

  Print Plug-ins


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 Express

If you're getting a "TWAIN error" message

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

If your scanned image is too light or too dark

If your scanned image's colors are incorrect

If your scanned image has a lot of spots

If your scanned image is poor and filled with horizontal lines

If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks detail

If your scanned image has 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

Share your photos online

Make image panoramas in Photo Express

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

   Other photography tips


Limit the image size when possible

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

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 using the same data type as that of the final intended output device. This may also help you control file size. Here are some examples:

OCR Text Black and white.

Line art Black and white.

Laser printer Grayscale.

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

Post production True color (CMYK).

   Other scanning tips


Scan good quality images and text

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


Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

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

   Other scanning tips


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

High resolution images take enormous amounts of disk space and will take longer to scan. If the image is scanned at a higher resolution that does not mean the result is going to be better. Always have in mind the maximum resolution of the image to be scanned and the output device. The standard color typesetting resolution is 180 dpi and a standard photograph ranges from 400 to 600 dpi. Similarly, exceeding the resolution capabilities of your output device or monitor will not result in higher image quality. A standard VGA monitor display resolution in Windows is 72 dpi (Windows large fonts) or 96 dpi (Windows 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 will produce an image that is large and of good quality. This will produce a good copy of the original that can be used as a "master copy" when the image will be used frequently for other projects. Also, by having a large image, there will be less chances of having to resize the dimensions of the image to a bigger one and therefore avoiding interpolation and preserving the quality of 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. Experimenting is the best teacher in getting good scans. Different scanners have different TWAIN drivers which means that they have different User Interfaces. They all have the basic tools like the resolution setting and the color mode. However, some have more advanced features so it is best for you to familiarize yourself to the available features of your scanner in order for you to get better scans. In case there are flaws with the scanned image, Photo Express offers a variety of tools to correct these flaws.

   Other scanning tips


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

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

1.	Check if the scanner power switch is on.

2.	Check if there are any loose connections between your computer and the scanner. Try scanning again.

3.	Select File: Acquire - Scanner or Get Photo: Scanner in Photo Explorer then select your data source. If your data source is not in the list, install your TWAIN driver.

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

5.	Restart your computer.

6.	Check if your scanner's model name is on the data source list. If not, 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, please contact your scanner vendor for more information on how to correctly install the TWAIN driver in your Windows program.)

   Other common scanning problems


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

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

1.	Make sure power for your camera or scanner is available.

2.	Check the connection between your computer and the camera or scanner and then try again.

3.	Select File: Acquire - Scanner/Digital Camera or Get Photo: Scanner/Digital Camera in Photo Express then click the data source list to see if your device name is listed. If yes, select it. Otherwise, install your TWAIN driver and try again.

4.	If it still doesn't work, please contact your vendor for information on how to install the TWAIN driver in your Windows program or an update 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 calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that this is correctly set.

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

   Other common scanning problems


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

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

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

Check your monitor display settings. If you are at 256-Color mode settings, change it to HiColor mode(16-bit) or True Color mode (24-bit) for 16.7 million colors.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How to determine resolution value

   Other common scanning problems


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

Most desktop color scanners scan images by using red, green, and blue light sources, but most color printers generate images by using cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks. As the image data is translated from one device to another, the resulting colors may shift and become unacceptable. Even when working with monochrome images, details visible in the shadows and highlights may be lost when printed out. Check your scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that you have the correct settings.

In Photo Express, you can optimize your monitor's display by selecting File: Preferences - Photo Express tab.

   Other common scanning problems


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

Scanning at too low of a resolution commonly causes this problem. Since lose of information during the process is inevitable, lower resolution settings will detect even less image data. Check the resolution settings; they may need to be set higher.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How to determine resolution value

   Other common scanning problems


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

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

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

2.	From the Windows Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab.

3.	From the Desktop area, drag the slider to higher resolution for small sized images or lower resolution for larger ones.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


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

Moire patterns are caused by scanning halftoned images usually 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 these moire patters:

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 TWAIN driver of the scanner. 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 using scaling in your scanner to change the image size before bringing it into an application.

   Other common scanning problems


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

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

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

2.	Select only the portion needed.

3.	Close some running applications to free up some memory.

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

5.	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, have in mind the output device (e.g. 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)-96 dpi (Windows small fonts), laser printers 300-600 dpi, and photo-quality 1200-2400 dpi.

Scan at higher resolution (2x the original) when doing extensive image processing to work with as much information as possible.

Scan at higher resolution when enlarging the image to scan.

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

   Other scanning tips


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

1.	Check if your scanner have a brightness control feature. If yes, use it to adjust the brightness. If none or if after adjusting you're still not satisfied with the result, continue with the next step.

2.	Check your scanner calibration to adjust the color differences between your scanner and the output devices.

3.	Use the scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors.

4.	You can adjust the Brightness of the image under Edit: Adjust - Lighting in Photo Express. Photo Express also offers automatic Brightness & Contrast adjustment. You can access this through Edit: Adjust - Smart Enhance.

   Other common scanning problems


How to calculate the resolution for output devices

The relationship between your scanner and output device is important in choosing the right resolution. Scanners reproduce grayscale and color variations by increasing the amount of data for each pixel (or dot) in a picture. Printers however, simulate grayscale and color variations by arranging dots into larger ones called halftone cells. Desktop laser printers generate 53 halftone cells per inch, whereas high-resolution image setters print up to 133 halftone cells per inch. While printer dots are typically measured in dots per inch (dpi), halftone cells are measured in lines per inch (lpi). Use this formula in calculating the resolution to use in scanning grayscale and color images for your output device.

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

2.	Set the result to be the dpi setting for the scanner. For example, if your final output device is a desktop laser printer, that will be 53 x 1.5 to get the dpi setting for the scanner. In this example, the appropriate dpi is 80. (Round off decimals.)

   Other scanning tips


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

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

The additional data captured results in better image quality. However, most software applications, including Photo Express, support only 24-bit files.

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

Gaps resulting from the tone mapping process are minimized.

   Other scanning tips


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


Take pictures of nearby subjects

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

   Other photography tips


Make sure you have adequate lighting

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

   Other photography tips


Focusing your camera

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

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

Parallel lines If your subject consist of many horizontal lines, (for example steps 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 to take the picture. (If you focus on a subject in between your primary subjects, chances are both subjects will be out of focus.)

