Making JPEG images smaller using Microsoft picture it

[Greenwood]

I have some good photos which I would like to upload, but there about 650kb. I've only got microsoft picture it and Epson PhotoQuicker on the XP, and I need to make the photos smaller. How do I do it - anyone know?

[robertspotswood]

The GIMP is available free (http://www.gimp.org). Now assuming you have decent software, there are really only three ways to make a jpg smaller.

1) Crop the picture and thereby reduce the total amount of information, or

2) Increase the compression. Of course increasing the compression makes the picture look worse, or

3) Scale the picture. This does reduce the detail in the picture however.

In the end, getting the picture the correct size (in kb) will probably require all three. Start with item 1 first. Sometimes a *good* cropping can actually improve the picture from an artistic point of view.

Try not to compress below about 80% (85-95 is the good range IMHO). Below that, things start looking bad (in general, there are exceptions).

If after the above 2 your picture is still above to large, scaling is the only option left. Since TE does have size limits, 800x800, you are probably going to have to scale it anyways, so try this second.

[dharbott]

The Gimp is a good photo editor, but probably too complex for someone new to photo editing.
There are loads of simple image editing software out there - if you browse the Digital Photo mags in a good newsagent you're bound to find several offering free imaging software.
Didn't your camera come with some simple photo editing software anyway?

If you really want to get into image editing I recommend you either persevere with The Gimp (free), or buy PhotoShop Elements (now at version 3) or PaintShop Pro - your choice, read the on-line reviews and buy some magazines.

[ladyh]

Hi there, I use a very old and cheap version of MGI for resizing (version 8.1) I only use this particual program for this task. I tend to use MGI platinum 3 for most of other work. I also use ulead, Coral, well theres too many to mention. If you go to:

http://www.mgisoft.com/products/photosuite/index_noflash.asp

You can probably buy from there and it's quite cheap too. I think it's around £50.

I'm not sure I'm aloud to say this but also if you go to

www.zdnet.com or www.cnet.com

They have thousands of different photo editing programs on freeware or sharewear. (you just have to download)

Good luck, and have fun

Helen xxx

[Greenwood]

Thanks for the help guys - though I'm might have to go for the freebie options - bit short on cash!!!

[Greenwood]

Thanks again, been on the websites, but my connections a bit slow - any other ideas?

[Greenwood]

Thanks again, been on the websites, but my connections a bit slow - any other ideas?

[ladyh]

hmmm......... win the lottery?... :-)

Oh I've just had an idea.

www.photoisland.com

This is a nice web based photowork shop, you upload your photo's and you can do almost anything with them. then you can have an album online but it's private and if you want anyone to view them then you invite them to view with their own specific password.

It's a nice site and I have used it often although I had forgotten about it so I might nip over there in a min and have a play with pics I've stored on there.

You have to register first but it's simple and quick.

Hope this helps

Helen xxxx

[ladyh]

Sorry.... couldnt get the page up so had to go through a few back doors.

Here is the address from the page

http://pacific.photoisland.com/servlet/com.arcsoft.LoginNew?com=arcsoftBanner&awp=index3.html&DIRECT=show

have fun xx

[Greenwood]

Thanks again !!

[robertspotswood]

An internet cafe (or friend with a good connection, etc) and a USB flash drive (or a CD-R).

[stylusuk]

a simple way to reduce image size is right click on image select send to mail recipient you are offerd a choice of sizes,select size required outlook express will open.go to file save attachment to desktop then close outlook express you now have a reduced image on your desktop ready to upload