In order for your image to be 'viewable' by a browser, you will need to convert your picture into a proper computer graphic file.  There are three options available to you:

1.  Bring your items to a copy or desktop publishing store such as Kinko's or Mail Boxes Etc. and pay for them to be scanned or photographed, and then converted into a digital format. eBay recommends the digital image be saved as a JPEG (.jpg).

2.  Use a digital camera or scanner (device that turns photographs into computer files). Detailed instructions available at eBay.

3.  Process your film as a digital image.  There are many companies that can process your photos and save them in a digital format suitable for the Internet.  Again, if you use this method, make sure the digital image is saved in a JPG (.jpg) format.  Digital processing is available from Kodak's Photonet service, Seattle Filmworks and Fujifilm.

More About File Formats
Although there are many file formats in which you can save your picture, ONLY TWO FORMATS, GIF or JPG are viewable by all browsers.  Both have there own unique strengths as they convert the image information into small, quick-loading files.  The goal is to have the byte size fairly small so the image will load fast. 10K-50K is excellent; over 100K is getting too big; and don't even THINK of using an image over 300K.  In general, JPG works best for detailed photographs while GIF is best for less detailed images.

Converting to JPG or GIF
If you have a digital file that is not a JPG or GIF and will you need a graphics program like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Photopaint to convert it.

However, before you convert an image-file, you want to make sure the image is the appropriate size.  Images used on the internet are measured in pixels.  A standard screen is 640 x 480 pixels (this is the bare minimum - screen sizes can be bigger). 

First, make sure your program is displaying the image at a true 1:1 ratio -- some programs "shrink" the image to fit the screen.  Then change the image size by finding a command like IMAGE SIZE, RESIZE, RESAMPLE or REDIMENSION to make a permanent change to the file size.

Now you are ready to convert your image.  Look under FILE for the command SAVE AS or EXPORT.  There you should see a GIF and/or a JPG option.  When saving you will have different compression options for JPG and transparent color options for GIF.   [_includes/bottom_nav.htm]