All Things Visual: The University of Chicago Visual Resources Center

Good news for ARTstor image users! ARTstor has eliminated the need for the Java plugin to download images from their digital library. ARTstor writes:

After our update, users who download single image files will receive a zip file that contains a JPEG image and an HTML file with the associated metadata. In addition to removing the need for Java, using zip will allow ARTstor to pursue other feature enhancements, such as additional options for image group downloads.

Mac users should have a problem, but PC users might have to install software to unzip the image folder. ARTstor suggests using 7Zip if you’re one of the affected users. Please feel free to contact the VRC if you’re having any issues downloading images from ARTstor.

Via ARTstor Blog

LUNA will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, March 28th from approximately 11a (central) to 1p.

During this time, we suggest using ARTstor for your image needs. If we can help with anything, please don’t hesitate to contact the VRC.

Update: All collections in LUNA are now available on- and off-campus. Thank you for your patience!

Are you trying to add labels to maps, charts, drawings, or other images in Photoshop? Are you finding it impossible to change the background color of your text box?

If so, that’s because it is impossible! Photoshop does not have this functionality. There is a workaround, however, if you’d like to continue working with your image in Photoshop:

First, create your text box by selecting the “T” tool from your Photoshop Toolbox.

You can change the size, style, and color of your font from the top menu.

Next, find your Rectangle Tool. It may be hidden behind a tool that looks like a forward slash (/). To switch tools, mouse over the / icon and hit control, then select the Rectangle Tool.

Using the Rectangle Tool, draw a box around your text. You can adjust the color and opacity from the top menu. If you don’t see an option for opacity at top, you can change the opacity from the layer adjustment tools at right.

You can then send the box you made behind the text by going to Layer > Arrange > Send Backward.

By default, each time you create a new object or text box you will create a new layer. You may want to flatten the image periodically, if you know that you won’t be making further adjustments to some boxes/text. You can also learn more about managing your layers in CS6 by viewing this tutorial.

From ARTstor:

Please be advised that ARTstor will be performing an upgrade to our systems beginning on Saturday, January 26th at 11:00 PM EST and concluding on Sunday, January 27th at 1:00 PM EST. While the upgrade is being performed, users will not have access to the ARTstor Digital Library.

During the outage, please consider using LUNA instead for your image needs. If you experience difficulties with ARTstor after 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, try clearing your cache. If that doesn’t work, please contact userservices@artstor.org.

It’s been reported that Mac users are having problems downloading images from the ARTstor Digital Library due to an outdated or disabled version of Java.

If you are using Apple OSX 10.7 or later, you will need to install the latest version of Java and enable it on your browser. If you are using Mac OXX 10.5 or 10.6 and are unable to download images, Java may have been disabled, so all you have to do is re-enable it.

If you are encountering problems downloading images from ARTstor and these solutions aren’t helping, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Previously, JSTOR allowed users to limit results by image—while this feature isn’t going away, it has changed in their most recent update. In order to search images, users will need now to key-word search on the caption field from the Advanced Search page. The drop-down menus to the right of the search boxes have a “caption” option, which will return content with images.

The screen shot below shows JSTOR’s advanced search page with “captions” selected from the drop down menu:

 The results from this search all have images with a caption that contains the keywords.

If you have any questions about finding images in JSTOR or elsewhere, please feel free to contact the VRC!

LUNA is currently undergoing maintenance. Access to the digital collections may be intermittent. If you have trouble connecting, please consider ARTstor for your image needs this afternoon.

We will update this page when maintenance has completed. Thank you for your patience.

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Note: LUNA maintenance is over and access has returned to normal. Thank you.

The TECHB@R (located on the first floor of Regenstein Library by the stairs) is now offering free Software Consultations to faculty, staff, and students looking for assistance with a variety of general computing and statistical software, including Photoshop, InDesign, and PowerPoint.

Weekly Hours for TECHB@R Software Consultations:

• Monday through Thursday: 5–9 pm
• Friday: 3–5 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12–3 pm

Consultations are available for walk-ins but you can also schedule appointments by emailing itconsult@uchicago.edu.

For more information: Software Consultations and TECHB@R

Our media equipment in CWAC classrooms is better than ever! Each classroom is now equipped with an HD projector, HDMI and VGA connections, and speakers.

Media cabinet keys no longer required! To turn projection on, simply hit the ON button. To connect your laptop to the projection, choose HDMI or VGA, connect your computer to the appropriate cable (newer Mac adapters now included), and press the appropriate button on the panel. You’re all set!

As always, please be sure to turn projectors OFF when your class is finished.

For more information about Mac projection settings in CWAC classrooms, see instructions here. Feel free to contact VRC staff for an orientation.