My PhotoBook, My PhotoCalendar Software FAQ

What types of Files can I use in these software versions?
You can use any type of image file to build your projects, such as .jpg, .gif, .png, etc. You should exercise caution in using extremely large files as they could slow the performance of your PC or MAC.

Why are there two separate downloads? Why are they not in one application?
The .exe files are large downloads; therefore it made sense to have them as separate installations.

I noticed that some of the screens and the Help button have the name DigiLabs. What is that in reference to?
DigiLabs is the Software Developer that produced this version of the MyPhotoBooks and MyCalendars and Cards for CPQ under a licensing agreement.

You mention that my images using this program cannot be color-corrected by the Lab prior to printing my project. Why is this?
When you build your book, calendar, or card project using the MyPhotoBook or MyCalendar and Card application your order is rendered into a print-ready .pdf, which feeds directly to our order prepress and printing. Since these jobs are “flattened”, i.e., they become one file – we cannot easily correct colors. You should always use properly exposed images for these projects.

What fonts can I use with these programs?
You can use any font that is loaded on your local PC or Mac. Otherwise there are no font limitations.

I noticed that the Book Cover styles in the software are all black. How do I order a different-colored cover?
After you have completed and uploaded your order a Web Browser session will open to complete your checkout. At this point you will have the option of choosing the color of your cover from the shopping cart’s drop-down menu.

Why does DigiLabs charge my credit card at checkout? Why is this not being billed through ProPics?
ProPics uses the custom-built Digilabs shopping cart only to process the credit card transactions. Your order is being printed and shipped by us, and we will provide all your support.

I am building a PhotoBook in this program, and have some images that are lower-resolution than others. Can I use these? How will I know if they are too small for the project?
Prior to uploading your project the software will display a report on your screen. If you have any empty nodes (blank boxes that need images and/or text in them), or images that are too small – they will be on the report. You should go back and fix these prior to uploading your project.

Can I send you my completed project on a CD or DVD instead of uploading it to the lab?
This program currently only supports uploading jobs to the Lab over the Internet using the program.

I noticed the software allows me to drop one image across two pages to make a panorama. How does this work?
The software allows you to use images to make panoramic two-page spreads, however you should exercise caution in placing images where a critical part of the image (such as a child’s face, etc.) will be situated on either side of the center. This is covered in the video tutorial.

Do you currently support drop shadows in this program?
This is an option that will be released in a later version.

(back to the top)

ProPics ROES Software FAQ

What exactly is a Gallery-Wrapped Canvas?  How is it used?
A Gallery Wrap is where we take your digital file and print it on museum-grade artist’s canvas using pigment-based inks.  We then apply a coating that provides additional protection from scratching and sunlight.  Finally, the canvas stretched around a wooden frame.  A Gallery Wrap easily displays on a wall or rests in an easel without the need for a traditional frame.

When an item says "mounted on a canvas panel" what does that look like?
Click here to see a detailed image of a framed print mounted on a canvas panel.

What file types do you currently accept?
ProPics ROES currently only accepts .jpeg or .jpg files in its ordering software. If you have .tiffs that you would like to order from, you should compress them to a .jpeg or .jpg prior to using the software. Click here for more information on file specs.

Does ProPics color correct my files?
We will correct your files as part of our normal service. Critical to the success of the print is proper exposure and capture resolution on the part of the photographer.

What type of paper does ProPics print on?
We use Kodak Professional Endura paper, which is the best photographic paper available today. It provides excellent tonal range, contrast, and color saturation. It has archival light-fastness qualities in excess of 100 years in routine use.

Can I send in my order on CD or DVD?
Yes. While we encourage you to send your order online, you can send an order via CD or DVD. You must use the ProPics software to prepare the order, then you can send the order to the address on our contact page.

Can you Scan my film for this service?
Not at this time. Currently we only accept digital camera files sent using our software over the Internet or sent on a CD/DVD.

How do my files get to you using the Internet?
The software will allow you to import, crop, and order prints (and services). When the order is completed it will be sent to our servers using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) that is built in to the software.

Do I need a broadband connection?
We recommend the use of DSL or Cable modem at a minimum due to the sizes of files being sent to us.

Can I use my Macintosh with this software?
Yes, however it only works with Mac OS 10.2x or higher.

What is the JAVA Plug-in that I get when I download the software for the first time?
It is required as a one-time download to run the software. You should answer "yes" or "I accept" to all the prompts associated with the Java install.