   Other photography tips


If your camera doesn't work...

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

1.	Are your batteries installed properly and charged? Check and replace them if necessary. It is always a good idea to have a spare set of fully charged batteries handy when you use your camera. (Note: Always replace all the batteries with a fully charged set. Doing partial replacements with batteries holding different levels of charge can lead to unstable camera operation and shorten the lives of all your batteries.)

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

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

   Other common digital camera problems


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

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

1.	Make sure your lens cover is off.

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

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

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

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, your battery life may be affected. Some cameras may accept specially designed batteries for these times. Check your camera's user guide for more.

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

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

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

   Other common digital camera problems


Taking pictures using the flash

Flash photography is pretty easy using today's modern cameras. Still, there are a few tricks you can learn to enhance your ability to take the best possible photographs.

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

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

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

   Other photography tips


Share your photos online

Ulead Photo Express contains special features for uploading your photographs to the iMira.com photo sharing Web site. This can be an easy and inexpensive way to share pictures with distant family members or friends.

   Other photography tips


Make image panoramas in Ulead Photo Express!

Digital cameras are ideal for taking panoramic images. You can, for instance, take a series of shots of a large landscape scene and then use special software to stitch the images together into a much larger picture. The results can be very impressive. Combine photos by using Share: Panorama in Photo Express.

   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 RS232 serial cables. Most computers manufactured in the last few years have USB ports (usually on the back) of 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 will need a camera with a USB connector, a special cable (usually supplied with the camera) and Windows 98 or later on your PC.

   Other photography tips


Do before scanning checks

More often than not the most basic things can help produce good scans from your scanner. Checking and removing dust or fingerprints on the image that is going to be scanned can help produce good scans. Also, make sure that the glass bed is clean, some of the "blotches" from your scanned image could be the result of a simple dirty glass bed.

   Other scanning tips

   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


Photo Express Plug-ins: Web Studio
Ulead Photo Express Plug-ins - Web Studio

Ulead Photo Express Web Studio Plug-ins lets you create great looking Web pages without writing a single line of code. Once installed, you can choose from a large selection of handsome, ready-made templates so you don't have to worry about the Web page Layout. You only have to select the files you want to use, the type of Web page - Web Card, Web Album, Web Show, or a simple Web Page - and a template you like, then let Photo Express 4.0 do the rest. To learn more about the available types of Web pages, click an item below.

 Web Page	 Web Card

 Web Album	 Web Show

Related info:

  Creating a Web Page

  Creating a Web Card

  Creating a Web Album

  Creating a Web Show


Web Card dialog box - Select Template
Web Card dialog box

Select Template

Template This is a drop-down list of various categories of sample templates you can use for creating your greeting card.

Sample Templates Thumbnail representations of various samples of greeting cards.

Next Moves to the next step in creating your Web Card.

Close Ends this procedure and closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration
Web Card dialog box

Set Decoration

Use this step to add and modify the contents of your card. Click on an object in the template to change it.

Add text Allows you to add a text to the Web card.

Add an image Allows you to add an image from file to the Web card.

Add decoration Allows you to add preset images inside the Photo Express program to the Web card .

Add/Change/Remove background music Allows you to add sounds to the web card.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating a Web card.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Add Text dialog box

  Add Image dialog box

  Add Decoration dialog box

  Add Music dialog box

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Output Destination
Web Card dialog box

Output Destination

E-mail Click to open a dialog box where you can attach the Web card to an e-mail message.

Disk Click to open the Save as dialog box and save your Web card.

Post to Web Click to open a dialog box where you can upload the Web card to a Web site that you define.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Close Ends this procedure and closes the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Send to E-mail

  Web Card dialog box - Save to Disk

  Web Card dialog box - Post to Web

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - E-mail
Web Card dialog box

E-mail

Send as an HTML E-mail A dialog box will pop up after click Send button for you to enter e-mail address. Your Web card project will be sent as an HTML file. The recipient is able to view the HTML file as soon as the e-mail is opened if the default mail handler is Outlook or Outlook Express.

Note: When using others mail clients, for example Eudora, the HTML file will be handled as an attachment. You need to double click the file to view its content.

Send as an attachment A self-extracting *.exe file will be generated containing the HTML file and all necessary image files, then your default email client will open listing the *.exe file as an attachment. You only need to address and send your email. The recipient should open(run) the file to launch the default Web browser and view your Web page.

Package to EXE file Select to package all the necessary files into one self-extracting EXE file. When deselected, all the files used in creating the Web card will be sent as separate files.

Send Click to launch your default mail handler service with the Web card appended as an attachment.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web card: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Disk
Web Card dialog box

Disk

Save as Select from the drop-down list.

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Path Enter the path or click the drop-down menu to select a directory for the folder of your Web projects.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed.

Folder name Enter the folder name under the path you selected for containing all the Web pages and linked images. This sub-folder will be created automatically by program after you click the Save button. While you are entering the folder name in the box, it is displayed in the path name box at the same time.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Post to Web
Web Card dialog box

Post to Web

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Web service Select a Web hosting service from the drop-down list or select User customize.

Recent Web service list Click the icon to bring you to panel which contains the last Web host you posted your Web project to. All you need to do is enter the password.

User name Enter your username for the selected hosting service.

Password Enter your password for the selected hosting service.

Create an account first Click to open the default browser to the homepage of the selected hosting service, so you can create a new account.

Post Uploads the Web page to the selected Web hosting service.

Cancel Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Post to Web dialog box: Personal Account
Post to Web dialog box

Personal Account

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Web service If your chosen Web service is the one that you used before.

Recent Web service list Click the icon to bring you to panel which contains the last Web host you posted your Web project to. All you need to do is enter the password.

User name Enter your username for the selected hosting service.

Password Enter your password for the selected hosting service.

FTP server Enter FTP site address of your Web hosting server.

 	My URL Enter the URL link of your previously created Web site.

Post Uploads the Web page to the selected Web hosting service.

Cancel Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Add Text
Web Card dialog box

Add Text

Text Enter the desired text here.

Font Select the font style for the text.

Size Enter or select the size of the font.

