What is best: BMP; JPEG; GIF or What?

[Robert]

I learned to use the OLE Object in the database table with a field called
picture. The same field is used in the input form for the table. I used a
query also with the field Picture (OLE Object) and it works just great with
the report.
So far I have only placed 5 images in the database which will have 93 more
when complete....so far the size is up to 39,952 KB. GOOD GRIEF....at this
level of growth, how can i possibly put in the remaining 93 pictures?
My question: Should I use / Can I use a smaller format of image, e.g. gif/
jpeg/tiff?
If so, how?
My pictures are in a separate folder on the "C" drive. The database uses
the OLE Object to place the "bitmap image" in the field in the
database....although as you know, the only place to see the image is in the
input form or the report.

Thanks to all who can give me a basic answer....I am a novice. I do not
understand writing code / sql / vba. Robert

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Robert,

Using OLE Embedding technology results in serious database bloat, as you
have discovered, because Access converts your images into a bitmap format for
storage. This problem has been addressed in the next version of Access, due
out in 2007, but for Access 2003 and all previous versions, you can expect
this type of bloat. See this link for more information regarding the next
version of Access:

http://blogs.msdn.com/access/archive/2005/11/07/490113.aspx

---> Modern image support - use png, gif, jpg, etc. without database bloat
and maintain transparency.

You have a couple of alternatives:

1.) Store the images in a folder separate from the .mdb file, using VBA code
to display them in forms and reports as needed. Here is a link that provides
some examples:
http://accdevel.tripod.com/imaging.htm

Here is a KB article that explains how this can be done:

How to display images from a folder in a form, a report, or a data
access page
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=285820

or http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148463 for Access 97 and earlier.

2.) Use an ActiveX control such as DBPix
http://www.ammara.com/articles/imagesaccess.html

I do not understand writing code / sql / vba.

Do you have the patience to learn? If so, that's a good sign.


Tom Wickerath
Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

 

[Wayne-I-M]

You need to use Access to convert your pictures to a bitmap (using the insert
object action)

1st - It sounds to me as if you have placed uncompressed images into your D
Base. This is a common error so don’t worry.
The main thing to remember about pictures (without at all getting technical)
is that they are BIG.
Your D Base is up to now over 39mb so assuming that you have made a few
tables queries, form and some other (again non technical) stuff and assuming
that your D Base is around 2mb with the pictures this give you (for your 5
pictures) just under 7.4 mb per picture. This is MUC too big for a D Base.
As I said it sound to me like uncompressed images as if they were compressed
(the normal is around 90%) then your picture would start off as 740mb each.


So what you need to do is to compress and reduce the image size "to what you
need". The average size of OLE box in the forms I have made in the past is
around 2cm by 3cm. THIS IS ALL YOU NEED and (more importantly) you ONLY need
the images to be saved at 72dpi as you will not see and difference on your
screen at anything higher (unless you want to zoom in to the picture - which
is not to idea with OLE objects)

If your images were taken by a standard digital camera or scanner then you
will have a jpeg and if your pictures are at the moment 72dpi and 7.5mb then
each pictures is 73cm X 55cm which is too say the least too big

The same picture resampled down to 2cm by 3cm “AND†converted to a bmp
(bitmap) would be only 1420kb (a standard 6inch by 4inch would be over 7mb).


To reduce the size of the pictures and use as a link on a form (not the
original saved on your hard disk).

Make a copy of the picture
Save this as ThumbnailPicture1, ThumbnailPicture2, ThumbnailPicture3, etc
(or use the ID of the record in the table)
If you have a picture processing programme such as Photoshop or Photopaint
then use that to resample and convert. If you don’t have one of these
programmes:

1 Click start
2 Click My Pictures (if that’s where they are)
3 Right click the picture and select “Open Withâ€
4 Select Windows Office Picture Manager
5 After the picture is open click the Picture Menu then select Resize
6 Resize your picture to the correct size
NOTE. You will need to know the pixel size of your OLE box (ie. 57pixels =
2cm) To get this go back to the D Base and open the properties box.
7 SaveAS a copy of the original (DON’T JUST SAVE or you will ruin the
original picture)

To link this thumbnail with the OLE
8 Open the Table that will hold the data /picture (not the form)
9 navigate to the OLE field on the correct record and Right Click
10 Select Insert Object
11 Select Create From File and then Bitmap and then check the Link option
12 Browse to your picture and select it
13 Click OK
14 “Package†will appear in the field
15 View your image on the form

Hope this helps and points you in the right direction

 

[Robert]

Tom,
Thank you for the lead on the articles. I just don't know how to start
writing this stuff. Where do I go? .... to the form and then select Macro?
I am lost. IN time, I will learn code....but for this week's project, I am
stuck with an ENORMOUSLY bloated db with just 94 records with pictures.

SHEESH! Where do I start and how?

Thanks, Robert

 

[Robert]

Wayne, I certainly apprecaite your time and words. I will attempt to do what
you suggested tonight.
Thank you very much.
RObert

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Robert,

I recommend starting with the KB (Knowledge Base) articles I pointed out.
The directions are step-by-step. If you run into problems, then post back
with information on what part of the KB article is confusing or doesn't seem
to work.


Tom Wickerath
Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

 

[Robert]

Tom,
I hate to show how ignorant I am....however, when I went to the first
article and it asked me to do this:
Using the custom function in a form
1. Create the following new form that is based on the tblImage table.
Form: frmImage
----------------------
Caption: Image Form
RecordSource: tblImage
Image Control
---------------------------------
Name: ImageFrame
Picture: "C:\Windows\Zapotec.bmp"
Text box
----------------------
Name: txtImageID
ControlSource: ImageID

I am lost ..... Email me at (e-mail address removed) and I can be more specific.

THanks,
Robert

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Robert,

Do you have any local Access user groups in your area? For example, here is
one page of results that I found by using Google (although it does not seem
to include either of the two Seattle area user groups that I am a member of):

http://www.google.com/Top/Computers/Software/Databases/Microsoft_Access/User_Groups/

These links might be helpful too:
http://cdb.apcug.org/loclist.asp and
http://easyrsvp.com/ugotw/

You can likely meet someone at a user group meeting, who is willing to give
you some one-on-one time, especially if you can bring a laptop PC with MS
Access loaded on it and a printed copy of the KB article.

You might also want to pick up a good book for beginners. Here is a link to
a supermarket of links:

http://home.bendbroadband.com/conradsystems/accessjunkie/resources.html#Books

One of the step-by-step books listed here might be a good choice:

http://www.viescas.com/Info/books.htm#Access


Tom Wickerath
Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________