The first step is to go to our Photo Wizard. Read Step 1 Gather Pictures. Some photos format easier than others for these projects and we want you to be pleased with the end results!
| So, how do you know if your pictures fit the size requirements? You can try to load them into the Photo Wizard and see if you get the message. You can also open your directory and check the file size. Most programs will display a pop-up window with file data if you place your cursor over the file name. At 1.68 MB, this picture file is too big for the Photo Wizard. There are several options for reducing picture size: |  |
Option 1: Java Uploader We now offer a new option for resizing large picture files. If you try to load a picture that is too big, the Photo Wizard will ask you if you want to use the Java Photo Uploader. This tool will automatically resize your pictures and loads them into the Photo Wizard. Before you can use this tool for the first time, Java needs to update some files on your system. Get more information on the Java Uploader here.
Option 2: Photo Editing Software Open your picture in your editing software (i.e.: Photoshop). Look for the command "Image Size," "Resize," or "Resample." This picture's digital file was created using a scanner and was scanned at 400 dpi (dots per inch). At its current resolution, we could easily print a poster-size copy and be happy with the results. Most of Stories by Me projects require photos that are less than four inches. The current size of this picture measures about 6.4 by 4.6 inches. We could reduce the measurement, but if we just tweak the resolution (dpi) we should have a file that can easily be passed back and forth across the internet. For this example, we changed the resolution from 400 to 200 dpi. BE CAREFUL to save your changes using the SAVE AS file option! 
Otherwise, you will write over your original file and lose the high resolution data. By making this one change, we were able to reduce a 1.68 MB file down to 296 KB.
