Snapmania is the ultimate online photo manager. Your photos are securely saved, easily edited, efficiently organized with no limitation from where they can be accessed or when. It delivers everything you need and might wish and requires no software installation (if your grandmother has a computer, she can use snapmania!).
Try it. You will like it. You will find it to be as practical as it is elegant. But beware, once tried, you won't want to give it up again.
Can I try it for free?
Is there any other way? Be our guest. For the trial, upload up to 10 of your favorite photos.
Try out all the tools and features free of any cost for 3 months. You will find that the editing tools are as practical as they are fun. Also, be sure to send a few e-cards, or create a slideshow that you can download and run on your computer or e-mail it to your friends. Whatever you do to your photos, we always preserve the original just as it was uploaded, in full resolution. And you can download these again with the push of a button.
When you are ready to subscribe - for about the price of a cup of coffee a month - you will have enough space for up to 2000 photos (2 GBytes). The standard subscription is 48 CHF per year and optionally you may subscribe to a version with unlimited storage space for 72 CHF per year, but you can upgrade at anytime.
What do I need to use snapmania?
You pretty much need a computer, the faster the better. But this is not unique to our application. You will also need access to the Internet. It will go much faster if you have ADSL or cable modem access. You can use dial-up but it will require some more time to upload your photos. Once they are online, any form of access will work.
Snapmania doesn't care which operating system you use. It works with a PC, Apple or Linux.
You should be using one of the following Internet-Browsers:
Internet Explorer 6 or higher
Mozilla 1.0 or higher
Netscape 7 or higher
Firefox 1.0 or higher
Safari 1.0 or higher
The browser must have the Flash 7 plug-in (or higher). We have a "plugin-check" in case you don't know which version you have currently installed.
Plugin-Check:
Move your mouse's pointer over the logo on the left. If the logo moves when your mouse pointer is on it, Flash 7 is already running. Have fun.
If the logo didn't move, get your upgrade for free from Macromedia at the following link. www.macromedia.com
Why do I have to give you my e-mail address?
Snapmania needs your address to message you. For example, you will receive a notification should someone leave you a comment on a photo. You will also receive a message when someone sends you photos in an e-mail. And it's used for administration purposes, like when you forget your password, for info-messages about new features and also alerts about the status of your subscription itself.
It's important that you keep this mail address up to date, so please, if you change it, be sure to change it on snapmania.
So how do I get my photos onto snapmania?
You have four ways to do this. It begins when you click the "+" icon within the application. Three of your options are displayed in a new window.
To upload a large number (100+) of photos, use the «Uploader». It works with Windows, Macintosh and Windows Linux. Download the "Uploader" to your computer and click on the self installation icon. To use it, drag the photos into the Uploader window, add your account information and click on the upload button. Should the transmission be interrupted, the application, when re-invoked, will pick up where it left off. And if you are using Windows XP or Mac OS X, the software can be configured to auto magically move the photos from your camera to the online photo manager. Finally, you’re in management but you don't need to stand and watch unless you have nothing better to do.
Your second option is to use the Active X feature of Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Use this option when you have less than 256 MByte (about 250 pictures) to upload. If you have activated this feature within your IE browser, you will see a window, to which you can "drag and drop" the photos of your choosing. Before uploading them, you can also preview the thumbnail images if you wish. Or if you don't want to work with single photos, you can pack them into a Zip file or tar.gz (if you don't know what a tar.gz is, don't worry, it's not contagious).
The third option is to send the photos via e-mail. With your user name and password, you will receive an e-mail address so that you or anyone you know can send you photos directly to your account. Whenever photos are sent to this mail address, you will receive a mail notification. The person sending the photos will also receive a confirmation that the pictures were received by your account.
Lastly, you can also get photos from mobile phones. These might come via the MMS channel or could be sent to your e-mail address from the mobile phone.
What about Statistics?
There’s more than you care about! And of course, some that you will, like "Storage space" utilization; how many photos, collections, and image folders you have or "Who" you sent "What" to and how many times you did so and statistics that inform you about photos people are taking the time to look at, for starters. And, of course, there's more.
How many photos will my account hold?
