MGI Batch Converter User’s Guide Windows Version
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents About this guide............................................................................................................................. 4 Minimum system requirements .................................................................................................... 4 Installing Batch Converter ............................................................................................................ 4 Supported file formats................................................................................................................... 4 Batch Converter basics................................................................................................................. 5 About the Flashpix format ............................................................................................................ 5 Adding image files to the batch list ............................................................................................. 7 Removing image files .................................................................................................................... 8 Sorting image files......................................................................................................................... 9 Working with batch list files ......................................................................................................... 9
Saving a batch list file ................................................................................................ 10 Opening a batch list file ............................................................................................. 10 Starting a new batch list file ....................................................................................... 11 Setting image properties............................................................................................................. 11
Setting properties for a single file............................................................................... 12 Setting properties for multiple files ............................................................................. 12 Converting files ............................................................................................................................ 13
Converting all files ..................................................................................................... 14 Converting selected files............................................................................................ 14 Stopping the conversion .......................................................................................................... 15 Pausing the conversion ........................................................................................................... 16 Viewing the batch log .................................................................................................................. 16 About alpha channels in Flashpix files ..................................................................................... 20
Changing the alpha channel settings in Photoshop ................................................... 20 About the batch log file ............................................................................................................... 20
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Chapter 1: Getting Started
CHAPTER 1: Getting Started Welcome to Batch Converter, the comprehensive Flashpix™ conversion tool that lets you convert single images or batches of images to the Flashpix (FPX) format.
About this guide This guide provides information about using the Batch Converter and is intended for all user levels. • • • •
Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” lists system requirements and offers an introduction to the application, including a summary of features and supported file formats. Chapter 2, “Using the Batch Converter,” describes the features in more detail and gives instructions on converting images to the Flashpix format. Chapter 3, “Conversion Status Messages,” describes the types of error messages you might encounter using the Batch Converter and the situations that cause them to occur. Appendix discusses alpha channels and the contents of the Batch Log file.
Note: For updates to the Batch Converter and supported file formats, visit the MGI Software web site at www.mgisoft.com in the Products section.
Minimum system requirements To use Batch Converter, make sure your system has at least these minimum requirements: • • • • • •
Windows 95 or NT 4.0 Pentium® 150 MHz or higher 32 MB RAM 4MB hard disk space for the Batch Converter application and documentation Additional hard disk space required for storing converted images Microsoft® Internet Explorer® version 3.0 or later; Batch Converter requires some files that are installed with Internet Explorer, such as URLMON.DLL.
Installing Batch Converter You need the file BatchCon.zip, which you can find on your Zoom Server CD or visit the MGI Software web site at www.mgisoft.com to download. The file BatchCon.zip contains the following: • • •
Batch Converter application files (BatchCon.exe and Pcdlib32.dll) Readme file (readme.html and MGILogo.gif) Batch Converter User's Guide (BatchWin.pdf)
To install the Batch Converter and documentation files, unzip the file BatchCon.zip to the directory of your choice. Make sure you keep all the files in the same directory.
Supported file formats Batch Converter converts the following image file formats to the Flashpix format: • • •
JPEG TIFF Photo CD
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Chapter 1: Getting Started Note: The TIFF image file format has many extensions, which are too numerous to list here. Batch Converter supports most, but not all of the TIFF extensions.
Batch Converter basics The Batch Converter application has a main window, which includes: • • • •
A menu bar and toolbar Text boxes that show the selected destination directory, the conversion status of the current file, and the status of the total conversion process A batch list that shows image file details, such as file size, and file type A status bar that indicates the total size and number of files in the batch list, and how many files are selected
With the Batch Converter, you can: • • • • • • • • • •
Add files to and remove files from the batch list View the batch list with or without details Sort the batch list by source or destination name, source format, and source or destination size Save a batch file list for future reference and conversions Browse for a destination directory for the converted files Select contiguous or non-contiguous files in the list to convert, or convert all of the files at once Modify image property settings, such as naming the destination image, setting compression and quality, and selecting the color space Start, pause, and stop the conversion process Monitor the current status of each image as it converts, as well as the status of the overall conversion process View the batch log file
About the Flashpix format The Flashpix format is a cutting-edge technology for digital imaging that is based on a multiple-resolution, tiled data structure, often referred to as an image pyramid. The pyramid structure allows for rapid access to image data at any level of resolution and any spatial selection. Each version is subdivided into square tiles 64 x 64 pixels in size. The base of the pyramid represents the source image at full resolution. As you move up the pyramid, each level contains a pre-filtered version of the image that is one quarter the size of the image at the level below.