Color Select the color of the font. Click the color box to select the color through other options

Add URL or e-mail link Enter the URL or e-mail address you want the text to be linked to .

Add Click to add the text to the web card. After clicking Add, you can go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box or go to the next step by clicking the back arrow or next buttons.

OK Click to end this procedure and go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Add an Image
Web Card dialog box

Add an Image

Currently browsed folder Display the current folder being accessed.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed.

Sort Click to select how to sort the files in the selected folder.

File Thumbnails Displays the image files available in the selected folder.

Size Drag the slider control to determine the size of the image object when placed in the Web card.

Add URL or e-mail link Enter the URL or e-mail address you want the image to be linked to.

Add Click to add the image to the web card. After clicking Add, you can go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box or go to the next step by clicking the back arrow or next buttons.

OK Click to end this procedure and go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Add decoration
Web Card dialog box

Add Decoration

Category Select the category you want to select your decorations from.

File Thumbnails Displays the image files available in the selected folder.

Size Drag the slider control to determine the size of the image object when placed in the Web card.

Add URL or e-mail link Enter the URL or e-mail address you want the decoration to be linked to.

Add Click to add the decoration to the web card. After clicking Add, you can go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box or go to the next step by clicking the back arrow or next buttons.

OK Click to end this procedure and go back to the Add/Modify Object dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Card dialog box - Add/Change/Remove background music
Web Card dialog box

Add/Change/Remove Background Music

Select music file Select the folder where the desired music file is in.

Recently opened folders Click to view the recently accessed folders.

Music file list Displays the available music files in the selected folder.

Remove music Click to not have any music for your Web card.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to Web Card: Add/Modify Object dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Select Template
Web Album dialog box

Select Template

Template This is a drop-down list of various categories from which you can select a Web album style.

Sample Templates Displays the available web album templates, in thumbnails, in the selected category. Click the thumbnail to select.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating an album.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Set Title

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Set Title
Web Album dialog box

Set Title

Title Enter the title of the Web album.

Description type Select the information - file name, file date, or user defined - that you would like to include with the photos. If you select "user defined" you will be able to enter the description in the next step.

Change photo order Click this button to re-arrange the photo order and adjust the thumbnail size.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating an album.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Select Template

  Web Album dialog box - Set Description

  Web Album dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Set Description
Web Album dialog box

Set Description

This only appears when User define is selected in the Description type.

Preview Displays the image in the Web Album where the description will be written down. Use the arrow keys below the Preview window to move through the images in the Web Album.

Photo description Enter some information that you would like displayed on the Web page, describing each of the images in the album.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating an album.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Set Title

  Web Album dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Set Decoration
Web Album dialog box

Set Decoration

Add/Change/Remove signature Click to open the Signature dialog box, where you can enter your contact information.

Image quality Select a quality level from the drop-down list.

Preview in Browser Click to briefly preview the final Web album in your default Web browser.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating a show.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Add Signature

  Web Album dialog box - Set Title

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Studio: Web Album dialog box - Add Signature
Web Album dialog box

Add/Change/Remove Signature

Title Enter your name and any other information about yourself that you would like to include on the Web page.

E-mail Enter your e-mail address.

URL Enter the URL of your Web site.

Remove signature Remove the signature from the Web page.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web album: Set Decoration dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Output Destination
Web Album dialog box

Output Destination

E-mail Click to open a dialog box where you can attach the Web album to an e-mail message.

Disk Click to open the Save as dialog box.

CD Click to open a dialog box where you can output the Web album to a format that can be burned to CD.

Post to Web Click to open a dialog box where you can upload the Web album to a Web site that you define.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Send to E-mail

  Web Album dialog box - Save to Disk

  Web Album dialog box - Output to CD

  Web Album dialog box - Post to Web

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - E-Mail
Web Album dialog box

E-mail

Package to EXE file Packages all the files necessary for the Web album in one self-extracting EXE file.

Send Opens a new message from your default e-mail client and attaches the Web album file(s).

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web Album: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Disk
Web Album dialog box

Disk

Save as Select from the drop-down list.

Save to HTML Save the Web album in HTML format.

Package to EXE file Packages all the files necessary for the Web album in one self-extracting EXE file.

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Folder name Enter the folder name where you want to save the file in.

Path Select the location of the folder in your computer.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed in this dialog box.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web Album: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - CD
Web Album dialog box

CD

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Folder name Enter the folder name where you want to save the file in.

Path Select the location of the folder in your computer.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed in this dialog box.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web Album: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Album dialog box - Post to Web
Web Album dialog box

Post to Web

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Web service Select a Web hosting service from the drop-down list or select User customize.

Recent Web service list Click the icon to bring you to panel which contains the last Web host you posted your Web project to. All you need to do is enter the password.

User name Enter your username for the selected hosting service.

Password Enter your password for the selected hosting service.

Create account first Click to open the default browser to the homepage of the selected hosting service, so you can create a new account.

Post Uploads the Web album to the selected Web hosting service.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web Album: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Select Template
Web Show dialog box

Select Template

Template This is a drop-down list of various categories from which you can select a Web show style.

Sample Templates Displays the available Web page templates, in thumbnails, in the selected category. Click the thumbnail to select.

Next Moves you to the next step in creating a show.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Set Title

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Studio: Web Show dialog box - Set Title
Web Show dialog box

Set Title

Title Enter a title for the Web show. You can only enter a single line text.

Description type Select the information that you would like to include in the show. If you want to enter a customized caption, select User define.

Change photo order Click to open a dialog box where you can re-arrange the order of the photos in your Web show.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web show.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Select Template

  Web Show dialog box - Set Description

  Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Set Description
Web Show dialog box

Set Description

This only appears when User define is selected in the Description type.

Preview Displays the image in the Web show where the description will be written down. Use the arrow keys below the Preview to move through the images in the Web show.

Photo description Enter some information that you would like displayed on the Web page, describing each of the images in the Web show.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web show.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Set Title

  Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration
Web Show dialog box

Set Decoration

Add/Change/Remove signature Click to open a dialog box where you can add personal information at the bottom left of the Web show like your name and e-mail address.

Add/Change/Remove background music Click to open a dialog box where you can add/change/remove music in your Web show.

