How to Zip Your Image Files by Barry Baker

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How To Zip Your Image Files by Barry Baker

Instead of spending an endless amount of time at your computer attaching many separate image files for e-mailing or ftp transfer; let’s explore a much faster method using a zip program. A zip program will allow you to literally “zip up” multiple files into one folder. Once zipped, these files can then easily be sent as a single attachment in e-mail or uploaded for online printing purposes. When the recipient receives the zipped file, it is simply unzipped for use.

Zipping does not automatically compress or shrink your image files unless you specifically select that option offered on some programs. If you are e-mailing your images, you must be certain that the zipped folder is not larger than the maximum size allowed by the recipient’s e-mail service. If you are using the ftp service of a photo lab, the size of the file must generally be limited to 2GB. An ftp (file transfer protocol) service is a way to upload large files directly from computer to computer as opposed to sending them via e- mail. Arlington Camera offers this type of service so you can easily upload your images to our lab for processing and pick up your finished prints later the same day. Our easy to use ftp address is: http://dropbox. yousendit.com/arlingtoncamera.

So how do you zip your files? First, you will need a zip program. If you do not already have a program, such as WinZip, on your computer I would like to recommend a free software program called Zip Genius. This program can be downloaded at http://www.zipgenius.it/eng/index.php. This user-friendly zip utility is designed to run under any version of Windows and doesn’t even require registration in order to use all its features.

Here are the easy steps to get you started:

Step One: Create a new folder on your desktop for your photos to be zipped. If you will be sending the folder to a photo lab for processing, it would be best to name this folder with your last name and indicate the paper surface that you prefer for processing.

Step Two: Open the new folder and 1) If you desire one print size and the same number of prints for each image, then simply copy the files into the folder or 2) If you prefer different sizes prints and enlargements, you will need to create folders within the master folder for each size desired. Example: Create a master folder named “Porter/Glossy”, and then create folders within the master folder named “8x10” or “5x7”. Inside of each of these sub-folders you can create folders for different print quantities such as 1 each, 2 each and so forth.

Step Three: Copy your image files into the correct folders. Don't be concerned about duplicating the image files if they are needed for different size prints. Just copy each image into the correct folders. The advantage of this system is that you have created a personalized folder layout. This layout will clearly instruct the printer what to do as he or she opens each folder, thus avoiding miscommunication and mistakes.

Step Four: Zip up the master folder. To do this procedure, you right click on the master folder and select the zip program. Zip Genius will then offer you five options for zipping. The first one is add to (name of folder) archive. Select this option. You will then see the program zip up your folder. When the process is complete you will have a zipped version of the master folder on your desktop. Arlington Camera Photo Tips 1 Copyright 2008. Arlington Camera, Inc. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/map/Desktop/PDF%20File%20for%20Zip%20Tips.html (1 of 2) [1/25/2008 2:23:41 PM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/map/Desktop/PDF%20File%20for%20Zip%20Tips.html

Step Five: To complete the entire process you simply either e-mail or ftp (upload) the folder to the desired recipient.

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to zip your image files!