Quick Start

 Open an image file with the Open button

 Adjust the compression bar  to give the lowest quality that is acceptable.

 Press the Auto button to MagiCompress (further compress) the image (some areas may now be unacceptably compressed).

 Use the mouse to drag over any areas that are now compressed too much.

 Save the final image with the Save button.

Introduction.


Introduction

JPEG Optimizer is designed to create the smallest possible JPEG image files. Savings of up to 50% in file size are possible  which can considerably decrease Web Page download times and save on disc space.

JPEG Optimizer achieves this by:

•	Giving the user complete interactive control of the JPEG file compression setting and

•	MagiCompress(tm) - The ability to automatically compress some areas of the image more than others.

JPEG Optimizer is easy to use. Users familiar with Web graphics should find it intuitive.

Three modes of operation from novice to expert allow you use the program in the way that suits you best.

Program Modes


Program Modes

JPEG Optimizer can be used in one of four modes:

1.	Normal mode

2.	Expert mode

3.	Expert mode + Wizard menu

4.	Batch mode

Most users will find the Normal mode will produce small JPEGs quickly and easily. Advanced users will want to use the Expert mode and Wizard menu to fine tune their JPEGs.

If you have a lot of images to compress you can use Batch mode to automatically compress them in one go.


Normal mode

Use the Normal mode if you want to make small JPEGs quickly and easily. To select Normal mode uncheck the "Expert mode" in the Options menu.

Press a button on the toolbar below for more information:

Using Normal mode.

Open an image by pressing the [image] button.

Next adjust the compression bar [image] to the lowest quality that is acceptable. Adjust the bar until just before some parts of the image begin to look poor to your eye. Press the [image] button to MagiCompress (further compress) the image. JPEG Optimizer will automatically select and extra compress some regions of the image. If some regions are compressed too much simply drag the mouse over them to remove the extra compression. You can increase the amount of extra compression by clicking the [image] button.

When you are satisfied with the results press the [image] button to save the image as a jpg file.

If you make a mistake press the Undo [image]  button.

If you want more control over how the image is compressed use Expert mode.


Expert mode

Use the Expert mode if you want more control over the compression of your image. To select Expert mode check the "Expert mode" in the Options menu. Make sure "Show Extra Compression" in the Options menu is checked.

Press a button on the toolbar below for more information:

Using Expert mode.

Open an image by pressing the [image] button.

Next adjust the compression bar [image] to the lowest quality that is acceptable. Adjust the bar until just before some parts of the image begin to look poor to your eye. Press the [image] button to MagiCompress (further compress) the image. JPEG Optimizer will automatically select and extra compress some regions of the image. You can increase the amount of extra compression by clicking the [image] button again.

You can now use the other tools to refine how the regions of the image are compressed. For example if you want to remove extra compression from a rectangular shape, press the [image] button and the [image] button and drag the mouse over those regions. If you want to compress a region press one of the compression level buttons e.g. the [image] button and drag the mouse over the region of the image.

If you want a different shape you can use the freehand tool - [image] or the line tool - [image].

The Compressed Regions window shows the extra compressed regions. White or gray for no extra compression and the darker the shade of red the more compression.

When you are satisfied with the results press the [image] button to save the image as a jpg file.

If you make a mistake press the Undo [image]  button.

Note: You can hold down the shift key while using the mouse to select additional regions without a screen update.

If you want more control over how the image is compressed use the Wizard menu.


Expert mode + Wizard menu

 Use the Expert mode with the Wizard menu if you want full control over the compression of your image. Select "Expert mode" and "Wizard Menu" in the Options menu. Make sure "Show Extra Compression" in the Options menu is checked too.

 The "Extra Compression" slider varies the amount of solid extra compression that mouse dragging applies.

 The "MagiCompression" slider varies the amount of automatic extra compression that the [image] button applies.

 If "Work on a Region" is selected the last selected region will be outlined. You can then use the sliders to vary the extra compression in the selected region. Use the mouse to change the region. Use the shift key with the mouse to add areas together.

The "Invert" button inverts the selected region. The "Select All" button selects the whole image as the region.

Next


Batch mode

The registered and trial version supports the ability to compress several files at a time.

Multiple files may be selected  with the "Open" button or the "File->Open" menu command. You can also drag and drop multiple files onto JPEG Optimizer.

After you have selected files the Batch Mode Settings dialogue appears:

Read Quality from Input JPEG

Select this option if you are compressing JPEGs and want JPEG Optimizer to keep the overall compression the same as the input JPEG. For this to make sense you also have to select the next option.

Use MagiCompression

Select this option if you want JPEG Optimizer to automatically extra compress areas of low detail. Type in the amount of compression into the % box. The default is 50%. The bigger the number the greater the MagiCompression.

