How to use Pixel Prep

Pixel Prep is an image optimization tool that helps you prepare your artwork images for different uses. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the most out of Pixel Prep.

Accessing Pixel Prep

1. Go to Portfolio
2. Click "Portfolio" in the navigation menu (or visit app.entrythingy.com/artist/artwork/)
3. Click the Pixel Prep button
4. Look for the "Pixel Prep" button at the top of the page
5. It has a magic wand icon

Note: Pixel Prep is available to Artwork Management subscribers only. If you're on the free plan, you'll see a message to upgrade.

Step-by-Step Usage

Step 1: Choose Your Preset

On the left side of the Pixel Prep page, you'll see several preset options:

Instagram Square - Perfect for Instagram posts - Creates 1080×1080px square images - Optimized for social media

Jury Submission - Ideal for gallery submissions - Resizes to 1920px on longest side - Optimizes to 1-2MB file size - Professional quality for juried shows

Web Display - For website galleries and portfolios - Balances quality with fast loading - Great for embedding on websites

Email Newsletter - Smaller file sizes for email - Maintains quality while ensuring quick load times - Prevents emails from being too large

Quick Compress - Reduces file size by ~70% - Keeps original dimensions - Great for storage optimization

Click on the preset that matches your needs.

Step 2: Upload Your Image

1. On the right side, find the upload area
2. Click the upload zone or drag and drop your image file
3. Supported formats: JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC
4. Maximum file size: 25 MB
5. Wait for upload to complete
6. You'll see a preview of your image
7. The file name and size will be displayed

Step 3: Process Your Image

1. Once uploaded and preset is selected
2. The optimization process will start automatically
3. You'll see a processing indicator
4. Wait for processing
5. This usually takes 10-30 seconds
6. Don't close the page during processing

Step 4: Download Your Optimized Image

1. When processing completes
2. You'll see your optimized image
3. File size and dimensions will be shown
4. Download the optimized version
5. Click the "Download" button
6. Save the file to your computer
7. Use your optimized image
8. Upload it to your portfolio or use it in call applications
9. The optimized version is ready to use!

Tips for Best Results

Before using Pixel Prep: - Start with high-quality original images - Use images in RGB/sRGB color space (not CMYK) - Ensure your original is clear and well-lit

Choosing the right preset: - Instagram Square: Use for social media posts - Jury Submission: Use for gallery applications - Web Display: Use for portfolio websites - Email Newsletter: Use when emailing images - Quick Compress: Use to reduce storage space

After optimization: - Check the optimized image looks good - Compare file sizes (should be smaller) - Verify dimensions meet your needs

Common Use Cases

Preparing for a call application: 1. Use Jury Submission preset 2. Optimize your images 3. Upload optimized versions to your portfolio 4. Use them in your call application

Creating social media content: 1. Use Instagram Square preset 2. Optimize your artwork images 3. Download and post to Instagram

Building your portfolio website: 1. Use Web Display preset 2. Optimize all portfolio images 3. Upload to Artwork Management 4. Enable Display Link

Troubleshooting

If upload fails: - Check your internet connection - Ensure file is under 25 MB - Try a different image format

If processing takes too long: - Wait a bit longer (can take up to a minute) - Refresh the page and try again - Contact support if it persists

If the result doesn't look right: - Try a different preset - Check your original image quality - Ensure original is in RGB color space

Subscription Required

Pixel Prep is available exclusively to Artwork Management subscribers. If you're on the free plan: - You'll see a message to upgrade - Upgrade to Basic, Standard, or Connoisseur to access Pixel Prep - Your subscription also includes expanded storage

Need Help?

If you have questions about using Pixel Prep or need assistance, contact us at help@entrythingy.com. We're here to help you get the best results!