• Printing, Copying & Scanning
• Indoor & Outdoor Exhibition Graphics & POS
• Photo Gifts; Calendars,
  Canvas Prints, Mugs
  T-Shirts and more..
• Machine Sales, Consumables
  & Engineer Services
• Design & Draw...
  & Art Materials
• Fine Art & Photographic Print

Frequently asked Questions, Hints and Tips..

Icons?

How do I add pictures?

Clicking on the icon in the “pictures panel/window” on the left hand side of the screen allows you to browse/import the photos you require from your computer. You can add more pictures at any time by clicking on the icon. The software will only add images not already uploaded and you can use the images as many times as you like. Drag and drop your pictures onto your page or use the autoflow feature.

How do I change page layouts for photobooks and posters etc?

Drag in different page styles/layouts, if present, from the bottom panel/window onto your main page/canvas or add your own photo boxes, shapes and text from the main menu.

What is autoflow?

Clicking the icon is a quick start to dragging in a selection of your pictures, based upon suitable picture orientation or picture order, that you have already pulled into the Fotopix pictures panel/window from your computer.

What is the purpose of the right hand panel window (The Inspector Panel)?

This section called the ”Inspector Panel” allows you to get creative with the standard templates and page layouts we provide. Features include the ability to alter the image shape, add a drop shadow, add a border and alter the orientation of the image box. Image colour lets you change the image automatically between full colour, sepia and black and white. You can even make your own background colour.

How do I rotate my images?

There are two ways to do this. Right click on the image in the left hand panel before using it within your document. If you have already placed the image into your document then you can rotate it using the orientation tool in your Inspector panel.

How do I edit, scale or crop an image after I have placed it into a picture box?

Double click on the photo that you want to edit. The image box editor will open and you can define the area you want by "drag and drop", resize if required. You can also move the area around to select the part of the image you want.

My picture resizes when I rotate it, what can I do to fix this?

You will need to open the picture box, by double clicking and select the area of the picture that you want to be displayed by drag and drop.

Can I cut and paste text from other packages into Fotopix?

Yes...use Ctrl-C or Apple-C to copy from your package and then open and double click your text box on the Fotopix page and Ctrl-V or Apple-V to paste the text into the text box.

Can I select my own image as a background?

Yes...You can add your image to the backgrounds tab using the button on the right hand side of the tab. Or 'Drag and drop your picture onto the page, right click, select fit to page or spread and send to back if required. You can change the opacity of this image using the inspector panel.

Do I have to use the pre-set pages?

No... Some products such as calendars open with page styles in place. You can use these or amend to suit. Photo books start with plain pages that can be used and edited as you wish. Just click on your page style and drag it onto your page.

Can I re-order the same book without having to upload my pages again?

Yes...we will retain all files for 3 months, just email our customer service team fotopix@pindersofsheffield.co.uk with your previous order confirmation number to re-order your product. If it has been more than three months you will have to upload your pages again.

What happens if I get warning triangles with the 'low quality message'?

Most images will reproduce OK in the printed product. If you have images from a mobile phone or a low megapixel (2 megapixel for example) camera then the finished print quality will only be as good as the image provided.

What size or resolution should my image be?

Ideally your images should be 300dpi at actual size of print. Canvases require 200dpi at actual size of print. The system will inform you of any images that fall below 200dpi on canvases.

When trying to order my book, calendar or diary the software is telling me that I have empty text boxes, what does this mean?

These products have been designed with a large number of text boxes where you can type your comments, memorable dates etc. If these boxes are left empty the software recognises this and is reporting it to you in the ordering process. Do not worry about it, this message will not stop you from ordering your gift and must be regarded merely as a notice.

What do I do when I am informed of updates?

Check the updates and you choose whether to update the software. If you select any of the boxes available to update then select the start button and your software will start the update process.

Other useful points?

Remember to save your project as you go by clicking the "Hard Disk Icon" or File & Save.

The warning screen is for reference only. You can proceed without having to correct the issues.

Click on the shopping trolley to place your order. Ensure you finalise your order by uploading when prompted. You must go back to your application to upload your order.

Upload time will vary depending on the size and quality of the images used.

Have we missed anything?

If you have any further questions that have not been answered or would like to make a suggestion or comment, please email your query to fotopix@pindersofsheffield.co.uk and we will get back to you shortly.