Play mode Select when the transition from one image to the next will occur.

Auto Select to set the transition mode of the Web show to automatic. Enter the desired time, in seconds, each image will stay on screen.

Manual mode Select to set the transition mode of the Web show to manual. There will be buttons available below the image that you can click to move forward or backward in the Web show.

Image quality Select from the drop down list the quality you want for the image. You can select from fair, good and best.

Preview in Browser Click to preview your Web page in the default browser.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web show.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Set Description

  Web Show dialog box - Add Signature

  Web Show dialog box - Add Music

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Add/Change/Remove Music
Web Show dialog box

Add/Change/Remove Background Music

Select music file Select the folder where the desired music file is in.

Music file list Displays the available music files in the selected folder.

Remove music Click to not have any music for your Web show.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Set Decoration dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Add Signature
Web Show dialog box

Add/Change/Remove Signature

Title Enter the information you want to appear on the bottom left part of the Web show.

E-mail Enter your e-mail address here.

URL Enter www link of your Web site here.

Remove signature Click to erase the signature. This will result in having no signature in your Web show.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Set Decoration dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Output Destination
Web Show dialog box

Output Destination

E-mail Click to open a dialog box where you can attach the Web show to an e-mail message.

Disk Click to open the Save as dialog box and save your Web show.

CD Click to open a dialog box where you can output the Web show to a format that can be burned to CD.

Post to Web Click to open a dialog box where you can upload the Web show to a Web site that you define.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Send to E-mail

  Web Show dialog box - Save to Disk

  Web Show dialog box - Output to CD

  Web Show dialog box - Post to Web

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - E-mail
Web Show dialog box

E-mail

Package to EXE file Select to package all the necessary files into one self-extracting EXE file. When deselected, all the files used in creating the Web page will be sent as separate files.

Send Click to launch your default mail handler service with the Web show appended as an attachment.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Disk
Web Show dialog box

Disk

Save as Select from the drop-down list.

Save to HTML Save the Web show in HTML format.

Package to EXE file Packages all the files necessary for the Web show in one self-extracting EXE file.

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web show page.

Folder name Enter the folder name where you want to save the file in.

Path Select the location of the folder in your computer.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed in this dialog box.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - CD
Web Show dialog box

CD

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web show page.

Folder name Enter the folder name where you want to save the file in.

Path Select the location of the folder in your computer.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed in this dialog box.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Show dialog box - Post to Web
 Web Show dialog box

Post to Web

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web show page.

Web service Select a Web hosting service from the drop-down list or select User customize.

Recent Web service list Click the icon to bring you to panel which contains the last Web host you posted your Web project to. All you need to do is enter the password.

User name Enter your username for the selected hosting service.

Password Enter your password for the selected hosting service.

Create an account first Click to open the default browser to the homepage of the selected hosting service, so you can create a new account.

Post Uploads the Web show to the selected Web hosting service.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web show: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Select Template
Web Page dialog box

Select Template

Template Select from a drop down list of various categories of Web pages you can create.

Sample Templates Displays the available Web page templates, in thumbnails, in the selected category. Click the thumbnail to select.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web page.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Set Title

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Set Title
Web Page dialog box

Set Title

Title Enter the title of the Web page. You can only type a single line of text.

Description type Select a caption to add to your Web page. There is a drop down list where you can select the additional caption. You can select None to not add a caption or select User define to enter your own single line caption.

Description This text entry box appears when User define is selected in Description type. Enter the text here. You can only enter a single lined text.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web page.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Select Template

  Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration
Web Page dialog box

Set Decoration

Add/Change/Remove signature Click to open a dialog box where you can add personal information at the bottom of the Web page like your name and e-mail address.

Add/Change/Remove background music Click to open a dialog box where you can add sounds to your Web page.

Image quality Select from the drop down list the quality you want for the image. You can select from fair, good and best.

Preview in Browser Click to preview your Web page in the default browser.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Next Click to go to the next step in creating a Web page.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Set Title

  Web Page dialog box - Add Signature

  Web Page dialog box - Add Music

  Web Page dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Add/Change/Remove Background Music
Web Page dialog box

Add/Change/Remove Background Music

Select music file Select the folder where the desired music file is in.

Music file list Displays the available music files in the selected folder.

Remove music Click to not have any music for your Web page.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to Web page: Set Decoration dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Add Signature
Web Page dialog box

Add Signature

Add/Change/Remove Signature

Title Enter the information you want to appear on the bottom left part of the Web page.

E-mail Enter your e-mail address here.

URL Enter www link of your Web page here.

Remove signature Click to erase the signature. This will result in having no signature in your Web show.

OK Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web page: Set Decoration dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Output Destination
Web Page dialog box

Output Destination

E-mail Click to open a dialog box where you can attach the Web page to an e-mail message.

Disk Click to open the Save as dialog box and save your Web page.

Post to Web Click to open a dialog box where you can upload the Web page to a Web site that you define.

Back arrow Click to go back to the previous step.

Close Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Page dialog box - Send to E-mail

  Web Page dialog box - Save to Disk

  Web Page dialog box - Post to Web

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - E-Mail
Web Page dialog box

E-mail

Send as an HTML E-mail A dialog box will pop up after click Send button for you to enter e-mail address. Your Web card project will be sent as an HTML file. The recipient is able to view the HTML file as soon as the e-mail is opened if the default mail handler is Outlook or Outlook Express.

Note: When using others mail clients, for example Eudora, the HTML file will be handled as an attachment. You need to double click the file to view its content.

Send as an attachment A self-extracting *.exe file will be generated containing the HTML file and all necessary image files, then your default email client will open listing the *.exe file as an attachment. You only need to address and send your email. The recipient should open(run) the file to launch the default Web browser and view your Web page.

Package to EXE file Select to package all the necessary files into one self-extracting EXE file. When deselected, all the files used in creating the Web page will be sent as separate files.

Send Click to launch your default mail handler service with the Web page appended as an attachment.

Cancel Click to close the dialog box and go back to the Web page: Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Disk
Web Page dialog box

Disk

Save as Select from the drop-down list.

Save to HTML Save the Web page in HTML format.

Package to EXE file Packages all the files necessary for the Web page in one self-extracting EXE file.

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Folder name Enter the folder name where you want to save the file in.

