RE: Screen captures and sizing

[Andy Kass]

Hi all,

[from a lurker on daily digest, sorry if this is late]

 Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like
 to keep high quality of screen captures.

 The comment that I have from the client is what I have - nothing
 specific about fuzziness, or anything else.

Tammy, if that is the only comment you have about graphics from the customer, 
when taken literally, it is a compliment. You don't say whether you're new to 
this customer's documentation, so I can't tell if it's a reflection of your 
past work or a veiled request on your future work.

Either way, you have what I would consider a solid process for getting sharp 
screen shots into the docs. As others have pointed out, there are probably some 
things that can happen after that, but it's just a matter of a few settings.

For reference, my screen-shot process is generally similar, but I have a few 
refinements I haven't seen mentioned here. I'm running FM 8 on Vista.

I use the MS Snipping Tool that comes with Vista, and save directly to PNG. I 
always draw and clip a rectangle box and give myself about 10 pixels around the 
actual GUI item I want. From there, I open the image in Gimp, a free photo 
editor that has some handy features for working with PNGs. For example, I 
mostly work at 150 dpi in Frame, so I have that set up as my default save 
option. Once the dpi is in the PNG, FM automatically takes that as the default 
(I learned that on this list a few months ago). I like to zoom to 400% and see 
every pixel in my screenshot, so I can crop it just right. Cropping is easy 
because you can draw the box and then move each border independently to get 
what you want.

In my docs, I generally try to have screenshots at only 3 different DPIs:
- 96 for small icons and such that usually go inline (this makes easy to see
  because they are about the same size as in the GUI when viewed at 100% in PDF)
- 150 for most dialogs and screens, which keeps all text easily readable.
- 200 or 300 if I have to present a full screen layout.

(Although I've been basing that on the 600 dpi of most laser printers; I like 
Ian's suggestion to optimize for PDF viewing in Acrobat.)

90% of my screenshots are at the 150 dpi setting, which I like to think keeps 
the perspective consistent for the reader. However, when editing the capture, I 
take some liberties with the actual screen contents. I always make my window as 
small as possible before the screenshot, but the GUI is still often too large. 
For example, if a dialog box has a lot of white-space somewhere, especially 
vertically, I copy-paste the border to cover up some of the extra space, then 
recrop the box. Or if the screen is too wide, I move some of the fields and 
elements closer together.
The idea is that the reader needs to see something that looks like the product, 
not the exact pixels.

With the image editor, I can also fix bugs in the GUI, even typos in the 
labels, so I don't have to wait for engineering to generate the fix and I dont' 
have to set up the screenshot again. It's a bit of an art, and sometimes a bit 
complicated to move the dialog elements, especially if they're on a gradient 
background, but as long as the end result keeps the general relative dimensions 
of the actual GUI, the reader gets the needed info in a clearer way.

Anyways, thanks to all who contribute regularly here, I've learned a lot 
reading this list.

  Andy

ak...@jaspersoft.com
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Screen captures and sizing

[Andy Kass]

Hi all,

[from a lurker on daily digest, sorry if this is late]

> Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like
> to keep high quality of screen captures.

> The comment that I have from the client is what I have - nothing
> specific about fuzziness, or anything else.

Tammy, if that is the only comment you have about graphics from the customer, 
when taken literally, it is a compliment. You don't say whether you're new to 
this customer's documentation, so I can't tell if it's a reflection of your 
past work or a veiled request on your future work.

Either way, you have what I would consider a solid process for getting sharp 
screen shots into the docs. As others have pointed out, there are probably some 
things that can happen after that, but it's just a matter of a few settings.

For reference, my screen-shot process is generally similar, but I have a few 
refinements I haven't seen mentioned here. I'm running FM 8 on Vista.

