Screenshot and Image posting guide
 

Screenshot and Image posting guide
Note: This is a PC Friendly Guide, I am not familiar with the Mac version of the game.
If a Mac user would like to post a mac related guide, that would be great. Posting options should be similar.

[OVERVIEW]
The process for taking a screenshot in POTCO is actually very simple.
How you locate, access, and make use of screenshots is where things generally start to get complicated.
This guide was written to help make the whole process understandable.

[REQUIREMENTS]
Operational Pirates of the Caribbean online game.
Basic computer skills, copy/cut/paste, etc.

[TERMINOLOGY]

POTCO - Pirates of the Caribbean Online
POF - Pirates Online Forums (This Site)
screenshot - An image/picture that the displays a moment of the players game screen.
jpg - The preferred file/format type for images/pictures, especially to be posted.
URL - The specific web address that points to an image, or other document on the internet.
Shortcut - This word can have many meanings, in this case it indirectly references the aforementioned "URL".

[TAKING SCREENSHOTS]

To take a screenshot in POTCO, simply press your F9 key.
The screenshot images location and filename will be momentarily displayed on the lower half of your screen.
If you wish to make multiple screenshots, it is best you wait for this to disappear before taking your next, or it will become part of your next screenshot.
You can avoid all messages/text, and the interface by using the F12 key to toggle the interface display off before pressing F9 (and then pressing F12 again to return the interface).

• F9 - Takes a screenshot
• F12 - Toggles user interface (On/Off)

[FINDING THE SCREENSHOTS]

Ok, so you've taken numerous screenshots, and you want to go through them to see just exactly what you've caught on camera so to speak. To access the screenshots, for those with computer savvy, you would simply navigate to your POTCO game folder where you will find them with the rest of the games files.
POTCO Game Folder: "C:\Program Files\Disney\Disney Online\PiratesOnline"

1. Locate and open "My Computer" on your system (sometimes on Desktop, sometimes in Start Menu)
2. Open your "C" drive, it will often be represented as "Local Disk (C:)". If you receive a screen warning you about viewing the contents of this folder, you will have to click the option to allow you to proceed and view.
3. Open the "Program Files" folder. (You may receive similar prompt as noted above in step 2)
4. Open the "Disney" folder.
5. Open the "Disney Online" folder.
6. Open the "PiratesOnline" folder.

You can now "Cut/Paste" the screenshot images out of this folder, and put them somewhere else more easily for you to manage (ie on Desktop, or a folder on your Desktop perhaps, or in My Pictures, etc). Be careful to only remove files with filenames starting with the word "screenshot".

[RESIZING SCREENSHOTS] (If you are familiar with better graphics editing application than MSPaint, I recommend using it instead for better quality)

You may wish to edit a screenshot, add text, add an arrow pointing at something, or may wish to simply make the screenshot smaller (better for forum posting). There are many applications/ways to do this. However I will stick to the "PAINT" program that is native to Windows for consistency. If you wish to add text and to resize your screenshot, it is usually best to resize your screenshot first, as the resize process can often distort your editing, and make text unreadable.
Note: You may not need to resize your screenshot! Use the [shot] bbcode tag to display thumbnail, click to display full size.

Resizing your screenshot

1. Open your screenshot up with Microsoft Paint. (Note: Microsoft Paint is usually found at: START > All Programs > Accessories)
   
2. Click on the "Image" menu, and select "Stretch/Skew... Ctrl-W"
   
3. In the "Stretch" area, input the percentage of the original size you would like to reduce the image to, in the "Horizontal" box. Repeat the EXACT same amount in the "Vertical" box. If you do not the picture will not resize properly and will look funny. Click "OK". You have now resized your screenshot by the indicated percentage. Try different percentages to see what you like best. If using another software that lets you indicate actual pixel size, I would recommend 320 x 240 (320 x whatever doesnt skew image) for forum posting, with links to the full image.
   
4. Click File, and Save As (not Save), to save your screenshot with a new name so you do not overwrite your original full size image/screenshot.
   

[EDITING SCREENSHOTS] (If you are familiar with better graphics editing application than MSPaint, I recommend using it instead for better quality)

You may wish to edit a screenshot, add text, add an arrow pointing at something, etc. There are many applications/ways to do this. However I will stick to the "PAINT" program that is native to Windows for consistency. If you wish to add text and to resize your screenshot, it is usually best to resize your screenshot first (See [RESIZING SCREENSHOTS]), as the resize process can often distort your editing, and/or make text unreadable.