Path Select the location of the folder in your computer.

Recently opened folders Click to view the folders that were recently accessed in this dialog box.

Save Saves the file(s) to the selected location.

Cancel Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Web Page dialog box - Post to Web
Web Page dialog box

Post to Web

File name Assign a name for the main (index) Web page.

Web service Select a Web hosting service from the drop-down list or select User customize.

Recent Web service list Click the icon to bring you to panel which contains the last Web host you posted your Web project to. All you need to do is enter the password.

User name Enter your username for the selected hosting service.

Password Enter your password for the selected hosting service.

Create an account first Click to open the default browser to the homepage of the selected hosting service, so you can create a new account.

Post Uploads the Web page to the selected Web hosting service.

Cancel Click to end this procedure and close the dialog box.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Restore Object

 Recovers the object that you just deleted from the Web card.


Delete Object

 Removes the selected object from the Web card .


Web Album

Creates a personal Web album that contains your creative image thumbnails, ready to output to the Internet.

Related info:

  Web Album dialog box - Select Template

  Creating a Web Album

  Web Plug-in


Web Show

Creates an online Web slide show by applying selected image thumbnails in your folders.

Related info:

  Web Show dialog box - Select Template

  Creating a Web Show

  Web Plug-in


Web Card

Creates multimedia greeting cards with your images to share with your friends over the Internet.

Related info:

  Web Card dialog box - Select Template

  Creating a Web Card

  Web Plug-in


Web Studio: Web Page
Web Page

Creates a simple Web page to show off your images over the web.

Related info:

  Web Page dialog box - Select Template

  Creating a Web Page

  Web Plug-in


Ulead Links: Web Posting History

Helps you to keep track of Web projects that you have uploaded to your Web hosting site using Photo Express.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Ulead Links: Web Posting History dialog box

Allows you to keep track of web projects that you have uploaded to your Web host site using Photo Express. In the workspace, the URL link and first page of your project will be displayed.

You may click Send Record to e-mail your web project as a HTML document and click Delete Record to eliminate the selected Web project from the Web Posting History page.

Related info:

  Welcome to Photo Express


Creating a Web Show

A Web show is an attractive and interesting way to post your photos to the Internet.

1.	Select the image(s) you want to use for your Web show.

2.	Select Web: Web Show.

3.	Select a Theme from the list and then select a Template thumbnail.

4.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

5.	In the Set Title dialog box, set the title for your Web show. You can also give a description for each of the images in the Web show and change the order of the photos. Click Next.

6.	In the Set Decoration dialog box, select what you want to add to your Web show. You can also set the transition mode here. Click Next.

7.	In the Output Destination dialog box, select where to output your Web show. After outputting the Web show, click Close.

Related info:

  Web Show

  Web Show dialog box - Select Template

  Web Show dialog box - Set Title

  Web Show dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Show dialog box - Output Destination


Creating a Web Card

A Web card is a multimedia card that can be posted to the Web or e-mailed to a friend.

1.	Select the image you want to use for your Web card.

2.	Select Web: Web Card.

3.	Select a Template type from the list and then select a Template thumbnail.

4.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

5.	In the Add/Modify Object dialog box, select what objects you want to add to the Web card. You can also change the objects in the Web card template by clicking on them.

6.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

7.	In the Output Destination dialog box, select where to output your Web show. After outputting the Web show, click Close.

Related info:

  Web Card

  Web Card dialog box - Select Template

  Web Card dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Card dialog box - Output Destination


Creating a Web Album

A Web album is a Web page that displays your photos in an attractive and convenient manner.

1.	Select the image(s) you want to use to create your Web Album.

2.	Select Web: Web Album.

3.	Select a Theme from the list and then select a Template thumbnail.

4.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

5.	In the Set Title dialog box, set the title for your Web album. You can also give a description for each of the images in the Web show and the order of the photos. Click Next.

6.	In the Set Decoration dialog box, select what you want to add to your Web album. You can also set the transition mode here. Click Next.

7.	In the Output Destination dialog box, select where to output your Web album. After outputting the Web show, click Close.

Related info:

  Web Album

  Web Album dialog box - Select Template

  Web Album dialog box - Set Title

  Web Album dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Album dialog box - Output Destination


Creating a Web Page

A Web page that displays your photo in an attractive and convenient manner.

1.	Select the image(s) you want to use to create your Web Album.

2.	Select Web: Web Page.

3.	Select a Theme from the list and then select a Template thumbnail.

4.	Click the Next button to proceed to the next step.

5.	In the Set Title dialog box, set the title for your Web page. You can also give a description for the photo. Click Next.

6.	In the Set Decoration dialog box, select what you want to add to your Web page. Click Next.

7.	In the Output Destination dialog box, select where to output your Web page. After outputting the Web page, click Close.

Related info:

  Web Page

  Web Page dialog box - Select Template

  Web Page dialog box - Set Title

  Web Page dialog box - Set Decoration

  Web Page dialog box - Output Destination


donna wanna usa thix!


New Template dialog box

Canvas Click to select the color of the background.

Width and Height Determines the size of the blank canvas/image/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 you to choose from (including: common photo, envelope, label, greeting card and name card dimensions)

User defined

Width Enter the specific width of the blank canvas/image/template.

Height Enter the specific height of the blank canvas/image/template.

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

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

Note: In project mode, there is a Photo Express image placeholder button on the bottom of the newly opened template. You can click on it to replace your image or background with one which has been imported. (For example, replace from scanner, digital camera or file folders, etc.)

Related info:

  New Template


Insert: Digital Camera or Scanner dialog box

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

Apply post processing Automatically applies any number of preset processes (e.g. adjust brightness) to images immediately after acquiring.

Show TWAIN data source (Scanner only) Select to activate your TWAIN driver when Acquire is click. If deselected, Photo Express will not activate the TWAIN driver of your scanner and will scan the image using default resolution and color settings.

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

Action:

Add Adds the file into the Photo Express project template.

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

Acquire Begins the acquisition process.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help


Insert: Video Capture dialog box

Available capture driver Displays all the installed capture devices in your computer. Click one to select.

Action:

Add Adds the file into the Photo Express project template.