I use the MS Snipping Tool that comes with Vista, and save directly to PNG. I 
always draw and clip a rectangle box and give myself about 10 pixels around the 
actual GUI item I want. From there, I open the image in Gimp, a free photo 
editor that has some handy features for working with PNGs. For example, I 
mostly work at 150 dpi in Frame, so I have that set up as my default save 
option. Once the dpi is in the PNG, FM automatically takes that as the default 
(I learned that on this list a few months ago). I like to zoom to 400% and see 
every pixel in my screenshot, so I can crop it just right. Cropping is easy 
because you can draw the box and then move each border independently to get 
what you want.

In my docs, I generally try to have screenshots at only 3 different DPIs:
- 96 for small icons and such that usually go inline (this makes easy to see
  because they are about the same size as in the GUI when viewed at 100% in PDF)
- 150 for most dialogs and screens, which keeps all text easily readable.
- 200 or 300 if I have to present a full screen layout.

(Although I've been basing that on the 600 dpi of most laser printers; I like 
Ian's suggestion to optimize for PDF viewing in Acrobat.)

90% of my screenshots are at the 150 dpi setting, which I like to think keeps 
the perspective consistent for the reader. However, when editing the capture, I 
take some liberties with the actual screen contents. I always make my window as 
small as possible before the screenshot, but the GUI is still often too large. 
For example, if a dialog box has a lot of white-space somewhere, especially 
vertically, I copy-paste the border to cover up some of the extra space, then 
recrop the box. Or if the screen is too wide, I move some of the fields and 
elements closer together.
The idea is that the reader needs to see something that looks like the product, 
not the exact pixels.

With the image editor, I can also fix bugs in the GUI, even typos in the 
labels, so I don't have to wait for engineering to generate the fix and I dont' 
have to set up the screenshot again. It's a bit of an art, and sometimes a bit 
complicated to move the dialog elements, especially if they're on a gradient 
background, but as long as the end result keeps the general relative dimensions 
of the actual GUI, the reader gets the needed info in a clearer way.

Anyways, thanks to all who contribute regularly here, I've learned a lot 
reading this list.

  Andy

akass at jaspersoft.com

Screen captures and sizing

[Spectrum Writing]

All,

 

I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.

 

Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures. 

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.) 

 

I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).

 

Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.

 

Thanks so much,

 

TVB

 

Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/ 

 

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Re: Screen captures and sizing

[Art Campbell]

Could you explain a bit more about what the problem is?

Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures. isn't explaining, at least to me,
what's wrong...

IF (a WAG), they're complaining about fuzziness of screen shots in a
PDF, you need to make sure that the job options you're using to create
the PDF are not compressing or downsampling the graphics.

Also, you don't mention what format you're saving the screen snaps in,
which can have a big impact on quality.

Art


Art Campbell
   art.campb...@gmail.com
  ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52
Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson
  No disclaimers apply.
   DoD 358



On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 12:16 PM, Spectrum Writing
spectrumwrit...@q.com wrote:
 All,



 I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
 first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
 said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
 for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
 insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



 Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
 high quality of screen captures.

 Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
 smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
 just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)



 I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
 the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
 whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
 function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
 default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
 150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
 not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
 that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
 reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
 what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
 then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



 Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
 be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
 lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
 gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
 professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
 are just fine for PDFs.



 Thanks so much,



 TVB



 Tammy Van Boening

 Owner/Principal

 Spectrum Writing, LLC

 www.spectrumwritingllc.com http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/



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RE: Screen captures and sizing

[Susan Curtzwiler]

Hi All, 
   I just completed a large project - about 240 screen captures - that were 
captured in SnagIt and imported by reference into the FrameMaker files. 
I agree with the last comment, to import at a setting that best accepts the 
size of your image, and as stated, do not use the corner handles to manually 
adjust your images. 
 
I used SnagIt with two options: the region (static images) and the time delayed 
(drop-down menus). 
 
We decided to run test samples, since our screens varied in size. 
 
The decision was to use a range of DPI settings depending on the size of the 
screen capture. 
 
Basically, I  used a DPI range of 72 to 144 from the small (like the error 
message box size) to the very large, (like the capture of a database screen). 
From that point, once I got a good DPI size, if further adjustments were 
needed, I used the FMKR scale tool and adjusted by percentage to maintain the 
smoothing and aspect ratio. 
 
