Web and Book Application Technical Specifications.

Please read all instructions below or download the Technical Specifications.

  1. GEDCOM files:

Our Family Storybook accepts the industrial standard GEDCOM file format.

GEDCOM stands for Genealogical Data Communication. The GEDCOM file, with an extension of .ged, is a universal file “text only” format for sharing genealogy files and is a common language for computerized genealogy. Any genealogy program can create a GEDCOM file containing all your family researched data.

For your GEDCOM file to be uploaded properly, the file extension must be .ged. If your program created a compressed .zip file, it must be unzipped first. It is recommended that you save your GEDCOM file to your hard drive and scan it for viruses, then create a backup copy. It is best to upload one complete GEDCOM file instead of several smaller files, as you will be able to filter the information you want for each project within Our Family Storybook’s web application.

You may also import your GEDCOM file if you have it stored on the Cloud or on another website. Simply use the same GEDCOM upload function provided.

If you do not know how to create a GEDOM file from your software program, please contact us, telling us what program you use, and we will send you instructions.

  1. Web image resolution and dpi:

Imagery used for display on a web site have to be both optimized and sized properly for fast loading of your web pages. Images designed for use on the web have a screen resolution of 72 dpi (Dot per Inch). All images used on your web site must be at a resolution of 72dpi and no larger.

  1. Web color mode:

Imagery for computer graphic uses a color mode called RGB, which stands for Red, Green, and Blue. All images used for your web site must be in a color mode of RGB.

  1. Web optimization:

Optimization is the term used to define the reduction of an image or video file size as small as possible without sacrificing quality. If you don’t have image editing software like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements or Fireworks there are free options available online.
Some optimizing tools to consider are:
http://tools.dynamicdrive.com/imageoptimizer/
http://luci.criosweb.ro/riot/
http://www.smushit.com/ysmush.it/
http://www.boxtopsoft.com/supergif.html
http://pnggauntlet.com/

Always use an image-editing program to make your image the desired size, do not use a large image and then scale it down to fit a smaller area as it will create slow load times. Also, consider using smaller image formats such as .JPG and .PNG whenever possible.
Some free online photo editors to consider are:
www.faststone.org
www.resizeandcrop.com
Image Tricks Lite
www.seashore.sourceforge.net
www.gimp.org
www.fotor.com
www.picfull.com
www.picmonkey.com
www.sumoware.com
www.pixlr.com
www.photobie.com
www.photofiltre-studio.com

Video and sound files must also be optimized for the web. There are many free video optimizers on the web. Start your search by visiting:
http://www.fileguru.com/apps/free_video_optimizerfree_video_optimizer.

For help with image resolution and optimization, Our Family Storybook can provide optimization and photo editing services for an additional fee. See our Services page for more detailed information about all our services.

  1. File formats for Web:

We accept all the following image file formats: .BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, and PDF.

We accept all the following video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV. Please be aware that Flash video will not play on iPads, iPhones or newer Android 4.1 phones.

We accept all the following sound files: WMA, WAV, MP3, AAC.

  1. Image Resolution and DPI:

All image file formats must have a minimum resolution of 350 dpi (dot per inch). Print images need to be created at 350 dpi or higher (no less than 300dpi) or there will be a substantial drop in the image quality when printed.

  1. File Formats for Print:

We accept the following file formats TIF, TIFF, JPG, EPS, AI, PSD, and PDF.

  1. Book color mode:

All color artwork and/or images must be provided in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode for printing.

All black & white artworks and/or images must be provided in grayscale color mode.

Be aware that artwork created using the RGB color mode may appear duller or lacking in contrast when printed.

  1. Fonts:
  2. Fonts must be embedded in PDF files.
  3. Fonts must be outlined or converted to paths or curves in EPS, AI or PSD files.
  4. Some fonts have copyright restrictions and will not embed in PDF Files. In this situation, Outline the fonts.
  5. Bleed, trim and safe areas:

A “Bleed” is the portion of the product that will be trimmed off when it is cut to the final size. Artwork edges must be placed beyond the bleed area to be cropped correctly.

The “Trim” area is the final size of your page, after the ‘bleed’ has been cut off.

The “Safe” area is an area inside the ‘Trim’. The safe area is kept well away from the trim area, so this is where you should place your most important information or sections of your design, especially text. Anything outside of this area runs a risk of being cut off!

  1. Typography / Text / Line Art:

There are some key points to remember when using text/line art in your designs:

  1. Make sure text is at least 8pt – very small text can look good on screen but does not print well.
  2. When printing lines in a solid or dark color, make sure they are no thinner than 0.5pt. If you’re using a lighter color, we recommend 1pt.
  3. Make sure all fonts are embedded or outlined. Converting to a PDF will solve this problem.

4. Save your designs using the ‘Adobe PDF/X-1a’ preset, where possible.