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Chapter 1: Getting Started
The hierarchical structure of a Flashpix file lets Flashpix-enabled applications select the appropriate resolution for a given operation and process only the portion of the image needed. For instance, a web browser can display a low-resolution version of an image for fast downloading, then print the same image with maximum quality when requested. The Flashpix format also supports the structured storage of data related to an image, such as content descriptions and transformations. The Flashpix file format was developed by Eastman Kodak Company in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, and Live Picture, Inc. The Flashpix format is a trademark of the Digital Imaging Group (DIG). For more information, visit the DIG web site at http://digitalimaging.org/
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
CHAPTER 2: Using the Batch Converter The Batch Converter lets you convert JPEG, TIFF, and Photo CD files to the Flashpix format individually or in a batch process. You can convert up to 1,000 image files in one batch process, and you can convert selected files within a batch process. You start the conversion process by adding image files to a batch list. You can remove files from this list, and you can sort it by different categories. Batch Converter allows you to save your batch list in a file for future use. Before you start the conversion process, you can also set image properties. Once conversion has started, you can halt or stop the process at any time.
Adding image files to the batch list You can add single files, a group of selected files, or all of the files in a folder from a local or remote location to your batch list. When you choose to add all image files in a folder, the Batch Converter adds only those files with supported file formats. To add image files to the batch list: 1. Double-click the file BatchCon.exe to launch the Batch Converter. The main window appears.
2. Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Add Images button. From the Images menu, choose Add.
The Add Images dialog box appears. 3. Navigate to the folder on a local or network drive that contains the images you want to convert. Images in the supported file formats will appear.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
4. Select the file or files to convert, as follows: • To select non-contiguous files, hold down the CTRL key as you click files. • To select contiguous files, click the first file, then hold down the SHIFT key as you click the last file in your selection. • To select all files in the folder displayed in the Add Images dialog box, place your cursor inside the dialog box and press CTRL+A. 5. In the Add Images dialog box, click Add. The Batch Converter main window shows the files you’ve added. The File Size field shows the size of the original image before conversion to Flashpix.
You can also drag and drop image files into the main window. Note: If an icon appears to the left of an image file in your batch list, an error occurred. See “Conversion Status Messages” for details. You can save your selection of files as a batch list file, for conversion at a later date, for example. See “Working with batch list files” for details.
Removing image files The Batch Converter allows you to permanently remove image files from your batch list at any time. You can select single or multiple files to remove.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
To remove image files from the batch list: 1. Select the file or files you want to remove. • To select non-contiguous files, hold down the CTRL key as you click files. • To select contiguous files, click the first file, then hold down the SHIFT key as you click the last file in your selection. • To select all files, press CTRL+A. 2. Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Remove Images button. From the Images menu, choose Remove.
The selected image files disappear from the batch list.
Sorting image files Batch Converter allows you to sort the image files in your batch list by different categories: • • • • •
Source name Source format Source size Destination name Destination size
Within these categories, you can also choose whether to sort the image files in an ascending or descending order. You access the sorting options through the View menu.
To sort image files: 1. From the View menu, choose Arrange Icons>Ascending or Arrange Icons>Descending. 2. From the View menu, choose Arrange Icons, then select a category.
Working with batch list files The Batch Converter works with batch list (.bls) files. This gives you easy access to a batch of files you might want to convert more than once. You can reopen a batch list file in the Batch Converter to review the list of converted files, to add or remove image files, or to convert the files again using different output properties. MGI Batch Converter for Windows
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
Saving a batch list file After you save a batch list file, the name of the file appears in the title bar of the Batch Converter main window. If you haven’t saved your batch list, you’ll see the name “Untitled.” To save a batch list file: 1. Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Save button. From the File menu, choose Save.