Results: The training staff liked the improved images. 
 
 This process was adapted from info I gathered from this users group, so I hope 
sharing the results helps. 
 
Good Luck, 
Sue 
 
 



From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com on behalf of Spectrum Writing 
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:16 AM
To: Framers List
Subject: Screen captures and sizing



All,



I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures.

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)



I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.



Thanks so much,



TVB



Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/



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RE: Screen captures and sizing

[Susan Curtzwiler]

Hi All,
   I forgot to mention, that I am using FrameMaker 7.0, Adobe Distiller 5.0, 
and SnagIt 9 on Vista Enterprise. 
 
I also use the distiller to create the PDF, not Save As a PDF. 
Remember, even if your Frame image looks a little 'out of focus' they are 
always better in PDF.  You might want to run a quick PDF just so you can see 
they will be okay, if you are having problems with a few 'difficult' images. 
 
Sue 



From: Susan Curtzwiler
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:45 AM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Framers List
Cc: Susan Curtzwiler
Subject: RE: Screen captures and sizing


Hi All, 
   I just completed a large project - about 240 screen captures - that were 
captured in SnagIt and imported by reference into the FrameMaker files. 
I agree with the last comment, to import at a setting that best accepts the 
size of your image, and as stated, do not use the corner handles to manually 
adjust your images. 
 
I used SnagIt with two options: the region (static images) and the time delayed 
(drop-down menus). 
 
We decided to run test samples, since our screens varied in size. 
 
The decision was to use a range of DPI settings depending on the size of the 
screen capture. 
 
Basically, I  used a DPI range of 72 to 144 from the small (like the error 
message box size) to the very large, (like the capture of a database screen). 
From that point, once I got a good DPI size, if further adjustments were 
needed, I used the FMKR scale tool and adjusted by percentage to maintain the 
smoothing and aspect ratio. 
 
Results: The training staff liked the improved images. 
 
 This process was adapted from info I gathered from this users group, so I hope 
sharing the results helps. 
 
Good Luck, 
Sue 
 
 



From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com on behalf of Spectrum Writing 
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:16 AM
To: Framers List
Subject: Screen captures and sizing



All,



I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures.

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)



I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.



Thanks so much,



TVB



Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/



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Re: Screen captures and sizing

[Ian Hawkins]

Short answer?

Capturing with SnagIt, saving as PNG, and importing by reference are all 
good practices.

When you import into FrameMaker, use one of the following DPI settings, 
depending on the size of the image:
72
96
120
144
192

Longer answer?

To get the best results when viewing a screen capture in a PDF, the 
image should display at full size. That is, every dot (pixel) in the 
image should correspond to a single pixel on the computer monitor.

Acrobat and Adobe Reader use some default values for displaying images. 
For the most part, they assume that the monitor displays 96 pixels/inch. 
Yes, this is fictional as you point out, but it's still important. If 
I create a screen capture, import it into FrameMaker at 96 DPI, create a 
PDF, and display it in Adobe Reader at 100% zoom, the image will be 
perfect. It will be the same size as the original screen capture, and 
there will be no loss of quality. At any other zoom level the image will 
be degraded because there is no way to match the image pixels perfectly 
with monitor pixels.

When the original image is too large, you have to use a higher DPI. If 
you choose one of the values in the list above, you increase the chances 
that users will be able to find the right zoom level.
72 DPI matches a zoom level of 75%.
96 DPI matches 100%.
120 DPI matches 125%.
144 DPI matches 150%.
192 DPI matches 200%.

There are some caveats for this advice. Users can change their operating 
system defaults or Adobe Reader defaults so that 96 DPI is no longer the 
default value for displaying images. Most don't, though, so you can set 
up your PDFs for the majority.

HTH,
Ian


Spectrum Writing wrote:
 All,

  

 I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
 first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
 said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
 for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
 insight on improvements for taking screen captures.

  

 Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
 high quality of screen captures. 

 Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
 smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
 just sub-sampling with no smoothing.) 

