How to add images
Two types of images are created and saved in the library: to illustrate resources and to add to generic pages (theme and country pages, wikis, etc.) or the glossary. Here only the first type is dealt with.
Illustrating a Resource in the Library
When you add a resource to the library you should also add an image to illustrate it. This is an important visual detail that makes it easier for users to recognize resources.
Users rarely add images, as this is time-consuming. Sometimes they send an image file by email that the administrator can use to create the resource image.
Which Image should be Added?
The idea is to add an image that properly represents the resource. It can be different depending on the resource, e.g.:
· For documents such as articles, newsletters, conference or workshop documents, ESS Paper series, books or case studies, the cover should be added;
· For websites, a screenshot of the homepage may be added;
· In some cases a logo or another visual detail from the resource may be added (provided that it is available in a good format, so that it is not blurry).
What should the Characteristics of the Image be?
· Default format: 95X132 pixels vertical rectangle, i.e., approximately 2.5X3.5 cm (proportional to an A4 page (portrait));
· File type: jpg, which in this case will have an average size of 13KB.
How to Create and Modify Images
This will depend on the material you have at your disposal, but ideally the aim is to have an image that is small in scale and data size, correctly proportioned and has a legible title.
This requires an image editor. Here, IrfanView will be used.
Follow the steps below for standard images, such as A4 (portrait) covers.
If no electronic version is available, the image must be scanned:
1. Place the document in the scanner.
2. Open the IrfanView application, click on File > Acquire/Batch scanning (this opens the scanner window).
3. Select the “true color” parameter and select the image (be careful not to go outside the document’s borders to avoid grey areas).
4. On the menu bar, click on Tools and change the following parameters:
- resize: Scale=50%
- change resolution: 150
5. Click on Return to (to go back to IrfanView).
6. Resize the image by clicking on Menu > Image > Resize/Resample (keep the “Preserve aspect ratio” box selected): Width: 95 px, Height: 132 px.
7. Click on Zoom and crop the image: Menu > Edit > Crop selection
8. Save the image (see the reminder about file management at the end of the document).
If an electronic version is available (e.g., a PDF, a PowerPoint presentation or a website), copy the image:
1. Open the file and copy/paste the image into IrfanView.
2. This is easiest for Word files, whereas for PDF files, you first have to:
a. Open the file and zoom out to around 60%;
b. Make a screenshot (Print Screen);
c. Paste the screenshot into Paint;
d. Crop the image to get only the selection you want and then copy it.
3. Open IrfanView and paste the image.
4. On the menu bar, click on Image > Resize/Resample.
5. Adapt the size in pixels (Set new size) and enter 95 for Width.
As the “Preserve aspect ratio” box is selected, the Height parameter should adjust automatically (132 pixels).
6. Click on OK.
Important: Often the Height value will be greater or smaller than 132.
a. If the Width=95 and the Heigth>132, go to point 7;
b. If the Width=95 and the Height<132, enter 132 for Height. Width should then be greater than 95. Go to point 7.
These values are displayed in the grey field at the bottom of the IrfanView window.
7. Crop the image in order to fit it into the default dimensions and eliminate any grey areas.
a. Zoom out sufficiently to have a good view (the true size does not change);
b. Use the mouse to select the image by clicking in the lower right-hand corner and dragging towards the upper left-hand corner until the desired values are reached (these are displayed on the IrfanView title bar as you make the selection). Release the mouse button.
c. On the menu bar, click Edit > Crop selection.
8. Save the image.
Follow the steps below for non-standard images, such as landscape format images (PowerPoint presentations – .ptt), brochures and websites.
The main points are the same, but be careful not to deform the image. This example uses a .ppt file. With some practice the procedure can be adapted to other formats.
1. Open a blank Word document (A4 (portrait) format) without margins, and name it “template_cover”. Press Enter three times on the page.
2. Open the .ppt file, copy the page you wish to use as an image and paste it into word with the cursor on the second line.
3. Enlarge and move the image (e.g., centre it vertically and horizontally) until it fills as much as possible of the page without being deformed.
4. Important: After you have centred the image, press Enter until you reach the bottom of the page. If you do not, the proportions will not be maintained when you paste the image into IrfanView.
5. Press Ctrl + A (to select everything, including the empty lines) and copy; then paste the selection into IrfanView.
6. From here, follow the procedure for a standard image starting at point 4.
1. When the cover image has been created, go to administrator form for the resource, add the image file in the appropriate field and click on Submit.
2. In principle, images added by administrators are displayed immediately, but this may take from some minutes to some hours.
Reminder: File Management
1. If the resource is already in the library:
a. Name the file with the corresponding id number;
b. Save the file in the corresponding folder:
…aGIMI\CONTENUS\PF_SPEC_Cres_033\Images or
…aGESS\CONTENUS\LIBRARY\Cover.
2. If the resource has not been categorized yet:
a. Give the file a temporary name;
b. Save it somewhere until the resource has an id number;
c. Rename the file and move it to the corresponding folder.