The Save As dialog box appears.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to save your batch list file. 3. Type a name for your batch list file. 4. Click Save.
Opening a batch list file You might want to reopen a batch list file and add more files to the list, remove some files, or perform another conversion process. To open a batch list file: 1. Launch the Batch Converter. 2. Do one of the following: • On your computer, navigate to the batch list file, then drag and drop it into the main window. • If you have recently used the batch list file, open it by selecting it from the list of recently opened files in the File menu. • •
In the toolbar, click the Open button. From the File menu, choose Open.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
The Open dialog box appears.
Navigate to the batch list file you want to open and click Open or double-click the file icon. Just like any other file, you can also open a batch list file by double-clicking it in Windows Explorer or in a My Computer window.
Starting a new batch list file If you’re working with a batch list file, you’ll need to close it to start a new batch list file. If you’ve made any changes to the open batch list file, you’ll be prompted to save those changes before closing and starting the new file. To start a new batch list file: •
Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the New button. From the File menu, choose New.
If you’re working with a previously saved batch list file, the Batch Converter closes that file and clears the window. If you’re working with a batch list that you haven’t saved or closing a batch list file you’ve modified, a dialog box appears, prompting you to choose whether or not to save the changes.
Setting image properties Before you begin the conversion process, you can set properties for your destination image files: compression and color space for single or multiple destination files and filename for a single destination file. The Image Properties dialog box shows source image properties, including the width, height, resolution, and color space.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter Note: A checkmark with an arrow to the left of an image file indicates a previously converted file. The icon disappears when you change the destination file properties, and the file is then ready for conversion.
Setting properties for a single file To set image properties for a single file: 1. Do one of the following: • Select the file and click the Properties button in the toolbar. • Select the file, then choose Properties from the Images menu. • Double-click the file in the Batch Converter list. The Image Properties dialog box appears.
2. Set any of the following properties: • •
In the Destination name field, type a new name for the converted Flashpix file. Set whether or not to use compression when converting the image. The Batch Converter uses JPEG compression.
If you choose to compress the image, set the quality to a number between 0 and 100, where 100 is the highest quality and lowest compression, and 0 is the lowest quality and the highest compression. To maintain image quality, it’s best to compress an image only once. If you are converting a compressed image, such as a JPEG, don’t apply more compression during the conversion process. • Choose a color space of RGB or Grayscale. 3. Click OK.
Setting properties for multiple files To set image properties for multiple files: 1. Select the files by doing one of the following: • To select non-contiguous files, hold down the CTRL key as you click files. • To select contiguous files, click the first file, then hold down the SHIFT key as you click the last file in your selection. • To select all files, press CTRL+A. 2. Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Properties button. From the Images menu, choose Properties.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter The Multiple Image Properties dialog box appears.
3. Set compression and color space properties: • Set whether or not to use compression when converting the image. The Batch Converter uses JPEG compression. If you choose to compress the image, set the quality to a number between 0 and 100, where 100 is the highest quality and lowest compression, and 0 is the lowest quality and the highest compression. To maintain image quality, it’s best to compress an image only once. If you are converting a compressed image, such as a JPEG, don’t apply more compression during the conversion process. • Choose a color space of RGB or Grayscale. 4. Click OK.
Converting files After you selected your files to convert, set the destination directory where you want to save the .fpx files. You can convert selected images in the list and save them to different destination directories. As the conversion takes place, the main window displays the status for both the file that is currently being converted and the total conversion progress. The following table describes the icons that might appear to the left of each file in the list before or after the conversion. If there is no icon to the left of a file, it is ready for conversion. Conversion impossible User intervention required to start the conversion File being converted File converted successfully File converted successfully during a previous conversion and will be skipped unless properties are changed Conversion failed Note: For details about error messages, see “Conversion Status Messages.”
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter
Converting all files The following steps describe how to convert all files in the current batch list. To convert all files in your batch list: 1. Determine the directory where you want to place the converted files by doing one of the following: • In the Destination Directory field, type the path to a destination directory. • Click Browse and navigate to the destination directory. Note: When the Batch Converter launches, the destination directory indicated in the main window is the directory from which the application is running. If you change the destination directory, the status will change for any files previously converted or not converted due to errors. As a result, a file can be flagged as needing intervention. For more details, see “Conversion Status Messages.” 2. Start the conversion process by doing one of the following: • From the Convert menu, choose All. •
Make sure that no image file is selected and click the Convert button.
