Preparing images before their insertion
As we noted in the previous chapter, when importing images, you have the choice of importing the full image into the database, or merely storing a reference. Importing full images will take up more space in the database (probably much more), whereas importing only the references will mean that you will need to make the original files continuously available from a hard drive or other storage devices. Before you decide which method you choose and even before preparing the images that you intend to use in vGallery, consider each of the following:
- Your hardware configuration (processor speed, computer memory, hard disk capacity, printer quality...).
- Number of images to insert.
- Purpose of the images (high quality print, simple cataloguing, etc.).
- The speed of your LAN or internet connection in the case of network use.
IMPORTANT: Since version 2.0.6 in vGallery images can be resized automatically when inserted, according to the settings predefined in the User Preferences panel (the tab Works). By default, the maximum width and height of the inserted images are set to 700 pixels. These values can be changed by clicking the link Automatically resize inserted images.
TIF format images are converted to PNG while resizing.
If you prefer to prepare the images yourself before inserting or resize them later using vGallery, uncheck the case Automatically resize inserted images.
Inserting images only as reference
A recent computer will be able to display your images quickly, even in a very large number. It is, however, unnecessary to include high-resolution images, unless to keep only the reference to the image file.
If you choose this solution, keep images designated to vGallery in one location, for example, in a folder that you call "Works" that can contain the subfolders, arranged as you wish. Save this folder at regular intervals along vGallery on removable storage media (CDs, DVDs, external hard drives etc.). Don't rename images after insertion into vGallery. If the images are to be exported later, for example, for a website, the names of files should be without accents and empty spaces. For an optimum print quality or to create a catalogue with professional publishing software, you should use high-resolution images in uncompressed format, like TIFF.
Advice on use
If you share vGallery database over a network (multiple computers simultaneously connected to the database), place the images on a shared volume and make sure that this volume is accessible to all workstations.
Importing full images
If, for practical reasons, you want to import full images of your artists in vGallery, take care to prepare them in a compressed format like JPEG or PNG (files heavier than JPEGs, but with better results in print). Generally, JPEG or JPEG 2000 file formats with a low compression ratio (quality between 75 et 85%) which height or width do not exceed 1000 pixels with 72 dpi resolution, are perfectly adapted to a standard use. But, ultimately, your personal (or professional) experience which will be your best advisor.
Advice on use
A good compromise could be to keep high-resolution images aside and integrate only JPEG-compressed copies into vGallery. There are many free or inexpensive image compressors that you can download from the Internet. If you use Photoshop for JPEG conversion, choose Save for Web & Devices rather than Save as command.
Supported file formats
Images |
Video |
Audio |
| Postscript encapsulated (.eps) FlashPix (.fpx) GIF (.gif) JPEG / JFIF (.jpg) JPEG 2000 (.jp2) (MacOs) MacPaint (.mac) (MacOS) PDF (.pdf)(MacOS) Photoshop (.psd) PICS (.pcs) (MacOS) PICT (.pct) PNG (.png) Fichier image QuickTime (.qt) SGI (.sgi) Targa (.tga) TIFF (.tif) Bitmap Windows (.bmp) Metafile/Enhanced Metafile (.wmf/.emf) (Windows) |
AVI Cubic VR DV (.dv) FLC Karaoke (.kar) Macromedia Flash 5 MPEG (Lecture) Video QuckTime (.qtm) QuickTime VR Virtual Reality (VR) |
AIFF (.aiff) AU Audio CD data MIDI (.mid) MP3 (.mp3) SoundFont2 (.sf2) Sound (.snd) Wav (.wav) |