# Selecting Objects

Objects are editable components from which you can compose a photo product; that is images, layouts and backgrounds.

For many photo products specific product properties are shown and can be adjusted at the top of the window.

The object browser is subdivided into tabs for the various object types that you can insert into the product editor. The tab layout changes to reflect the product you are editing.

The tabs:

## Images

The object browser for images is subdivided into two tabs: "Local" and "Web albums".

### The "Local" tab

In this tab you will find the images that you have stored locally, that is, on your computer. In a similar style to your operating system’s explorer, you can navigate to the image directories on your storage media in the top section of the "Object Selector".

Please note: If you have inserted an image from a removable medium (data CD/DVD, USB stick) into your photo product, do not forget to save the photo product (photo book, calendar, etc.) before you remove the removable medium. Otherwise the software will output an error message because it is unable to find the image file. Saving creates a copy of the image on disc which the program will then access.

All the images in the directory you have selected are shown below this.
Images that you have already used in your photo book are checked.

You can change the thumbnail view size using the zoom slider at the bottom.

The drop-down menu (right click the image view) gives you various view, sort and paste options:

#### "Find similar"

After selecting an image, this function finds images in the same directory that you either photographed at the same time (by date and time) and/or that look similar. You can use the slider to set the degree of similarity. This function is not availalbe for print orders.

#### "As background"

These commands let you add an image of your own as the background for right, left or both pages (double page spread). In contrast to backgrounds supplied with the software, images that you insert as backgrounds can be edited in the product editor by double clicking and then using the photo viewer.

#### "Selected images as collage..."

Creates a collage from multiple selected images. The size and position of the images is random. You can execute this command multiple times in succession until you are satisfied with the results.

#### "Sort by..."

Sorts images either alphabetically by filename or chronologically by date and time of capture.

#### "Update directory"

If you add image files to the current directory while you are working with the photo software, the new photos may not be display immediately. This command forces the software to reload the directory and thus the thumbnails.

#### "Display filename"

Displays or hides the filename below the thumbnails.

#### "Sort by color"

Displays the images by colour grouped in a separate window.
Horizontally or vertically adjacent images will match well on the same page in your photo book. Double clicking the image inserts it into the photo product. Tip: Make sure you select a background with a matching or complimentary colour.

#### "PHOTO BOOK Assistant"

Launches the Photo Book Assistant.
(See the chapter "The Photo Book Assistant".)

#### "Photo Show"

Launches the photo show. (See the chapter "Photo Show".)
The Photo Show (with image editing functions) can also be launched by double clicking the preview image.
Caution: If you edit an image in the object browser and not in the workspace, the original file is overwritten with the edited version when you save your work. If you want to avoid this, save the edited image under a different name in the photo show, or insert the image into the product editor first, and then open it in the photo viewer from this source (when you save, select the option "Only for this order").

### The "Web Albums" tab

This tab gives you the option of registering with the "locr" and "flickr" photo communities and adding the photos you upload to these addresses to your photo product.
If you are not a member of these communities, you can use the "Info" link to register.
For "locr" you also have the option of automatically uploading the images you use for your order to "locr".

### Inserting images

To insert an image into your photo product, hold down the left mouse button and drag it from the object browser to the product editor desktop or to the required layout frame The image will click into the layout frame.

The layout frame will react in two possible ways:

1. The image scales to match the layout frame. The layout frame remains unchanged and the height or width of the image is modified, depending on which aspect of the image and the frame offers the best match.
   Any parts of the image that extend beyond the frame are no longer visible, but you can scale the height and width of the layout frame and use the "Scale down image" / "Scale up image" tools to define the image selection shown in the frame.

2. The layout frame scales to match the image. You can see the "whole" of the image, and the layout frame changes to match the longer side of the image. Again you can scale the layout frame. If you use the handles at the corners to scale the layout frame, the aspect will be kept and the image will automatically scale. If you scale only the width and height of the layout frame, the parts of the image that are outside the layout frame are no longer visible.
   When scaling the layout frame up or down, the image is scaled with the frame; if you use the lateral handles for scaling this is not the case, and you will need to scale down the image manually inside the frame using the "Scale down image" function.

You can set the layout frame behavior using the options in the header for all images you insert. For more details, see the Chapter "Program Options".

## Layout

Here are two tabs, "Page layout" and "Image Masks".

While page layouts apply to the pages in your photo product, the image masks only apply to individual images.

#### Page layout

A page layout is a group of images and text fields in the product editor workspace.

Some pre-defined layouts are provided and you can save and reassign your own layouts too.

The default setting in the selection box is "Display all…", however, you can also restrict the layout preview to the number of images you wish to use in the layout via the selection box.

Double clicking the preview applies the layout to both of the pages that are shown; to apply the layout to one page only, hold down the left mouse button and drag the layout to the required page.
Alternatively you can use the buttons "Apply layout to left page", "Apply layout to right page", "Apply layout to both pages", "Apply layout to both visible pages", and "Apply layout to all pages in book" at the bottom.

#### Image Masks

An image mask crops the image to a specific, selectable shape just like a template. The edges of the image can be in sharp focus or gradually blend into the background depending on the template you choose.

Examples:

You can drag a passepartout onto the required image or the required layout frame in the product editor. The effect is immediately visible.

## Design

The "Design" object selection is typically divided into three tabs: "Background", "Content", and "Clipart".

#### Background

A selection box lists backgrounds sorted by topic or application. The default setting is "Multicolor".

"Multicolor" backgrounds are backgrounds with patterns that you can select in 36 different colors.

Previews of the backgrounds are shown in the preview area below the selection box.

To insert a background, double click its preview image: this applies the background to the double page spread. To apply the background to a single page, hold down the left mouse button and drag the image to the required page, or use the buttons at the bottom of the object browser.

Alternatively, you can use the drop-down menu (right click the preview image with the mouse) to apply the background to all pages, all left pages, or all right pages.

You can download and install additional backgrounds off the Internet by pressing the "More downloads..." button.

You can also use your own images as backgrounds for pages.

#### Templates

Only for photo products which optionally support templates, e.g. calendars, and some photo gifts.

You can add more templates by pressing the button "Download more" in the object browser (as described in the chapter "Additional Features").

#### Cliparts

Clipart refers to graphics used to brighten up your pages.

Select a clipart that you like, and drag it into the product editor.

You can position the clipart freely and scale it without loss.

## Frame

Only for canvases and deco posters with floater frame.

You can select the color and structure of the picture frame which will hold your canvas or deco poster.