Editing your screenshot (adding Text. etc)

1. Open your screenshot up with Microsoft Paint. (Note: Microsoft Paint is usually found at: START > All Programs > Accessories)
   
2. Click on the "A" tool for "Text".
   
3. Drag and create a rectangular box representing where you want your text to be. You cannot resize this box once finished, so make sure it covers the area you want your text to be.
   
4. On the toolbar there are now two options indicating wether the back of your text box is to be solid (covering image) or if it should be transparent. Clicking on either should demonstrate the outcome, this can be changed as long as you still have the editing box for the current text.
   
5. At bottom of Paint, in left corner, left click on the color you wish your text to be, and right click on the color you would like the back of the text area to be (if not transparent).
   
6. Type the text you wish in the box.
   
7. Right click the box, and select "Text Toolbar" to alter Font, Size, and Style of text.
   
8. Averting focus from the text box, clicking on another tool, or other menu option will finalize your text. Once on, it cannot be changed (limitation of Paint program).
   
9. Using other tools, paint, draw, do whatever you wish.
   
10. Click File, and Save As, to save your new creation as a different file, not overwriting the original.
    

[POSTING SCREENSHOTS]

This guide will review 3 methods of posting an image/screenshot in a forum post here at POF. Each method requires some information, usually the "URL" or web address to the image/screenshot to be displayed, however if using attachments, the attachmentid can also be used. See [HOSTING SCREENSHOTS].

Posting your screenshots on POF
Large images (like screenshots) should use the [shot] tag. This will display a smaller version of your image which can be clicked to view the full size.
Smaller images would likely be best using the [img] tag, or for attachments, the [attach] tag.

Using [shot] tag:
------------------------

If the "URL" of the image is http://pirates.teamofx.us/ss/digspots/padres_del_fuego/pdf_digspot_1.jpg
Then once in [shot] tags like this: [shot]http://pirates.teamofx.us/ss/digspots/padres_del_fuego/pdf_digspot_1.jpg[/shot]


It will display in forum post like this:

Using [img] tag:
-----------------------

If the "URL" of the image is http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/forums/images/avatars/flag.gif
Then once in [img] tags like this: [img]http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/forums/images/avatars/flag.gif[/img]

It will display in forum post like this: http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/f...atars/flag.gif

Using [attach] tag:
--------------------------

Find the "attachmentid", there will be a link to your image/screen, directly above the "Manage Attachments" button. Right click on it, and click "Properties". The "Address/URL" should be displayed, it should look something like this:
http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=771&stc=1&d=1218258054
Note the part highlighted in red, the attachmentid number.
Where you want the image displayed, type in the attachment BBCode tag [attach] the attachmentid number, and then close with your closing attachment tag so it all looks like this: [attach]<attachmentid #>[/attach]
Once coded, it should look something like this: [attach]771[/attach] in this post will look like this:Attachment 771

Ok, now that seems simple, but where do you put your graphics and find that "URL"?
To post an image on a website requires some form of 'hosting' the picture cannot remain on your local computer.

[HOSTING SCREENSHOTS]
There are 3 different approachs to hosting your images/screenshots for posting in the forums here at POF. Your account status may limit or vary availability of some options. The following are the 3 most common (if not only) means of hosting images for display in your forum posts.

1. Attachments - You can attach an image to any post using the advanced editing features of the board. This will supply a link for post readers to click on to view the image. With a little finesse, you can also display these pictures in your post. You will likely have limited space alotted to your account for such attachments however.

1. In your post, or reply, if you do not have the "Manage Attachments" button/option, look for "Go Advanced" button.
   
2. Click "Manage Attachments".
   
3. Click the "Browse" button next to the "Upload File form your Computer" box, and locate/select the image/screenshot you wish to share/post.
   
4. Click "Upload" button, it will take a few moments, but it will upload, then present you with a link to the file uploaded in the "Manage Attachments" box. If you've made a mistake, you can use Remove button to remove one you've already uploaded, and upload another.
   
5. Click "Close this window" in top right corner.
   
6. Locate the link to your attachment above the "Manage Attachments" button. Right click on it, and click "Properties".
   The "Address/URL" should be displayed, it should look something like this:
   http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=771&stc=1&d=1218258054
   Obtain attachmentid (portion in red) to use [attach] tag, or copy entire url for use with [shot] or [img] tags, depending on your desired posting method.
   

2. Gallery - You can attach an image to any post using POFs image gallery (note images may be required to wait for approval). You may have a limited amount of space alotted to your account for own "gallery" similarly to attachments.

1. Before you begin your post, click "Gallery" button at top of POF site.
   
2. Click "Upload Photos" link on right hand side of the screen.
   
3. The category box should default to "Member Gallery", if it is not this, change it to "Member Gallery".
   
4. Select each image/screenshot you wish to upload. You may upload more than one, use the browse buttons for each photo box to select what you want to upload.
   