  

 I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
 the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
 whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
 function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
 default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
 150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
 not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
 that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
 reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
 what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
 then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).

  

 Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
 be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
 lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
 gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
 professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
 are just fine for PDFs.

  

 Thanks so much,

  

 TVB

  

 Tammy Van Boening

 Owner/Principal

 Spectrum Writing, LLC

 www.spectrumwritingllc.com http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/ 

  

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Re: Screen captures and sizing

[Mike Wickham]

 Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
 should
 be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
 lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
 gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
 professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
 are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture 
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham


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RE: Screen captures and sizing

[Spectrum Writing]

Thank you one and all. I truly appreciate all of the online and offlist
responses and I have gained some valuable advice and knowledge and now know
how I need to go forth and tweak a few things.

Thanks again,

TVB


Tammy Van Boening
Owner/Principal
Spectrum Writing, LLC
www.spectrumwritingllc.com


-Original Message-
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Mike Wickham
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 12:08 PM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Frame Users
Subject: Re: Screen captures and sizing

 Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
 should
 be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
 lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
 gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
 professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
 are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture 
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham


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RE: Screen captures and sizing

[John Sgammato]

That was posted almost exactly 8 years ago. I wonder if it is still the
best practice? 

-Original Message-
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Mike Wickham
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 2:08 PM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Frame Users
Subject: Re: Screen captures and sizing

 Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
 should be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if 
 you want to lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine 
 with me too. I will gladly take whatever information I can glean so 
 that I can reply professionally and non-emotionally to this client 
 about why the pictures are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham


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Screen captures and sizing

[Spectrum Writing]

All,



I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures. 

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.) 



I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.



Thanks so much,



TVB



Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com  

Screen captures and sizing

[Art Campbell]

Could you explain a bit more about what the problem is?

"Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures." isn't explaining, at least to me,
what's wrong...

IF (a WAG), they're complaining about fuzziness of screen shots in a
PDF, you need to make sure that the job options you're using to create
the PDF are not compressing or downsampling the graphics.

Also, you don't mention what format you're saving the screen snaps in,
which can have a big impact on quality.

Art


Art Campbell
   art.campbell at gmail.com
  "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52
Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson
  No disclaimers apply.
   DoD 358



On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 12:16 PM, Spectrum Writing
 wrote:
> All,
>
>
>
> I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
> first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
> said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
> for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
> insight on improvements for taking screen captures.
>
>
>
> Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
> high quality of screen captures.
>
> Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
> smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
> just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)
>
>
>
> I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
> the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
> whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
> function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
> default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
> 150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
> not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
> that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
> reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
> what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
> then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).
>
>
>
> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
> be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
> lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
> gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
> professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
> are just fine for PDFs.
>
>
>
> Thanks so much,
>
>
>
> TVB
>
>
>
> Tammy Van Boening
>
> Owner/Principal
>
> Spectrum Writing, LLC
>
> www.spectrumwritingllc.com 
>
>
>
> ___
>
>
> You are currently subscribed to Framers as art.campbell at gmail.com.
>
> Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com
> or visit 
> http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com
>
> Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit
> http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
>

Screen captures and sizing

[Spectrum Writing]

In my email below, it states that I am saving the screen captures as a .png.


When  I create the PDF, I am manually distilling the file - I don't do a
"Save as PDF. I use the Adobe printer to print to a postscript file, and
then distill the postscript file to a PDF. I don't change anything any of
the settings in Distiller - I use the standard settings option and don't
change anything.

The comment that I have from the client is what I have - nothing specific
about fuzziness, or anything else.

Thanks,
TVB

Tammy Van Boening
Owner/Principal
Spectrum Writing, LLC
www.spectrumwritingllc.com

-Original Message-
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Art Campbell
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 10:25 AM
To: Spectrum Writing
Cc: Framers List
Subject: Re: Screen captures and sizing

Could you explain a bit more about what the problem is?

"Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures." isn't explaining, at least to me,
what's wrong...

IF (a WAG), they're complaining about fuzziness of screen shots in a
PDF, you need to make sure that the job options you're using to create
the PDF are not compressing or downsampling the graphics.