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

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

Import Click to open the Ulead Video Capture dialog box where you can start capturing still images from your video camera.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Insert: Video capture


Insert: My Computer dialog box

Currently browsed folder Displays the name of the folder you are currently in. Click the arrow to display the other available folders in your computer as a folder tree.

Recent folders Displays the last ten folders that you have visited. Click on the folder to immediately go to that folder.

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 Express project template.

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

Apply Inserts the images on to the selected project template.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Opening a Template


Insert: Digital Camera

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

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help


Insert: Scanner

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

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help


Insert: Video Capture

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

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help

  Opening a Template


Insert: My Computer

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

Related info:

  Scanner & Digital Camera Help

  Opening a Template


Open Template File

Displays a dialog box for you to open a Photo Express template file (*.TPX and *.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

1.	Switch to Project Mode and select Get Project from Command panel.

2.	Select a template from the project category menu (greeting cards, frames, promotion or business, etc.).

3.	The template folder will be opened into the workspace and display thumbnail samples.

4.	Open a template by double clicking it, right clicking it an selecting Edit, or clicking it and then press the Open selected file button on shortcut bar above.

This will open a template. From here you probably will want to insert your own image and otherwise personalize the project. Use the tools found under the edit command button and along the toolbar on the top.

Related info:

  Get Project Templates


Saving templates and objects

1.	When working on a template in the Project tab Click: Share.

2.	Select Save from the Toolbar at the top of the workspace.

3.	Enter a File name in the Options panel and click Save.

Note: This will save your template in a format proprietary to Photo Express. This allows object information to be retained, but limits the template from being opened in other applications.

Related info:

  Get Project Templates


Get Project: Templates

Select the project category from the command menu to acquire the variety of templates that are available for your creation.

Related info:

  Opening a Template


Template Folder Window dialog box

Displays the available project template folders within the program.

You may click on the category of project template that you are interested in and then the templates within will be displayed in the workspace.

Related info:

  Get Project Templates


 Gradient Fill

Applies a gradient fill to the selected element. This opens the Gradient Fill dialog box where you can choose the colors of the gradient fill.

Related info:

  Calendar


Color Boxes

Select a color from the color palette. The color palette allows for quick color changes for the different elements in the calendar. These colors are available for changing the color of text, grids, cells, frames, and backgrounds.

Related info:

  Calendar


Background Color

Select a color from the color palette to use as the background for the selected element.

Related info:

  Calendar


Select Font dialog box

Uses the selected text content as the preview element allowing you to see exactly how your text will look like. Click OK to apply.

Related info:

  Calendar


Calendar Style

Displays various styles that you can choose from to apply to your date tables. Once you have applied the style, right-click elements on the calendar to further adjust them like the grid and background colors.

Related info:

  Calendar


Select Font

This opens the Select Font dialog box that allows you to pick a font type for your text.

Related info:

  Calendar


Soft Edge Type: Rectangular

Select to re-shape the soft edge of the image of your calendar to a rectangular shape.

Related info:

  Calendar


Soft Edge Type: Elliptical

Select to re-shape the soft edge of the image of your calendar to an elliptical shape.

Related info:

  Calendar


Remove Soft Edge

Removes the soft edge of the image. You can apply a soft edge effect again to the image by selecting Add Soft Edge.

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  Calendar


Fit to Page

Resizes the image to make it fit the selected page size. Be careful if you are using a small image as the image quality will be greatly reduced when stretch to fit the calendar page.

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  Calendar


Keep Aspect Ratio on / off

Toggles between switching the Aspect Ratio on or off. When Keep Aspect Ratio On is selected, the image will be resized proportionally. When Keep Aspect Ratio Off is selected the height of the image can be changed without affecting the width and vice-versa.

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  Calendar


Load Background Image

Select an image from your computer to use as a background for your calendar or the background of the date table.

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  Calendar


Clear Background

Removes the background of the calendar or the date table. If this command is used on the calendar background, the background becomes white. If used in the date table, the background becomes transparent allowing the background to show through.

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  Calendar


Add / Remove Shadow

Toggles between adding and removing a shadow on the image. If you apply a shadow to the image, any soft edge previously applied will be removed.

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  Calendar


Text Shadow
Add / Remove Text Shadow

Toggles between adding and removing a shadow to text. If you apply a shadow to the text, any emboss effect previously applied will be removed.

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  Calendar


Vertical / Horizontal Text

Rotates the selected text 90 degrees clockwise from its horizontal position. When horizontal text is selected, the vertical text is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

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  Calendar


Emboss

Applies an emboss effect to the selected text. If you have previously applied a shadow to the text, this is removed.

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  Calendar


Add / Remove Frame

Applies a frame to the edges of the text box. Once you have added a frame, right-click again on the text area and select Frame Color to change the color.

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  Calendar


Frame / Grid Color

Select a color from the color palette to use it as the new text frame or grid color.

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  Calendar


Text Box

Opens the Font and Color dialog box. Here you can select the font, style, size and color of text. When a custom text is applied to an image, you can edit the text content here. You cannot edit the text content of elements in the calendar template.

Related info:

  Calendar


Add Note

Adds a note to the selected monthly calendar. Select note color options in the Planner dialog box.

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  Calendar

  Planner


Edit Note - Planner

Allows you to edit an existing note on a calendar.

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  Calendar

  Planner


Delete Note - Planner
Delete Note

Removes the selected note for that particular date. If the selected date also has a holiday or mark associated with it, this is not erased.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Planner


Add Day-based Holiday

Adds a holiday based on a specific date, like December 25th or July 4th. Select holiday color options in the Planner dialog box.

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  Calendar

  Planner


Add Week-based Holiday - Planner
Add Week-based Holiday

Adds a holiday based on a calendar week. For example Mother’s Day always falls on the second Sunday in May. If you add a holiday by week, Photo Express will automatically shift the date of the holiday to match every year. Select holiday color options in the Planner dialog box.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Planner


Edit Holiday - Planner
Edit Holiday

Allows modification of the text note on a holiday.

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  Calendar

  Planner


Delete Holiday - Planner
Delete Holiday

Deletes the selected holiday and associated notes and marks. If the selected date also has a note or mark associated with it, this is not erased.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Planner


Add Next

Adds the following month or week to the calendar depending on the calendar type selected.