5. You may enter a default title, and descriptions for your images/screens.
   
6. Click Upload/Submit.
   
7. Once uploaded, if your images/screens/photos are not displayed, click "My Photos" link.
   
8. Click on the image/screen/photo you want to put in your post.
   
9. If you wish to use the [shot] tag, copy the "Direct Link" box at bottom, paste this code in between your [shot] tags, where you wish the image/screen/photo to be displayed.
   
10. If you wish to use the [img] tag, simply copy the "UBBCode" box at bottom, paste this code into your post, where you wish the image/screen/photo to be displayed. No further coding required.
    

3. External Hosting - You can upload your pictures to an external host. Perhaps your own web or guild site. Hosting sites are reviewed frequently to make sure they adhere to POFs standards. Batleth updates POFs Approved Image Host list periodically, which can be found here: http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/f...ead.php?t=5303

The process for uploading and using files may vary from host to host. Generally the idea would be to get the "URL" or web address to the hosted image (once uploaded to the approved host) so you can insert it into BBCode [shot] or [img] tags.

I will be updating this a bit, as new features, and/or more information becomes available.

Constructive comments are welcomed. :buds:

thanks zep nice guide

Wow, nice, detailed guide! Thanks! =]

X

cool. i normally search all files and folders "screenshot" :) that is easier though. and i wanted to know how to shrink it. :)

Sammy, I actually thought about putting the search option in the guide when I wrote it, but could not find a way to guarantee the files that were found would be POTCO screenshots.

I think your way actually is easier, if you know how to recognize the files you want.

Nice guide Zep

Zep, this is such a great guide, um, how do I get my quota increased? I'd like to post the Driftwood island eight dig spots next...but I can't upload a single image right now. Make that nine dig spots, now that I'm done with those crabs.

If I had to guess Edward - you might be at your limit for free access.. to go higher it probably requires a paid Subscription. (I'll have to double check that - been busy the last few days and just rying to post as many answers as possible :D )

There are different amounts, and here is the page:

http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/forums/payments.php

I noticed the mention of C drive and deduced this is a PC friendly guide. Thus leading me to the Mac friendly questions:

Is the F9 a game control? (None of my F keys seem to work in POTC.)
If on a Mac will my <apple> <4> command still create a screenshot while in game?

Many thanks.

Sage

Thanks Mate - Just uploaded my first photo to the net EVER. Great guide easy to follow.

Wow zep good guide.

Nice guide this will really help me

I got an awesome pic! Thx Zep :D

Awasome guide Zep

Cool guide. Um.. ok how do you get it as a picture and not a link? i can't figure that out.
pm me with the answer please.

Use the [IMG] tag instead of the [SHOT] tag to display the image outright.

The [SHOT] tag was created to avoid posting of full sized images that slow forum loading times, and skew thread/post display, so it shows only a small image to be clicked on.


Shows full image: [img]http://imageurl[/img]
Shows smaller version to be clicked on: [shot]http://imageurl[/shot]

what about those of us that use MAC. is it the same?

The process of taking screenshots, and where they are kept/located on your computer will be different (mac specific).
Unfortunatley not having a mac/powerpc, I dont know how those functions/steps would be handled.

The steps for attaching/posting images would be the same.

the picture taking is the same. the getting the pictures out from the body (i called it that because of the desktop picture) is the problem. but thanks anyway.

The sections on "Finding" "Resizing" and "Editing" are PC specific.

The rest of the guide should work for all systems, as they are forum specific directions not pertaining to the system being used.

I have found it!!

The way to get images out of a mac is the next:

1- Go to applications or which ever place you saved the game then right click on the icon.
2- Once the menu appears go down to "Show Package Content".
3- A Contents folder should appear click it.
4- A few folders and such will appear. Click on the one that says MacOs.
5- Scroll down or whatever you need to get to the images. They should be there.

* all other clicks are regular lefts*

Hail!
 

Thank you so much for the Mac info.
In all the years of using a Mac, I never had to have a two button mouse until I started playing POTC.
Oh, the right click button of course!
Awesome.
Oh and I discovered that it wont take a screenshot unless you are on FULLSCREEN play.
Thanks and
All Hail Mac Wizards
:pirate41:

I have a new pc and I'm having trouble locating my screenshots..

First.. I no longer have the use of F9--- F12 keys for screen shot use.. they don't work that way with the new gateway keyboard... have a dedicated Print Screen key.

I have taken screenshots with the new pc. but have been unable to find them in the usual places.

