Working with Image Files

Introduction

ArtMaster and ArtMasterPro are unique in that they deliver outstanding results by analysing images in a revolutionary new way. Both applications are designed to handle digital photographic images with file sizes between 1 and 12 megapixels. The new algorithms in ArtMaster and ArtMasterPro need more memory (RAM) than classical algorithms, but the 500 to 1,000 Mbs of memory in most current PCs is usually sufficient. It is a good idea to ensure that there is at least 750 megabytes free on your hard disk for the swap file and to regularly de-fragment your disc (see section Memory Handling for more details). Larger pictures will require more swap space and RAM.

You may well be used to large file sizes – large in the sense that the files may be greater than 3,000 pixels on the longest edge, and/or greater than 5 Mb. But in creating artwork in ArtMaster and ArtMasterPro, you do not need to start with large files. Art is about the selective use of visual information, in other words simplifying what you see, thus you will not use all the data contained in the original photograph. You might then ask, “How do I create a picture that can be printed out on 610mm x 760mm fine art paper?” The answer is to follow the Suggested Workflow in the next section.