Default Compression Quality (1-100)

This corresponds to the setting of the slider bar and sets the compression level for all the images unless overridden by the "Read Quality from Input JPEG" option.

Ignore Errors

If you select this JPEG Optimizer will skip images that have errors. If you don't select it JPEG Optimizer will show an error box and halt until you press a button.

OK

Press the OK button to start the batch. You will then be prompted for the destination directory for the compressed images to be put.

Manual

If you press the manual button JPEG Optimizer will open images automatically for you. You can then manually adjust the quality and save each one. If you want to skip an image press the Esc key.

Large numbers of files

If you have a very large number of files to compress (greater than 200) you should use drag and drop. A counter appears in the toolbar to count down the number of files left to process.

Next


Selecting multiple files

In the folder window, hold down the CTRL key, and then click each item you want to select.

To select a group of files that are next to each other, hold down the mouse button and drag a rectangle around the files you want to select.

You can also select multiple files in an explorer window and drop them onto JPEG Optimizer.


Program Details

Press on the pictures below for help on a feature:

Normal mode toolbar

Expert mode buttons

Menu commands

Next


Open image

 An image may be loaded from a file or

 pasted from the clipboard or

Dragged and dropped onto the form.

Four image formats are supported:

1.	BMP (uncompressed) in either 8 or 24 bits per pixel.

2.	Targa in either 8 or 24 bits per pixel.

3.	TIFF (uncompressed).

4.	JPEG (JFIF).

If your favorite image format is not supported you can simply copy and paste the image from your image editor.

The maximum image size will depend on memory available.

Compression times will start to get long for large image sizes unless you have a very fast PC.

Read Quality from Input JPEG

If you are reading in a JPEG image you can get JPEG Optimizer to estimate the quality and preset the compression slider. Select the "Read Quality from Input JPEG" option for this.

256 Color Display

JPEG Optimizer will work with a 256 Color Display however this is not recommended. For best results set your display settings to HiColor (16 bit) or TrueColor (24/32 bit).

In 256 color mode the image view is dithered so you will not be able to see the image as it would appear on a better display. More dithering is done if you display the "Show Extra Compression" window. If you see odd displays, Windows is having problems with palettes. Try minimizing JPEG Optimizer and clicking on the display windows.  Compression times are about twice as long as those for HiColor mode.

Click [image] to change your display settings.

Note: See also Batch Mode  for compressing multiple files.

Next


Adjust desired Compression and image type

Set the Image type

After loading the image you can select desired image type options:

 Check this if you want the output image to be a grayscale (black & white) JPEG file.

 Check this if you want the JPEG file to contain extra color information. This may give better results for images with areas of solid color or sharp transitions. Note that this option will tend to increase file size a little, however it may allow you to use more compression and achieve a lower file size.

 Check this if you want to output a progressive JPEG. A progressive JPEG  enables a browser on a slow communications link to generate a low-quality image quickly and gradually improve the displayed quality as more data is received.

Set the compression

Next adjust the image compression using one (or more) of the three compression controls:

The Enter key is used to enter quality numbers in the edit box.

The quality may be set from 1 (very low quality, high compression) to 100 (very high quality, low compression) but the useful range is typically between 25 and 90.

Adjust the quality setting as low as you can without degrading the image unacceptably.

Next


Color Space

By default JPEG Optimizer uses 4-1-1 sampling (4 samples of luminance for every 1 sample of chrominance).

The extra color option changes the sampling to 1-1-1.


Progressive JPEG Notes

Some browsers, image viewers and editors may not be able to display progressive JPEGs.

The file size displayed is for a non-progressive JPEG. If progressive mode is selected the actual file size will be slightly different.


Compress Image (Normal mode)

JPEG Optimizer allows extra compression of the image by compressing some areas more than others.

 Use the Auto button to MagiCompress the whole image. Some areas may now be unacceptably distorted. Drag the mouse over these areas and they will return to the original compression. Typical areas that will need this are areas that attract most attention like Logos, Text or Eyes. This is available in the registered  and trial version.

 The Compress more button may be used to add more compression. Pressing this button a second time will increase the extra compression.

Note that you can still adjust the compression , extra color  or grayscale  setting at any time.

The file size and compression ratio is shown in the title bar of the window.

If you want a more powerful way of applying extra compression use Expert mode.

Next


Compress Image (Expert mode)

Expert mode is selected from the Options Menu (Options->Expert mode).

Expert mode allows greater control over how you compress some areas more than others. After you select Expert mode the Auto and More buttons are replaced by two groups of 4 buttons, a compression group and a tool group.

Compression group

 The compression group consists of four buttons for each of four levels of selective compression. After clicking one of these buttons use the mouse to select areas that will receive that amount of extra compression. If you double click one of these buttons then the compression is applied to the whole image.