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  Calendar


Delete - Calendar
Delete

Deletes the selected element from the calendar. You cannot delete the calendar image and background.

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  Calendar


Add Next And Previous Months - Calendar
Add Previous and Next Months

Adds both the following and previous months to the calendar. This is only available for the one-month calendar type.

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  Calendar


Semi-Transparency

Toggles between making the background of the selected object semi-transparent or opaque. When semi-transparency is applied, it will allow some of the calendar background to show through.

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  Calendar


Font Size

Sets the font size for numbers in the calendar. Select from small, medium or large. This is only available for some types of calendars.

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  Calendar


Transparency

Adjusts the transparency level of the background image. Click a thumbnail to apply the transparency level.

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  Calendar


Text color

Displays a color palette where you can select one to use for the color of the selected text element.

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  Calendar


Central Alignment - Vertical

  Centers the selected object vertically (top and bottom) on a calendar page.

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  Calendar


Calendar Shortcut bar: Center - Horizontal
Central Alignment - Horizontal

  Centers the selected object horizontally (left to right) on a calendar page.

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  Calendar


Go to First Page

  Goes to the initial page of your calendar.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Previous Page

  Goes back to calendar page previous to the currently viewed page.

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  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Next Page

  Goes to next calendar page after the currently viewed page.

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  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Go to Last Page

  Goes to the end page of your calendar.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Calendar Page Count

  Shows the page number of the calendar currently opened over the total number of calendars.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Calendar Layout Apply

  Applies the current calendar layout onto all of the other calendar templates in the calendar being made.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Background Type: Center

Stretches or shrinks the image to fit the calendar background.

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  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Background Type: Tile

Multiplies copy of the image to be tiled across the entire background.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Calendar object properties

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

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Add adjacent month

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

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Restore

  Restores the calendar template to its last saved state.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Creating calendars


Share: Calendar

Allows you to create your own calendar using your images. PhotoExpress lets you set the calendar as your desktop wallpaper and adjusts it automatically for you. You can also use the planner feature to put notes on specific dates where Photo Express will help remind you of things that you don't want to forget.

Related info:

  Calendar dialog box - Select Template

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner


Planner

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

Related info:

  Planner dialog box

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner


Calendar dialog box - Select Image File
Calendar dialog box

Select Image File

Select a folder Choose a folder from where the desired image is in.

File name Displays all the files available in the currently selected folder. This list will only display image or template files.

Preview Displays a thumbnail representation of the selected file.

Information Shows the file information of the selected image. Includes the data type, resolution and dimensions of the file.

Show thumbnails Select to show the files in the selected folder as image thumbnails instead of a list. You may click stop when you already found your image.

OK Click to start loading the image file to your calendar.

Cancel Ends this procedure and closes the dialog box

Help Runs Photo Express help.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box -Set Decoration

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Text Box
Calendar dialog box

Text Box

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

Effects and alignment Determines the style and alignment for the text

Italic Standard Italic font style.

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

Shadow Adds a simple drop shadow to the text.

Raised Adds a border around one edge of the text giving an impression that it's raised.

Alignment Select an alignment: Left, Center or Right

Align vertically Rotates the text object 90 degrees clockwise.

Colors Determines the colors of the different elements in the calendar.

Text Sets the color of the text object.

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

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

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

Font Displays all the available fonts.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box -Set Decoration

  Creating calendars


Calendar dialog box - Planner
Calendar dialog box

Planner

Select month and year Select the month you would like to plan.

Today Indicates today's date. Click to quickly return to the current month's planner.

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

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

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

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

Note and Holiday tabs Lists down all the notes or holidays that you have marked on the calendar. This will help you keep track of all notes and holidays that you have made.

Add Notes / Holiday Allows you to add or edit the note that you have set for a particular date.

Delete Notes / Holiday Erases the note or holiday that has been marked for that date.

Edit Notes / Holiday Allows you to edit the notes or holiday that you have set for a particular date.

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

Cancel Returns to the title panel for this group.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner


Using the planner

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

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

2.	Select the month where you want the planner to be based on. Select the color for the notes and holidays.

3.	To add notes on a particular day, click on the desired day then a popup menu will appears.

3	Select Add Notes from the popup menu. This will allow you to add a caption for the selected day.

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

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

4.	Enter the text caption you want for that particular day.

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

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

Related Info:

  Planner

  Planner dialog box

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Select Template
Calendar dialog box

Select Template

Calendar type Select the time frame for your single page calendar. Select one from the drop down menu.

Orientation Select the page orientation for your calendar. The available templates for vertical and horizontal orientations are different.

Calendar styles Displays the available calendar templates from the selected Calendar type and Orientation style.

Next Goes to the next step in creating a calendar.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Set Date

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Select Template
Calendar dialog box

Set Date

The options that are enabled here are dependent on the options selected in the Select Template dialog box.

Start date Set the time duration for your calendar.

Year Select the year of reference for your calendar.

Month Select the particular month you want appearing in your calendar. If two months or three months are selected in the Select Template dialog box. The date selected here will be the month of reference meaning if two months is selected and June is selected here, the months of June and July will appear.

Week Select the week of the month that you want to appear in your calendar. Like month, the week selected here is the weekly reference. If the last week of the month is selected and two weeks was selected in the Select Template dialog box, the two weeks that appears is the same.

Change photo order (This appears when there is more than one image that is used for the calendar) Allows you to rearrange the images that appears in each page of your calendar.

Back Arrow Goes back to the previous step.

Next Goes to the next step in creating a calendar.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Select Template

  Calendar dialog box - Set Decoration

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Template Elements
Calendar dialog box

Template Elements

Add/EditText Opens the Font and Color dialog box where you can add or edit a text in the calendar. You can edit a text by selecting it then clicking this or double clicking on the text you want edited.

Change background image Opens the Select Image File dialog box where you can change the background image with one from file.

Add year string Adds the year string that is selected on the Set Date dialog box. This is useful when monthly or weekly styles of calendars are selected. Right click on the year string to avail of other options.

Add date table Adds a single monthly calendar table to your calendar. You can resize this by dragging on the handles of the calendar table and avail of other options by right clicking on it. If weekly is selected in Select Template, the calendar month table that appears is the current month selected in the Set Date dialog box.

