Tips on Scanning Images for Austin Real Estate Connection
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Paint Shop Pro users can follow our step-by-step Scanning Tutorial (this link will open a new
window - simply close it to return to this page).
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Requirements & Tips for Scanning:
There is a huge difference between scanning for output to print media (paper) and scanning for output to a computer monitor for use on the WWW when viewed through a browser. When you are scanning for the Web, it is very important to keep the file size small (under 20-30k) so that they load faster.
Scanning Resolution
Always render for SCREEN RESOLUTION never for paper. So that means 72dpi is your final output NOT 300 dpi. Dpi means "Dots Per Inch".
Color Photos
When scanning color photos, scan them in 16 million colors (true colors). Color photos compress better and also render better quality as JPEG images at 16 million colors rather
than GIF images at 256 colors.
Black & White Images
When scanning outlines (floorplans, plats) or any other black and white images, scan them in grayscale (sometimes called "sharp black and white photo" or "256 grays"), not black and white (sometimes called "bitmap" or "line art" or "drawing"). You'll get much cleaner lines with grays. As with photos, the final file should be only 72 dpi in resolution, no matter what resolution you used to scan it.
Resizing the Image
Once you have the scanned image open in your graphic program, resize the image. If you are using Paint Shop Pro, go to the top menu and click on image resize. That will open up a resize options box, click on custom size, and enter the new size in the text boxes. Make sure the maintain aspect ratio checkbox is checked. The recommended size for images for our listing service is 350 pixels in width. Just type in 350 on the width box and the height of the image will automatically be scaled down. For vertical shots, change the height of the image to 350 pixels. The resulting file should be under 40k in size. Obviously, occassionally some images will have to be a bit larger because they are tall or excessively wide but the rule is total of a page should never exceed 40-50 k when at all possible. No one appreciates using a 14.4 modem to load a huge image and not abiding by these simple rules will keep people from returning to your site.
Saving the Image
Save the image as a JPG with compression set to "good" or "medium" or "60ish" depending on the program you are using. File size is crucial, since many of our viewers are using modems from half the world away, and bandwidth is a luxury. Smaller is better. Try for less than 25k when the file is compressed. We will not accept a file larger than 30k. JPGs give you larger images in smaller files.
Black and white or grayscale images must be in "gif" format. When doing a file save as, if you can't find "gif" in the list of file types, thats probably because the image is in 16 million colors. To save a file as a gif, you must decrease the color depth to 256 colors first. To do this in Paint Shop Pro, go to the menu and click on colors, decrease color depth, and select 256 colors.
Be sure to name the photo with the property id number and two digit code as follows:
EXAMPLE: 12345el.jpg
el.gif or jpg (Exterior of property)
ex.gif or jpg (Exterior 2nd image)
fp.gif or jpg (Floorplan image)
fb.gif or jpg (2nd floorplan image)
fc.gif or jpg (3rd floorplan image)
mb.gif or jpg (Master bath image)
ma.gif or jpg (Master bedroom image)
ki.gif or jpg (Kitchen image)
dn.gif or jpg (Den or study image)
gr.gif or jpg (Gameroom image)
ma.gif or jpg (Master bedroom image)
lr.gif or jpg (Living area image)
dr.gif or jpg (Dining area image)
ar.gif or jpg (Aerial image)
pl.gif or jpg (Plat image)
mp.gif or jpg (Location map)
ls.gif or jpg (Landscape/yard image)
po.gif or jpg (Pool image)
gt.gif or jpg (Gated entrance)
ot.gif or jpg (Other image)
vw.gif or jpg (View)
sn.gif or jpg (Signage)
se.gif or jpg (Side exterior)
Scanning Programs:
You will need a graphic program and a scanner connected to your computer to get started on scanning images. The best inexpensive program (downloaded as shareware) is Paint Shop Pro. You may also purchase this program at a local computer store for about $50.00. Short learning curve required. This program will accomplish most of what you need for basic web graphic work. We use this program for almost all of our scanning projects as it is fast and accurate in rendering. Use our Paint Shop Pro Tutorial for great results.
The best all round graphic program is Adobe Photoshop, which retails for about $600. It has a fairly steep learning curve and is only necessary if you have artistic ability and the need to develop high level graphics. Excellent how to tutorials abound on the net for creating nifty things with Photoshop.
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