As the files convert, you’ll see the status of the current file as well as the status of the overall conversion progress. A checkmark with an arrow to the left of an image file indicates that is has successfully been converted; the pointer indicates that conversion of the associated file is in progress.
Converting selected files The following steps describe how to convert a single file or multiple selected files. To convert selected files: 1. Determine the directory where you want to place the converted files by doing one of the following: • In the Destination Directory field, type the path to a destination directory. • Click Browse and navigate to the destination directory. Note: When the Batch Converter launches, the destination directory indicated in the main window is the directory from which the application is running. If you change the destination directory, the status will change for any files previously converted or not converted due to errors. As a result, a file can be flagged as needing intervention. For more details, see “Conversion Status Messages.” 2. Click an image file to select it or select multiple files by doing one of the following:
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter • •
To select non-contiguous files, hold down the CTRL key as you click files. To select contiguous files, click the first file, then hold down the SHIFT key as you click the last file in your selection. 3. Start the conversion process by doing one of the following: • • From the Convert menu, choose Selected. •
• In the toolbar, click the Convert button.
At the prompt, click Selected.
As the files convert, you’ll see the status of the current file as well as the status of the overall conversion progress. A checkmark with an arrow to the left of an image file indicates that is has successfully been converted; the pointer indicates that conversion of the associated file is in progress.
Stopping the conversion You can stop the conversion to add or delete files in the batch list, or to change settings. To stop the conversion process: •
Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Stop button. From the Convert menu, choose Stop.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter A confirmation dialog box appears prompting you to confirm the request to stop or to cancel it and continue with the conversion process.
Pausing the conversion You can pause the conversion to temporarily halt the process, for example, to perform other tasks that require more computing power. To pause the conversion process: •
Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the Pause button. From the Convert menu, choose Pause.
The conversion process is suspended until you click the Pause button again to resume where you left off.
Viewing the batch log Batch Converter creates two types of logs: • •
A temporary batch log window that contains the details of all converted images in a Batch Converter session. Each time you exit Batch Converter, this log clears. When you start a new session, Batch Converter creates a new temporary log. A permanent batch log file (associated with each saved batch list file) that contains the details of all converted images in the same destination directory. Batch Converter updates this file each time you add converted images to that destination directory.
The batch log file has the same name as your batch list file and includes: •
A header line indicating how many files are converted in this batch and the starting date and time of the conversion • Information about each converted file, including: • A header line indicating the numeric position of the file in the list, and the starting date and time for the conversion process • The full path to the source image, and the image format and size • The full path to the destination image and the image format and size (if the conversion was successful) • The compression type, quality, and color space of the destination image. • The status of the conversion and any error messages that might occur • The date and time the conversion of this file completed, and the elapsed time it took to perform the conversion (if it was successful) • A summary of the entire conversion process, including: • The ending date and time • The number of files converted, skipped, or not converted due to errors To view the temporary batch log: •
Do one of the following: • •
In the toolbar, click the View Batch Log button. From the View menu, choose Batch Log.
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Chapter 2: Using the Batch Converter The batch log for this session appears in the Batch Converter Log window.
To view a permanent batch log: 1. Using My Computer or Windows Explorer, navigate to the destination directory of the batch list file for which you want to view the log file. 2. Double-click the file to open it. You can view the log in any text editor.
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Chapter 3: Conversion Status Messages
CHAPTER 3: Conversion Status Messages This chapter describes the conversion status messages and some situations that might cause them. The three most common types of status messages include: • • •
Conversion Impossible—You tried to add files that cannot be converted, such as files in an unsupported format. A message appears in the Batch Converter Log window indicating why the file could not be converted, and the file doesn’t appear in the batch list. Intervention Required—User intervention is required, for example, when two files have the same destination name and place. A message appears in the Batch Converter Log window indicating why a file cannot be converted until you take action. Conversion Failed—A file conversion fails during the conversion process. Such messages appear in the Batch Converter Log window and the permanent log.