Modify selected element Allows you to adjust the attributes of the selected object. The option here changes depending on the object selected in the calendar.

Change background Opens a popup menu where you can adjust the attributes of the background or replace it.

Change image attributes Opens a popup menu where you can adjust the attributes of the image object (add a shadow) or replace it.

Change text attributes Opens a popup menu where you can adjust the attributes of the text object or edit it. You cannot change the content of default elements in the calendar.

Change date attributes Opens a popup menu where you can adjust the attributes of the text in the date table. You can use an image from file as your background for the date table. You cannot change the content of the date table.

Back Arrow Goes back to the previous step.

Next Goes to the next step in creating a calendar.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Font and Color

  Calendar dialog box - Select Image

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Output Destination
Calendar dialog box

Output Destination

Output Calendar Select where you want to output the calendar you have just made.

Print Allows you to select from multiple styles of printing layouts for your calendar from printing.

Disk Allows you to set saving properties for your calendar before saving it in your computer.

Wallpaper Allows you to set the time frame for your calendar before setting it as your desktop wallpaper. Photo Express automatically updates your desktop calendar.

Organize templates Allows you add, delete or update calendar styles in the preset thumbnail window.

Back Arrow Goes back to the previous step.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box -Set Decoration

  Calendar dialog box - Print

  Calendar dialog box - Save As

  Calendar dialog box - Set as Wallpaper

  Calendar dialog box - Organize Calendar Presets

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Set as Wallpaper
Calendar dialog box

Set as Wallpaper

Use this dialog box to set up one or a series of calendars as your desktop Wallpaper.

Output period Select the length of time for each calendar to appear. You can have a different image on your calendar each week, or set the same image for a calendar for a period of months. The actual calendar will automatically update itself.

Duration This represents the time span specified in the Output period above.

OK Sets your calendar as the Windows Wallpaper.

Cancel Closes this dialog box and returns to the title panel for this group.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Save As
Calendar dialog box

Save as

Save in Select the folder where you want to save the calendar in.

File name Enter the file name you want for the calendar.

Save as type Select the file format you want to save the calendar in.

Data type Select the data type you want for your calendar.

Output size Determines the physical size of the calendar before saving it. The chosen size here will be the size of the calendar when printed out.

Output quality Determines the quality of the calendar when printed out. When the value selected is low the calendar image may become pixilated so when planning to print, it is better to select best.

Output image size Displays the image size (in pixels) when opened in the workspace. It also displays the approximate size of the file when saved. This is not the size of the calendar when printed out.

Save Saves the calendar in the selected folder.

Cancel Closes the Save as dialog box and returns to the Output destination dialog box.

Options Allows you to further customize the save settings for the selected file type before saving it. This is where you can experiment with various settings that can reduce the size of the file.

Help Opens the Photo Express help file.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Creating a calendar

1.	Select an image you want to use for your calendar.

2.	Select Share: Calendar.

3.	Select a calendar type and a calendar template. Vertical and Horizontal orientations offer different style from each other look at them both. Click Next.

3	Set the time duration for your one page calendar then click Next.

4.	In this dialog box you can add/edit/adjust the different objects in your calendar. There is a lot you can do here to enhance your calendar so it will be best for you to know what each of the options can do for your calendar. Click Next

5.	In this dialog box, you can output your calendar to different destinations. When you select Save to Wallpaper, the program automatically updates the calendar wallpaper. Click Close.

Related Info:

  Calendar

  Planner

  Planner dialog box


Set Holiday dialog box

Set holiday on this date Define the date that you want to mark as holiday.

Input holiday here Enter the name of the holiday or special event that you want to show on your calendar.

Recurrent type Select the type of your defined holiday: There are three options: Your holiday is recurrent at the same date of a certain month for every year; recurrent at the same week day of a certain month each year or Not recurrent if it is only valid this year.

Set reminder You may set a reminder to give you a ring before the important day comes. Set the Date and Time you want the reminder go off by clicking the drop-down list to open a calendar or directly enter in the box.

Sound Select if you want a audio sound to remind you. Click Browse button to search for the sound file.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Set Note dialog box

Set notes on this date Define the date that you want to leave notes on.

Input note here Enter the notes that you want to leave on this specific date for your calendar.

 	Set reminder You may set a reminder to give you a ring before the important day comes. Set the Date and Time you want the reminder go off by clicking the drop-down list to open a calendar or directly enter in the box.

Sound Select if you want a audio sound to remind you. Click Browse button to search for the sound file.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Print
Calendar dialog box

Print

Select printer Select the printer where you want your calendar to be outputted.

Number of calendars Enter or select the number of calendar images you want printed out on the selected paper layout. The maximum number that can be fitted on a page will depend on the type of paper layout selected. If you only have one calendar page, you can print it multiple times by entering or selecting the number here.

Number of copies Enter or select how many pages of the calendar you want printed out.

Paper layout Select a printing layout from the thumbnails for your calendar(s). You have to specify the number of calendars you want printed out on a page in Number of calendars.

Print Prints out the calendar from the selected printer .

Cancel Closes this dialog box and returns to the Output Destination dialog box.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Calendar dialog box - Organize Templates
Calendar dialog box

Organize Templates

Calendar type Select the time frame category where you want to add/update/delete calendar templates.

Portrait Select to display the available vertical orientation calendar templates in the selected category.

Landscape Select to display the available horizontal orientation calendar templates in the selected category.

Add Inserts the calendar that you made in the selected category and orientation. You can only add your calendar to the same Calendar type and Orientation that you used to make the calendar.

Update Replaces the selected calendar template with the calendar you made. You can only update your calendar to the same Calendar type and Orientation that you used to make the calendar.

Delete Erases the selected calendar template from the selected category.

Close Closes this dialog box and returns to the Output Destination dialog box.

Help Opens the Photo Express help file.

Related info:

  Calendar

  Calendar dialog box - Output Destination

  Creating a calendar


Print Setup

  Opens a dialog box where you can adjust the printer, paper size and the paper orientation settings before actual printing.

Related info:

  Calendar - Print dialog box


Calendar
Abbreviated

Toggles between abbreviating and not abbreviating the days of the week in the calendar. This is only applicable to some types of calendars.

Related info:

  Creating calendars

  Using the planner