Secure your images and documents

[keenart]

If you create images or documents for the Web using PI, you might be interested in the following.

For those who need Web Image Security, stop others from downloading your images, read this article:
http://www.web-wise-wizard.com/web-grap ... creen.html

For those who create and need Secure Documents, read the following:
http://www.summitprinting.com/security.htm
http://www.amgraf.com/pages/secdoc.html

[VikingAnimations]

Good tips!

Note that the method for securing images will not prevent the computer-savvy from nabbing your file, but it may slow the process down. There are a couple ways to grab such things, but I won't reveal them here. One of them is way too easy...

[keenart]

Robert

Yes, you are correct; there are several methods that could be used, one very simple one indeed.

The normal course of action is to obliterate the image with a high resolution watermark, which you can create using PI. Using a Wicker screen with a rainbow color scheme is one of the easiest screens to create and produces a moiré pattern that is difficult to remove. It does not look pretty but makes the image useless. That said, there are people who have the patience and expertise to remove any security means you apply.

Image tracking such as Image Bridge from Digimarc is too expensive for the single user, so Micro-screening is probably one of the most effective methods. If done correctly, it can survive compression and most filters. This method cannot stop downloading of images, but retains the hidden and embedded copyright info just in case you have to prove original authorship. I have used this method for decades and it does work.

For documents, a newer method uses an invisible screen created by an algorithm that is not detectable until the software that created the screen is used to retrieve the info. The screen cannot be removed by the use of conventional methods of compression and filters. This method has a very high level of security, which usually means encryption and access permissions.

It is important to protect your work in everyway possible. There is nothing worse that someone else getting credit or paid for your work.

[VikingAnimations]

Yes, adding a watermark of some sort is likely the better way. But not pretty!

The only sure way to keep your images from being nabbed is to never post them on the internet!

[keenart]

I hear ya!
Many years ago I tried that approach, my online Print business was compromised. I stopped putting images online and shortly thereafter, the business went nowhere.
I would suggest to anyone that needs to secure their work, keep the best of your work offline and for private display to clients. Display work online that is good but that you can afford to lose if that event occurs.