The following table lists some situations that might cause the conversion status to be set to Impossible and shows the icon that appears to the left of the image file in the list: Errors resulting in a conversion status of “Impossible” The input file does not exist. The input format is not supported or specified. The input color format is not supported or specified. The batch list is full. Any other error that occurs while attempting to add an image to the list. The following table lists some situations that might cause the conversion status to be set to Intervention Required and shows the icon that appears to the left of the image file in the list: Errors resulting in a version status of “Intervention Required” The destination filename specified is already used as a destination by another file in the batch list. You cannot write to the destination directory. The destination filename is too long The output color format is not supported for a file of the specified format. The output file already exists and is read-only. Any other errors that occur while setting output properties.
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Chapter 3: Conversion Status Messages Note: You need to change the properties of these files before you can convert them. Alternatively, you could remove all files that are causing a conflict, which then automatically restores the conversion status to “Ready to Convert.” The following table lists some situations that might cause the conversion status to be set to Failed and shows the icon that appears to the left of the image file in the list: Errors resulting in a conversion status of “Failed” The destination directory does not have space for the output file. Memory card could not be obtained during conversion. The conversion process returned an error. You can attempt to fix these errors and reconvert the file, even though the first attempt failed.
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Appendix
Appendix This appendix contains information about working with alpha channels in Flashpix files, and it describes the contents of the permanent batch log file.
About alpha channels in Flashpix files Photoshop and other image-editing applications use alpha channels as masks for modifying or enhancing an image. In most image formats, alpha channels and color channels remain independent of one another. You can apply multiple alpha channels to an image and modify them. The Flashpix specification allows only one alpha channel in a Flashpix image. For this reason, the original image you want to convert to Flashpix can have no more than one alpha channel. In most image formats, alpha channels may represent opacity or transparency information. The single alpha channel in a Flashpix file can function only as an opacity channel. Although Flashpix supports both opacity channels and compression, the two together do not produce the highest quality images, so compression is not recommended.
Changing the alpha channel settings in Photoshop When you use Photoshop to open a Flashpix image containing an alpha channel, you need to change the channel settings so the Flashpix image will appear correctly. To change the alpha channel settings: 1. In the Channels palette, double-click the alpha channel. The Channel Options dialog box appears. 2. Select Masked Areas, set the opacity to 100%, choose the color you want, and click OK. Important: In the current Flashpix specification, color channels are premultiplied with the alpha channel, and the resulting color values are applied permanently to the source image. Consequently, modifications to a Flashpix image made using alpha channels cannot be reversed.
About the batch log file The batch log file contains information about the file conversion. You can open it using any text editor. The following shows each line in a batch log file and its description. [Batch Converter 1.0] The main header line, which contains the version of the Batch Converter used to save the file Main Destination Directory=C:\Projects\ The directory shown in the Destination Directory field in the Batch Converter main window Image Count=1 The number of images in the list (must be between 0 to 1000) Note: The following group of lines are repeated once for each image. Source File=C:\Projects\Michigan Projects\Windsor The path to and the name of the source file to convert
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Appendix Destination File=C:\Projects\Windsor.fpx The path to and the name of the output file after conversion to the Flashpix format Destination Directory Type=0 The destination directory type of the output file—must be 0 Destination Format=1 The format of the output file—must be 1 Destination Size=1406464 The destination size of the output file Compression=0 The compression type of the output file, where 0 = no compression and 1 = JPEG compression Compression Percent=60 The compression quality setting of the output file, which can be 0–100 Destination Color Space=0 The color space of the output file, as shown in the following list: 0 = RGB (Red/Green/Blue) 1 = ARGB (A = Alpha) 2 = RGBA 3 = YCC (not supported) 4 = AYCC (not supported) 5 = YCAA (not supported) 6 = M (M = Grayscale) 7 = AM 8 = MA 9 = Alpha only Note: The alpha channel setting of the color space for the destination file should be the same as that of the source file. For example, if the color space of the source file is ARGB and you want a grayscale destination file, you should select 7 (AM).
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