I've noticed since I did the most recent Windows Update, that screenshots are no longer overwriting the previous screenshot. It looks like something in-game was recently fixed also, since the message indicating the screenshot's location on disk, does finally go away after a few seconds now. It's not perfect, but close enough! Pressing F9 ten times (once per second) produces 5 screenshots in my POTCO folder.

You can take a screenshot even if you are not in full screen mode, you just have to take a different approach to it. Pressing command+shift+3 will take your basic screenshot of EVERYTHING on your screen. For POTCO, it doesn't give you a great picture (simply because your dock etc will also be shown) but this is still the screenshot I most often use. It'll give you a pic like this...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Picture2-3.png

However, there are a couple more ways to take a screenshot in windowed mode too. Command+shift+4 will let you select an area to take a shot of. For example, I took this picture using command+shift+4.... (no cropping has been done)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...at112912AM.png

There's another way (probably the best way for POTCO but a little more complicated so I don't really use it. Do command+shift+4 and then press space and then click a window, and it will take a picture of only that window. The result...
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Picture1-8.png

I hope this helps a little, but if you already knew all this... then I guess I'm sorry I wasted 2 minutes of your life. lol :)

EDIT: All of these methods save the screenshots directly to your desktop, as shown.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...Picture4-1.png

Need help with screenshots
 

I cant seem to find any of my screenshots. Is there a specific folder there in or something

Everything you need to know is here:

http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/f...ead.php?t=7081

thx i checked it out and now im uploading them

Url?
 

Sorry for a dumb question. Where do I get the URL for a screenshot?

I found them in my PC according to your directions and created a file to keep them in, so I can locate them easily. Now I need to add them to a post. Don't know how to find the URL. Would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

Andrea Shorecastle:psmiley35:

There is no URL to files on your computer they are not internet accessible to the public. You will need to upload them in some fashion. See the section of the guide called "HOSTING SCREENSHOTS", as you will need to somehow 'host' your images before posting them.

Thanks, very helpful information

I put them in Member's Gallery.
From there you can URL's

Still got some difficulty with [shot/] Mind clearing this up a little for me?

It works the same as the [img] tag, just use [shot] instead. I see you got your screenshot posted in your one thread just need to replace img with shot.

[shot]URL[/shot] instead of [img]URL[/img]


Your image will then display as a smaller thumbnail version so it takes up less screen space but can be viewed at full size when clicked.

Thanks for the info mate! Got it working finally :)

Will Kodak Gallery let me put pictures on here?

I dont think Kodak Gallery lets you do that, but they might.

However Kodak isnt one of the approved hosting sites, so there may be other difficulties as well.

Approved sites: http://www.piratesonlineforums.com/f...ead.php?t=5303

The shot tad doesn't seem to work anymore. Or I have received a blow to the head I can't remember. Either way, it looks like this when I try:



I have not added anything other than the shot tags to the URL but I just can't make it work anymore. Any ideas?

The way you did it is correct (or at least used to be). I've had the same problem when adding the shot tags in, no idea how to fix it though.

Thanks Sven. I'll try something else I guess...

Yeah, I've had the same issue for a couple of months now... I'm not sure why it started doing that. I meant to PM Bat about that, but I keep forgetting.

When I go to the Pirates Online folder... its empty.... is this for the browser version too?

wow this is help full maybe now ill understand ever thing alittle more lol

failed for me
 

i couldn't find the diney file :zu04s0:

great Info Zepper
 

Thanks Dr Zepper. this is great info. Just what i was looking for. :bookishfj7

i had difficulty finding my screenshots. My computer saves them in Windows Photo Gallery instead of Pictures.

How do i find my url??

woops http://banditsquadhomepage.yolasite....,0s382x301.jpg

i still dont know how to do attachments.?? ( help )

i agree to. i think it deleted it when i change laptops :(

can i just test it?

yay it worked :D thx potcof

Hmm how do I add a screen or pic using a url if the pic isn't on a site? and does adding through url use up space?

P.S. and what is the picture when its small then you click to view a larger image?

TY

Is there any way to post an image without using up space or having it on a website? (ik this is kind of an old thread, but no sense in making a new one :D)

If it is the only good way,... then okay.

Are you using Mac or PC?

I spent ages making a signature but it comes out teeny!

How do I make it appear larger without exceeding the file and pixel size rules?

Its hosted on photobucket....

Thanx for the help

I'm sorry, I can't think of what might be the problem. It might help to talk to Live Chat about it.

Hey kat, :)

- back to the topic -
lol ouch.. have a fiddle with it and it may come?

Thnx. Very helpful i remember it..