Also, you don't mention what format you're saving the screen snaps in,
which can have a big impact on quality.

Art


Art Campbell
   art.campbell at gmail.com
  "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52
Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson
  No disclaimers apply.
   DoD 358



On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 12:16 PM, Spectrum Writing
 wrote:
> All,
>
>
>
> I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
> first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
> said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
> for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
> insight on improvements for taking screen captures.
>
>
>
> Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
> high quality of screen captures.
>
> Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
> smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this
is
> just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)
>
>
>
> I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture
either
> the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
> whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
> function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
> default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture
to
> 150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
> not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
> that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
> reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned
that
> what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
> then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).
>
>
>
> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I
should
> be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
> lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
> gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
> professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
> are just fine for PDFs.
>
>
>
> Thanks so much,
>
>
>
> TVB
>
>
>
> Tammy Van Boening
>
> Owner/Principal
>
> Spectrum Writing, LLC
>
> www.spectrumwritingllc.com <http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/>
>
>
>
> ___
>
>
> You are currently subscribed to Framers as art.campbell at gmail.com.
>
> Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com
> or visit
http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/art.campbell%40gmail.com
>
> Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit
> http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
>
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Screen captures and sizing

[Susan Curtzwiler]

Hi All, 
   I just completed a large project - about 240 screen captures - that were 
captured in SnagIt and imported by reference into the FrameMaker files. 
I agree with the last comment, to import at a setting that best accepts the 
size of your image, and as stated, do not use the corner handles to manually 
adjust your images. 

I used SnagIt with two options: the region (static images) and the time delayed 
(drop-down menus). 

We decided to run test samples, since our screens varied in size. 

The decision was to use a range of DPI settings depending on the size of the 
screen capture. 

Basically, I  used a DPI range of 72 to 144 from the small (like the error 
message box size) to the very large, (like the capture of a database screen). 
From that point, once I got a good DPI size, if further adjustments were 
needed, I used the FMKR scale tool and adjusted by percentage to maintain the 
smoothing and aspect ratio. 

Results: The training staff liked the improved images. 

 This process was adapted from info I gathered from this users group, so I hope 
sharing the results helps. 

Good Luck, 
Sue 





From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com on behalf of Spectrum Writing 
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:16 AM
To: Framers List
Subject: Screen captures and sizing



All,



I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures.

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)



I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.



Thanks so much,



TVB



Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com <http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/>



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Screen captures and sizing

[Susan Curtzwiler]

Hi All,
   I forgot to mention, that I am using FrameMaker 7.0, Adobe Distiller 5.0, 
and SnagIt 9 on Vista Enterprise. 

I also use the distiller to create the PDF, not Save As a PDF. 
Remember, even if your Frame image looks a little 'out of focus' they are 
always better in PDF.  You might want to run a quick PDF just so you can see 
they will be okay, if you are having problems with a few 'difficult' images. 

Sue 



From: Susan Curtzwiler
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:45 AM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Framers List
Cc: Susan Curtzwiler
Subject: RE: Screen captures and sizing


Hi All, 
   I just completed a large project - about 240 screen captures - that were 
captured in SnagIt and imported by reference into the FrameMaker files. 
I agree with the last comment, to import at a setting that best accepts the 
size of your image, and as stated, do not use the corner handles to manually 
adjust your images. 

I used SnagIt with two options: the region (static images) and the time delayed 
(drop-down menus). 

We decided to run test samples, since our screens varied in size. 

The decision was to use a range of DPI settings depending on the size of the 
screen capture. 

Basically, I  used a DPI range of 72 to 144 from the small (like the error 
message box size) to the very large, (like the capture of a database screen). 
From that point, once I got a good DPI size, if further adjustments were 
needed, I used the FMKR scale tool and adjusted by percentage to maintain the 
smoothing and aspect ratio. 

Results: The training staff liked the improved images. 

 This process was adapted from info I gathered from this users group, so I hope 
sharing the results helps. 