 Remove Extra Compression. Areas selected by the mouse will be set to no extra compression.

 Compress More. Areas selected by the mouse will be compressed a bit more.

 Compress Even More. Areas selected by the mouse will be compressed even more.

 Compress Much More. Areas selected by the mouse will be compressed much more.

Tool group

 The tool group consists of five buttons, three shape tools, an Auto tool and the undo tool. Note, if you hold down the Shift or Control key you can select multiple areas at a time.

  Rectangle tool. Mouse selects areas as rectangles (same as Normal mode).

 Line tool. Mouse selects lines. Note that the 8x8 pixel blocks are shown.

 Freehand tool. Mouse irregular shapes. Note that the 8x8 pixel blocks are shown.

 MagiCompress tool.  Automatically selects regions and amount of extra compression. Press again to increase the amount of compression. This is available in the registered and trial version.

 Undo. Click to undo last area selection. Up to 4 undos are stored. Note that there is also a Redo command (Control-Y).

There are several ways you can use Expert mode to further compress an image. We recommend you experiment to find what suits you best.

You can increase the power and flexibility of Expert mode with the Wizard menu.

Note that you can still adjust the compression , extra color  or grayscale  setting at any time.

The file size and compression ratio is shown in the title bar of the window.

Show Extra Compression

If you want to see which regions of the image are extra compressed and by how much by select "Show Extra Compression" in the Options menu. No compression is shown as white or gray. The more the compression the darker the shade or red.

Next


Save image

 When you are happy with quality and file size the image may be saved as a standard JPEG file or Progressive JPEG  file.

Close

If you want to close the image, select File->Close from the menu. (Note that this is not a necessary step. Some users prefer to be able to close the image windows).

Next


Zoom, Undo and Redo

Zoom

Zoom x 2 is selected from the Options Menu (Options->Zoom x 2). When Zoom is selected the images will be displayed at twice normal size. Zoom mode is useful for examining compression effects in detail and will give an idea of what an image will look like on a 640x480 display if you are using a 1024x768 display.

Undo and Redo

Undo and Redo are selected from the Edit menu or by using keys Control-Z and Control-Y respectively. Undo will revert the compression of the image to the state prior to the last extra compression image selection ie it will undo the action of the last mouse selection.

Note that Undo only undoes changes made with the mouse, it does not undo changes made with the slider, Extra color box, etc.

Redo undoes the previous undo.

Next


Quick Tips

Quick tips on using JPEG Optimizer:

•	If you double click one of the [image]  buttons (in Expert mode) the compression will be applied to the whole image.

•	If you hold down the Shift or Control key, multiple areas can be selected with the mouse. This is useful for large images or slow PCs.

•	For fast operation in Expert mode use the Function keys F5 - F8 to select the compression level while using the mouse to select areas.

•	The 'z' and 'x' keys can be used for Undo and Redo respectively.


License

JPEG Optimizer Copyright © 1997, 1998 by XATech.

All rights reserved.

License Agreement

Your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

Registered Version

One registered copy of JPEG Optimizer should be purchased per concurrent user.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.

Disclaimer of Warranty

The authors make no warranty or representation, either express or implied, with respect to this software, its quality, accuracy, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.  This software is provided "as is", and you, its user, assume the entire risk as to its quality and accuracy.

This software is sold without warranties as to performance of merchantability or any other warranties whether expressed or implied. No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is offered.

Any liability of the seller will be limited exclusively to product replacement or refund of purchase price.

Evaluation License

You are licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 30 days.  If you use this software after the 30 day evaluation period a registration fee of $29 is required.

Distribution

The Evaluation Version may be distributed unmodified provided any charge is to cover distribution costs only. The Evaluation Version may be placed on CDs or magazine floppy disks etc. as long as XATech are informed.

Uninstalling JPEG Optimizer

JPEG Optimizer may be uninstalled from Add/Remove programs in Control Panel (Click [image]).


Advert

Compressed with JPEG Optimizer, www.xat.com


Registered Version Benefits

All upgrades are free even if the price has increased.

The Registered Version enables batch processing  ie compressing multiple files at one time.

The Registered Version enables MagiCompression.

The Trial Version writes a small invisible advertisement  into the JPEG file.


Ordering Information

For  Ordering Information please visit our website at http://www.xat.com/jpegopt/order.html or email info@xat.com

Registering

To register, select Help->Register from the program menu and type in your code.

Registered Version Benefits


Contact Information

Please visit the web site at http://www.xat.com/

Or for information, comments and requests please send email to info@xat.com


Acknowledgments

This software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.

This software includes Sam Leffler's TIFF Software:

Copyright (c) 1988-1996 Sam Leffler

Copyright (c) 1991-1996 Silicon Graphics, Inc.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM LEFFLER OR SILICON GRAPHICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.