How do I contact you with questions regarding my order, remakes, customer service issues, etc?
Email us at CustomerService@ProPicsExpress.com. We will respond to you within the hour.

(back to the top)

General Information

Why should I download your software?  What are the advantages?
There are several advantages to using the free ProPics software versus using traditional direct online (browser-based) print ordering.  Among these are:

• The ability to crop, rotate, and change to B&W effortlessly without the need for screen refreshing
• Updates such as new products and specially-priced items are automatically added when the software is launched from the desktop (you should be connected to the Internet when doing this).
• Interactive features such as Calendar and PhotoBook design are achieved much more effortlessly than could be done in a web-based application.
• Font use is unlimited since you are using your own PC or Mac fonts versus fixed text available in an online environment.
• Orders are automatically saved in the event of a power failure or lost Internet connection during order upload.
• You always have the option of saving your order details locally on your own PC or Mac.

Color Management
ProPics calibrates their equipment daily to exacting Pro Lab standards in order to produce the best possible print. Photographers should bear in mind that a smaller file size will produce a less desirable print, and this is magnified as the print size increases. Below is general guide in ppi (pixels per inch) that you should keep in mind when ordering various print sizes from your files:

ProPics handles the color correction of every file we receive (we do not recommend correcting your files prior to submission to us). For those photographers that wish to learn more about the basics of color management please email us at CustomerService@ProPicsExpress.com to request more information.

Our Turnaround
Prints: One Day
Additional Services: One additional day per service requested
In most cases, orders received will be shipped that same day.

Storage Policy
ProPics keeps customer files for 30 Days, after which the file(s) are deleted. If your order requires that it exceed the 30 day limit, we recommend having your order written to CD.

Upon reordering (from the same order within our 30 day period) you will need to advise us of your prior order number on your invoice so that we can retrieve your files (this is the number under which the image is stored). Please include this information in the Special Instructions Section when the order is being completed.

File Specifications

• JPEG or JPG format, this requires the .jpeg or .jpg extension on the file name
• File name not to exceed 30 characters
• RGB not CMYK
• Camera files should be captured using the best quality jpeg or jpg to achieve the best possible image for print
• Maximum individual file size is 50 MB for digital output
• Compliance with these guidelines will not only help us streamline your orders but help ensure the best possible turn around time.

Payment and Shipping
We accept only credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

For your protection, our software encrypts credit card data when your order is submitted to us. Cards will be charged when the order is received. Please be sure to include the credit card billing address on the Software Order Summary Form if it differs from your shipping address. This will help avoid any unnecessary delays in processing your order.

Shipping
Shipping charges are additional and are reflected during the checkout process. Below are the base prices for shipping. Shipping charge will be adjusted during checkout according to weight.

• Fed Ex or UPS - $6.95+ prices determined by weight

• Fed Ex Overnight - $14.95+ prices determined by weight

• Air Parcel Canada only - $23.00

• Canadian orders that contain frames and/or additional options will be notified via email for approval prior to printing.

• Local Pickup - $2.50

(back to the top)

Terms and Conditions

Terms of Use
Use of the Pro pics Web Site and all related software product(s) is governed by the laws of the state of Tennessee. Your use of these services constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions and creates a binding agreement between yourself and ProPics. You must be at least 18 years of age to use these services.

You must have the legal ownership and/or explicit contractual rights to all of the images that you use in any form of fashion with ProPics or its affiliated software developers. Images provided to you by professional photographers or made available through web sites, magazines, books or other resources are protected by copyright laws and should not be uploaded or shared in any fashion.

The following actions will constitute grounds for blocking access to ProPics and its related software:

• Uploading, posting, ordering for print, emailing or otherwise transmitting any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, harassing, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, invasive of another's privacy, or otherwise objectionable
  
  
• Harming minors in any way, including, but not limited to, content that violates federal and state child pornography laws, child exploitation laws and laws prohibiting the depiction of minors engaged in sexual conduct
  
  
• Uploading, posting, emailing or otherwise transmitting any material that contains software viruses or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software
  
  
• Interfering with or disrupting (or attempting to interfere with or disrupt) this site or servers or networks connected to this site, or disobeying any requirements, procedures, policies or regulations of networks connected to this site
  
  
• Using this service for the purpose of making images available for viewing to the general public
  
  
• Providing any information to ProPics that is false or misleading, that attempts to hide your identity or that you do not have the right to disclose

(back to the top)