Image Sizing Tutorial

Sizing images can be tricky, so here are some basic directions and suggestions. Please realize that these are generic directions, and they may not match what you see in your image editor. Most software does, however, come with a manual that you can reference in case you need more specific directions.

The first thing you should check is the resolution setting in your camera or scanner software. Try to keep your resolution setting at under 150 dpi. Don't use high resolution unless absolutely necessary for image quality. The higher your resolution, the larger in kilobytes your image is going to be. We recommend keeping your images UNDER 50kb for a single image in an auction, and UNDER 20kb apiece for multiple images in an auction.

The second thing to be aware of is that most image editors don't automatically display the image in its actual size (in area.) Images are normally displayed in a standard size so you can see the whole image easily. After you have opened your image in the image editor window, click on the menu option Transform (or Resize - same thing.) There should be an option under that menu to Resize, Resample, or Redimension. Click on this option. You should see a box somewhere on the screen that says "maintain aspect ratio" - make sure that this box is checked. You should also see somewhere on the screen a display of Width and Height in pixels. Try not to exceed 450 total (Width plus Height) pixels, or your image will be too big. Now look for 3 boxes - WSCALE%, HSCALE%, and DATA SIZE.

The data size box will display the image size in kilobytes - you should aim to keep this number under 50. You can manipulate this number by changing the percentages in either the WSCALE% or the HSCALE% boxes. Once your image is sized, click "OK". You might want to now further enhance the image (this is optional and may not be necessary.) Your image editor should give you the option to increase brightness, darkness, sharpness, etc. On the menu bar, look for an enhance button (or something to that effect.) When your image is displayed to your liking, just save it and it should be ready to upload!

You may want to try a compression utility such as Jpeg Cruncher (available at http://www.spinwave.com ) You can also download various compression utilities at http://www.downloads.com