Good Luck, 
Sue 





From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com on behalf of Spectrum Writing 
Sent: Mon 5/18/2009 9:16 AM
To: Framers List
Subject: Screen captures and sizing



All,



I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
insight on improvements for taking screen captures.



Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
high quality of screen captures.

Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
just sub-sampling with no smoothing.)



I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).



Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
are just fine for PDFs.



Thanks so much,



TVB



Tammy Van Boening

Owner/Principal

Spectrum Writing, LLC

www.spectrumwritingllc.com <http://www.spectrumwritingllc.com/>



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Screen captures and sizing

[Ian Hawkins]

Short answer?

Capturing with SnagIt, saving as PNG, and importing by reference are all 
good practices.

When you import into FrameMaker, use one of the following DPI settings, 
depending on the size of the image:
72
96
120
144
192

Longer answer?

To get the best results when viewing a screen capture in a PDF, the 
image should display at full size. That is, every dot (pixel) in the 
image should correspond to a single pixel on the computer monitor.

Acrobat and Adobe Reader use some default values for displaying images. 
For the most part, they assume that the monitor displays 96 pixels/inch. 
Yes, this is "fictional" as you point out, but it's still important. If 
I create a screen capture, import it into FrameMaker at 96 DPI, create a 
PDF, and display it in Adobe Reader at 100% zoom, the image will be 
perfect. It will be the same size as the original screen capture, and 
there will be no loss of quality. At any other zoom level the image will 
be degraded because there is no way to match the image pixels perfectly 
with monitor pixels.

When the original image is too large, you have to use a higher DPI. If 
you choose one of the values in the list above, you increase the chances 
that users will be able to find the right zoom level.
72 DPI matches a zoom level of 75%.
96 DPI matches 100%.
120 DPI matches 125%.
144 DPI matches 150%.
192 DPI matches 200%.

There are some caveats for this advice. Users can change their operating 
system defaults or Adobe Reader defaults so that 96 DPI is no longer the 
default value for displaying images. Most don't, though, so you can set 
up your PDFs for the majority.

HTH,
Ian


Spectrum Writing wrote:
> All,
>
>  
>
> I know that there are many graphics gurus on this list and I will be the
> first to admit - I am NOT a graphics guru and it is my weakest point. That
> said, I have never had any comments from clients until now about what I do
> for screen captures, and I wanted either confirmation or some additional
> insight on improvements for taking screen captures.
>
>  
>
> Here is the current comment from a client: Generally, I would like to keep
> high quality of screen captures. 
>
> Would like to suggest using a tool that can downscale the images with a
> smoothing function to keep high quality appearance. (as appear here, this is
> just sub-sampling with no smoothing.) 
>
>  
>
> I use SnagIt as my capture tool. I use the region option and capture either
> the relevant portion that I need or if required, I take a capture of the
> whole screen. I then save the capture as a .png, and use the import file
> function to bring the capture into my Framemaker file. Obviously, the
> default dpi is set to the fictitious Windows 96 dpi. I change the capture to
> 150 dpi and import. If this works for size and clarity, then I am done; if
> not, I right-click on the picture and adjust the dpi until I get the size
> that works for the page layout and what I am trying to show. (After much
> reading on this list, and advice from another colleague, I have learned that
> what I was initially taught at a long ago gig - to set the dpi to 300 and
> then use the manual sizing handles - is NOT the way to go).
>
>  
>
> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I should
> be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
> lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
> gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
> professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
> are just fine for PDFs.
>
>  
>
> Thanks so much,
>
>  
>
> TVB
>
>  
>
> Tammy Van Boening
>
> Owner/Principal
>
> Spectrum Writing, LLC
>
> www.spectrumwritingllc.com  
>
>  
>
> ___
>
>
> You are currently subscribed to Framers as ihawkins at sundorne.com.
>
> Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
> framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com
> or visit 
> http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/ihawkins%40sundorne.com
>
> Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit
> http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
>
>   

Screen captures and sizing

[Mike Wickham]

> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
> should
> be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
> lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
> gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
> professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
> are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture 
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham

Screen captures and sizing

[Spectrum Writing]

Thank you one and all. I truly appreciate all of the online and offlist
responses and I have gained some valuable advice and knowledge and now know
how I "need to go forth" and tweak a few things.

