Terminology - there are two ways to describe image size:

1. Dimensions. These are given in inch units of length and width such as 4" x 6."
2. Resolution. This is given in pixel units of length and width such as 800 pixels by 1200 pixels. Sometimes image resolution is described in pixels per inch, also called dpi (dots per inch). For example, an image with 800 pixels by 1200 pixels at 4" by 6" would have a 200 dpi resolution. This is because: 200 dpi x 4" = 800 pixels horizontally. 200 dpi x 6" = 1200 pixels vertically.

All graphic software packages handle image resolution in one way or another that conforms to these ideas. Some will allow you to define actual overall pixels (horizontally and vertically). Some will allow you to define the size in inches and then the dots per inch (dpi).

The two main types of graphics software programs:

1. Paint programs: bitmap or image based programs which build up their graphics by defining what color each individual pixel should have. Examples are Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint, MS Image, and others. To prepare an image for uploading into an ad using a paint program, go to 1. Paint Programs, below.
2. Drawing programs: illustrator or vector based programs which build up their graphical elements with lines and primitives that have certain properties defined such as line width and fill options. Examples are Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Macromedia Freehand, Canvas, and others. To prepare an image for uploading into an ad using a drawing program, go to 2. Drawing Programs, below.

The instructions below will help you either create a new file or modify an existing file in either of these two types of graphic programs to fit into an AuthorConnect advertising space.

1. Paint (bitmap or image) Programs:
   1. To create a new image in a paint program:
      1. Create a new file. Some programs will automatically open with a new file set to a default size and resolution, others will allow you at this point to define the resolution either overall or dimensions in inches and the dpi. If your program opens with a default, try to open another image. This may give you the resolution options or you can try to "resize" or "resample" the image. These options are usually under the "edit" pull down menu.

         Be sure to match the resolution to the requirements listed for that specific AuthorConnect ad.

      2. Once your new document is set to the correct resolution, you can create your image as you wish.
      3. Either Save or Export your image as a jpg file. Both of these options are usually under the "file" pull down menu.
      4. During the export process, most programs again have the option of defining the resolution of the exported file. With bitmap image editors, this is usually set to the same resolution as the original file created. Sometimes the default export resolution is set the same as it was used the last time, so double check your output settings and then export the file.
      5. Open this file up again in the image editor to confirm the resolution and to review your work. If you are happy with what you have, you can upload this file to AuthorConnect's upload utility which will place the image appropriately.
   2. To edit an existing image in a paint program:
      1. Open the existing image in your image editing program, then look for a "resize" or "resample" option usually under the "edit" pull down menu.
      2. Set the options according to the requirements listed for that specific AuthorConnect ad.
      3. Either Save or Export your image as a jpg file. Both of these options are usually under the "file" pull down menu.
      4. During the export process, most programs again have the option of defining the resolution of the exported file. With bitmap image editors, this is usually set to the same resolution as the original file created. Sometimes the default export resolution is set the same as it was used the last time, so double check your output settings and then export the file.
      5. Open this file up again in the image editor to confirm the resolution and to review your work. If you are happy with what you have, you can upload this file to AuthorConnect's upload utility which will place the image appropriately.
2. Drawing (Illustrator or vector) Programs:
   1. To create a new image in a drawing program:
      1. Create a new file. Most of these programs will automatically open with a new file set to a default size, and because of their vector based properties, are resolution independent. Others at this point will allow you to define the resolution, either overall or dimensions in inches, and the dpi. Sometimes you can't actually set the dpi until you are in the export dialog box.
      2. Redefine the page size of the new document to match the requirements listed for that specific AuthorConnect ad. As an alternative, you can simply define a square/rectangle on the page that matches the proportions of the required image for AuthorConnect.
      3. Create your image either on the re-sized page or within the defined square/rectangle.
      4. Periodically save your work to the native file format for the particular program you are using.
      5. When your image is final, Export the image as a jpg file. If you created the image within a square/rectangle on the page, Select the square/rectangle and all it's contents then Export "Selected" to a jpg image. Some programs have an "export" option under the "file" pull down menu. Other programs have the "export" option under the "save" or "save as" option in the "file" pull down menu. During Export, define the resolution according to the requirements listed for that specific AuthorConnect ad. This is done whether you are exporting your whole page or just your selected objects. Choose "selected" objects if you created the image within a defined square/rectangle.
      6. Open your jpg file up in a paint program to confirm the resolution and review your work. If satisfactory, you can upload this file to AuthorConnect's upload utility which will place the image in your ad.
   2. To edit an existing image in a drawing program:
      1. Identify the program or application in which the file was first created.
      2. Either open the file with that particular program, or if your drawing program has the capability to import that file type, then import the file into your drawing program. This feature is usually found in either the "import" or "open" option under the "file" drop down menu.
      3. If you cannot open the existing image, you will need to contact the person who created the image and request that it be either resized and exported as a jpg for you or recreated from scratch in your drawing program.
      4. If you succeed in opening the image, complete your editing then Export the image as a jpg. Some programs have an "export" option under the "file" pull down menu. Other programs have this function under the "save" or "save as" option in the "file" pull down menu.
      5. Periodically save your work to the native file format for the particular program you are using.
      6. If you created your image within a defined square/rectangle on the page, Select the square/rectangle and all it's contents then Export "Selected" to a jpg image.
      7. During Export, be certain the resolution is defined according to the requirements listed for that specific AuthorConnect ad. This is done whether you are exporting your whole page or just your selected objects. Choose "selected" objects if you created your ad within a defined square/rectangle.
      8. Open your jpg file up in a paint program to confirm the resolution and review your work. If satisfactory, you can upload this file to AuthorConnect's upload utility which will place the image in your ad.