Picture Imager

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Latest Version 4.1.0

Purpose of Use

The app is designed for single picture processing of high-resolution picture sources. Image copies are created with a reduced file size, which are optionally provided with text information.

Displayed on the image area two texts can be integrated.

Also optionally, text entries are written to the files as metadata (Exif tags). Description texts are then an integral part of the image files and can be displayed at will, e.g. by Web Apps. Entries with information about the original file and the created file are also provided.

If the original is of an appropriate size, cutouts can be created, too.

The resolution of the created image corresponds to the DPI scaling of the screen. For desktop screens, this is usually 96 dpi. This resolution is optimal for display in a browser, but only of limited use for printing.

Four-Step Workflow

The editing takes place in four steps and is completed by saving the preview in the fourth step.

[1] Selection and display of the original picture file

[2] Setting dimensions and image content of the preview

[3] Editing of the preview's contrast

[4] Placing of text on the preview and editing of descriptive Exif tags

Preview changes are displayed directly and processed while switching to the next step resp. saving the file.

Tool Menus

For each step a specific menu with three sections is displayed.

[A] The upper section is for opening or closing the middle section.

[B] In the middle section the specific tool elements are located.

[C] In the lower section there is the button for proceeding to the next step resp. file saving.

Step 1: Selection

In the start window either the selected original picture with original size or a panel with small pictures (miniatures of original pictures) is displayed.

The selection of an original picture can be done directly via the file dialog or the file manager.

The original picture can also be selected using the miniatures panel. This feature is useful for working with a series of pictures.

The selection for filling the panel is made via the file dialog and the File Manager by multiple selection or via the folder dialog.

[Selected Original Picture]

The displayed original image is the basis for the first preview, which is then further worked on in the second step.

If the dimensions of the original image are larger than the dimensions of the window area, it can be dragged into position for inspection and planning cutouts.

The date and time of creation are displayed. The file path can be copied.

The original picture can be removed from the display using the tool menu.

[Miniatures Panel]

When more than one file is opened, miniatures are created and listed on the panel.

The panel can be cleared via the tool menu.

[File Dialog]

The file dialog is started in the tool menu.

After a single image file is selected, the picture is displayed directly with original dimensions.

After multi selection the image files are listed on the panel as miniatures.

[File Explorer]

Single or multi file selection can also be done with the File Explorer.

If a list of files is selected with shortcuts, non-image files are skipped.

[Folder Dialog]

The folder dialog is started via the tool menu. Please note that only folders and no image files are listed and a folder can also be selected in the address bar.

After selection, all image files of the folder and its subfolders will be processed and listed as miniatures on the panel, provided that the number does not exceed the limit and sufficient system resources are available.

[Limit 1.000]

A maximum of 1,000 files can be opened at the same time. If there are more files to be processed, a notice is displayed instead.

[System Resources]

Due to the security concept of the operating system, the app cannot access general system information. If there are not enough system resources available, the app is automatically terminated.

A maximum of 1,024 MByte of working memory is made available to the app. As soon as 1,000 MByte of working memory are in use, the loading process of the panel is canceled.

The used percentage of this limit is displayed next to the number of files still to be processed during loading.

Optionally, the miniatures are created memory-optimized, and several hundred pictures can then be loaded.

Important: Operating the Sliders

For fine tuning, the sliders can be activated with a mouse click and then moved with the left and right arrow keys.

Step 2: Dimensions and Image Content

At the end of this step, the first preview is created. To do this, the image dimensions and the image content are established by means of two independently adjustable layers (the original picture layer at the top and the preview layer as a red area below).

Of the original picture layer, only the area that covers the preview layer is taken over as the preview.

You can easily apply suitable adjustments by selecting from a presets menu.

If the original picture layer is larger than the preview layer, it can be moved using drag & drop.

This is the case, for example, if a preview with a 16:9 ratio is created from an original picture with a 4:3 ratio. This makes the height of the preview smaller and the desired image content from the original must now be placed on the preview layer using drag & drop.

However, if a red area is visible, the preview layer is not completely covered. In this case, the original picture layer must be moved to fit or the adjustments must be made as required (preview layer smaller and/or original picture layer larger).

Important: The original picture layer can only be enlarged up to the size of the original picture.

Using the slider at the bottom, the angle of the original picture layer can be altered moderately in both directions. If necessary, both layers must be adjusted afterwards so that the preview layer is completely covered.

Button in the App Bar

The presets menu is displayed by using the button.

Step 3: Contrast

This step is optional. The contrast of the preview can be changed with a slider. Changes are displayed directly.

Step 4: Text

This step is also optional. Two texts can be displayed directly on the image area of the preview and the content for two descriptive Exif tags can be entered.

Note: This section also describes the other Exif tags.

All text content entered here in a text field is saved temporarily until the app is closed and can be inserted by using a button in the app bar.

Image Captions

Text can be entered for two fields. The captions are displayed directly while being entered.

You can drag and drop the texts to the intended position. Using a drop-down menu, the text fields are centered or placed at the edge, successively if required.

By using a slider, the font can be highlighted with a background.

Metadata (Exif Tags)

The image data created after the different steps can be provided with eight formatted text entries before saving. If the Exif specification provides for the use of the so-called ASCII coding, umlauts are already converted during input.

The entire processing of the Exif tags is optional. Entries can be selected individually by filling in the text fields or by means of buttons.

[Exif.Image.ImageDescription] A descriptive text of up to 1,000 characters can optionally be entered and saved (ASCII). As umlauts are not provided, this entry is ideal for a description in English.

[Exif.Photo.UserComment] A descriptive text of up to 1,000 characters can optionally be entered and saved (Unicode). As umlauts are provided, this entry is ideal for a description in German.

The other metadata texts are entered in the settings.

They are available for further use until they are removed or the settings are reset.

[Exif.Image.Artist] Optionally, the names of the photographer of the original and the creator of the image file can be entered and saved as a single entry (ASCII). Please note that making false claims may have legal consequences.

[Exif.Image.Copyright] Optionally, the text for a copyright notice can be entered (ASCII). Please note that making false claims may have legal consequences.

In addition, further entries are created without input.

[Exif.Image.DocumentName] The name of the original file is optionally included (ASCII).

[Exif.Image.DateTimeOriginal] Optionally, the date of the original file is copied and included.

[Exif.Photo.DateTimeDigitized] The current date is optionally included.

[Exif.Image.Software] If Exif entries are written to the image file, the app name and the version information are automatically added.

Buttons in the App Bar

Three buttons can be used to perform the following actions.

[A] The second text content is displayed and placed with preset values (optimized for the ratio 16:9 and the width 1880px).

[B] The texts that were recently entered in the current session are inserted.

[C] The date and time of the original file are displayed.

Buttons next to the Metadata Input Boxes

The buttons can be used to insert existing metadata from the original file.

[A] Tag "Title"

[B] Tag "Keywords"

File Types

The JPEG/JPG and PNG file types are supported when opening files. The app saves the files in JPG format. JPG files have advantages in terms of file size and the support of metadata.

Settings

Settings can be made for the file name suggestion in the save dialog, for the processing of Exif tags, for the use of optimized miniatures and for the display of the preset menu.

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