Thanks again,

TVB


Tammy Van Boening
Owner/Principal
Spectrum Writing, LLC
www.spectrumwritingllc.com


-Original Message-
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Mike Wickham
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 12:08 PM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Frame Users
Subject: Re: Screen captures and sizing

> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
> should
> be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if you want to
> lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine with me too. I will
> gladly take whatever information I can glean so that I can reply
> professionally and non-emotionally to this client about why the pictures
> are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture 
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham


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Screen captures and sizing

[John Sgammato]

That was posted almost exactly 8 years ago. I wonder if it is still the
best practice? 

-Original Message-
From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Mike Wickham
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 2:08 PM
To: Spectrum Writing ; Frame Users
Subject: Re: Screen captures and sizing

> Can any of you graphics gurus give me some insight as to what else I 
> should be doing/changing or if I am doing it the right way - and if 
> you want to lecture me off list about dpis and stuff, that is fine 
> with me too. I will gladly take whatever information I can glean so 
> that I can reply professionally and non-emotionally to this client 
> about why the pictures are just fine for PDFs.

Here's a link to a message from Dov Isaacs of Adobe about screen capture
best practices:

http://www.freeframers.org/archive/01/msg00554.html

Mike Wickham


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Screen captures and sizing

[Combs, Richard]

Spectrum Writing wrote:

> When  I create the PDF, I am manually distilling the file - I don't do
a
> "Save as PDF. I use the Adobe printer to print to a postscript file,
and
> then distill the postscript file to a PDF. I don't change anything any
of
> the settings in Distiller - I use the standard settings option and
don't
> change anything.

Tammy, your process for creating the screen shots, sizing them, and
creating the PDF all sound just fine to me (point of information: for
FM7 or newer, Save as PDF works fine as long as Adobe PDF is the default
printer). So how do the screen shots look to you?

The general rule for print is to make the image DPI evenly divisible
into the output DPI -- so 100, 120, 150, and 200 work well for the
standard 600 DPI laser printer. 

For screen display, Ian Hawkins' DPI suggestions may help some. But
there are so many variables involved in monitors, display settings, zoom
factor, etc. Adobe Reader's default settings more often than not result
in PDFs displaying at 96%, 83%, 102%, or some such. So there's no way to
"optimize" your screen shots up front for all these possibilities. Maybe
that's why smoothing, when desired, is applied at the display end --
Acrobat Pro and Adobe Reader have Page Display preference settings for
them.

I suggest you smile and tell the client, "Font, line art, and image
smoothing are Page Display preference settings in Adobe Reader (and
Acrobat Pro). Maybe you don't have them enabled? Or maybe there's
something else that's bothering you?" 

I can think of one other thing you might try. You said you use the
"standard settings option" in Distiller. That should be fine from the
image downsampling standpoint, but it does use JPEG compression. I use
settings based on Standard, but using ZIP compression instead of JPEG
(FYI, each Settings selection is a .joboptions file, and you can easily
make your own customized ones). I've convinced myself that produces
slightly better images in some cases -- YMMV. :-) 

Here's how to do it in Distiller 7: 

1) Open Distiller, confirm that Standard is selected under Adobe PDF
Settings, and from the Settings menu, select Edit Adobe PDF Settings. 

2) In the dialog, on the left, select Images. Change the Compression
settings for color and grayscale images from Automatic (JPEG) to ZIP. 

3) Optionally, on the left, select General and edit the Description. 

4) Click Save As. In the dialog give your settings file a descriptive
name (like Standard-ZIP.joboptions) and click Save. 

Try making two PDFs of the same book, one using Standard and one using
Standard-ZIP. Then look at them both at various zoom settings and see
what you think. Maybe you can get the client to help you. :-)

Good luck!
Richard


Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
--
rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-777-0436
--