LikeItLots Help Files

Adding a picture can make all the differences between an auction being successful or not - and the process couldn't be simpler. We'll take you through the basics of what kind, size and type of pictures you can add and how best to go about it.

First, you'll need to save your photos as digital pictures (also called "electronic images"). To get started, choose the type of equipment or service that's best for you.

Digital camera - A digital camera is the easiest and best way to get sharp Web photos. This type of camera works just like a film camera, except pictures are stored in the camera's memory instead of on film.
Scanner - Take and develop a photograph with any kind of film camera and then use a scanner to convert your picture into an electronic image. Scanners directly transfer pictures to your computer. All you do is lay the image on the scanning glass and follow the instructions supplied with your scanner. You can place small or flat items (such as stamps or postcards) on the scanning glass and create an electronic image without having to use a camera.
Video Camera - You can transfer pictures from your video camera or video tapes using a video capture device and software. Contact your PC manufacturer about what kind of video capture device is best for you.

What format does my auction picture have to be in?
There are 2 main web-safe picture formats. These are GIFs and Jpegs. Both are accepted by all web browsers, and are specially designed to take up as little memory as possible, thus allowing the pictures to download quicker. Because of the way these formats work, different kinds of picture work better with each format:
GIF: If your picture has few colours - like a logo - then you'll be able to create a clearer & smaller image with a GIF.
JPEG: If your picture had lots of colours and is a detailed image - like a photo - then you're better off using a JPEG.

What kind of picture should I use?
When choosing your digital photograph, choose one that shows the item for sale clearly, photographed against a plain, uncluttered background. Oh, and make sure your picture is in focus!

How big should my picture be?
You should try and limit the memory size of any auction picture - around 40Kb max - so that anyone coming to your auction can download the page quickly.

Ideal Picture Tools
Finally, if you want to change any image, you will need a photo manipulator program. The best is Photoshop, although Paint Shop Pro is more suited for people on a budget.

Finding a home for your picture on the Web:
There are two ways to have a picture appear on your auction.

1. LikeItLots will be pleased to host up to FIVE pictures for the duration of your auction - FREE Of CHARGE. Simply upload the picture(s) to our server from the Submit Listing page and we'll store them for you.

2. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide free Web space for their customers. Contact your ISP to see if this is the case. You will need software to copy (upload) files from your computer to the Web. This software is called FTP (File Transfer Protocol or File Transfer Program). Popular ftp software programs are CuteFTP, FTP Voyager and Fetch (for Macs). Once you know the www address of the image, simply use HTML in your description to have it appear within your listing.

Please note.... you must have the right to use the images under copyright law. If you use an image that you are not permitted to use, we reserve the right to remove the item and terminate your membership.