About as many as you wish. The test accounts are limited to 10 photos. And the snapmania basic is limited to 2 GBytes (that's enough for about 4000 photos shot from a 3 mega pixel camera). But the unlimited option can support as many pictures as you want.
I have the 2 GByte version of snapmania but have run out of storage space. Now what?
When you need it, just ask. Login, click on the Preferences icon. Go to "Storage" to upgrade your subscription.
I have snapmania unlimited but have never used more that 2 GByte of storage. Can I change to the 2 GByte versions?
Yes, of course. When it's time to renew your subscription, you will have the option to choose the solution that best fits your needs.
What file types does snapmania allow?
Everyone supports JPEG, as it’s the most popular photo format. In addition, you may also upload PNG, GIF and TIFF. Individual photos cannot exceed 8 MByte. And when enough people ask, we will also include the support for the most popular video and music file types.
We do not store documents like word or excel. However, e-mail text that is sent along with photos is stored in the "description" field seen when you click on “Additional Information”.
Your images remain as they were uploaded. We don't compress nor take any information away from them, no matter what. In fact, any editing effects or crops that you might have, don't change the originals as they are "command overlays" that are invoked when you want to see them. These effects can always be reversed. And you can download what you uploaded, anytime.
How do I get my photos on the Internet?
Simple. You choose the option "publish" or "shall be shared" and you are done. There are a few other steps but you will have already done these - for instance, your pictures have to be on snapmania, and in a collection. But other than that, there's nothing else to do unless you want to customize your presentation.
From the beginning, then. Drag an image folder to the column on the right to create a collection. Give your collection a name. Next you may either click the faded globe on the collection's tab and then choose "Shall be shared..." or from the gear menu, choose "Publish as...". You can remove it and make it private again just as easily or you may want to look at the other publication templates (we call them skins) available under Webalbum Settings.
How do I get my photos from my mobile phone to snapmania?
Send them with an e-mail to your snapmania e-mail address from your mobile phone. Importantly your mobile phone must have a camera and be configured to support the transmission of e-mails. If you need to, confirm that you can send e-mails with your mobile phone provider
Can I view my photos with my mobile phone?
Yes, but you must choose a template suitable for your display. When you publish or share a webalbum in the Internet you are given a choice of presentation options. Choose the one that best matches your phone's display.
How do I share my photos with others?
There's a lot of ways to do this. For a start, you can publish a webalbum in the Internet and send e-mail invitations to your guests to view it, or if you wish, embed the link in a frame on your home page. Or you can send a few photos within an e-card (just the link is sent with the e-card) or send the actual photos (individually or as a group in a slideshow) as an e-mail attachment. And because your photos are online, they are always available for viewing where ever you have an Internet connection... so just logon and show them "in person" when you are not at home.
How do I protect my photos?
Depends on what you have in mind. Your photos are private until you publish or share them. You can restrict who may view a published webalbum by setting a password. Viewers are then prompted to enter the password before viewing.
You may set options that allow viewers to download the originals (independent of whether a password is enable). Conversely, if the option is not invoked, viewers cannot download an original. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent a viewer from “copying” a photo displayed in a browser window... you may include a copy write watermark within your photos, however.
What if I want my originals back?
No problem. They are your photos. Just drag them to the “download” icon and they will be packed into a zip file and downloaded to the PC you are using. You may also send them as a e-mail attachment - in this case you are given a “file size” choice just in case the receiving site has any bandwidth limitations. You can send your originals, as an option.
How will I know if someone leaves a comment?
You know, first you have to set the option that allows a viewer to “leave a comment”. When you do this, every time a comment is received, the system will send you a mail with the actual comment that was left. You may delete any comment left.
What if someone wants to write to me about a photo?
When a webalbum is published, you have the option to enable viewers to leave comments. Anyone who has access to the webalbum may leave a comment, which is published along with the photo. You will be notified by e-mail whenever a comment is entered and when you access the online photo manager, you may delete it, if you wish.
What do those icons at the bottom of the window mean?
In the main window, the Action Bar at the bottom of the window contains several icons. In general, this is a tool bar that you will use to share your photos. The specific meanings are found by “doing” or reading. You can read about them under the “?” icon, or if you hold the mouse cursor over the icon, a window will be displayed with a brief description.
How do I create a slideshow?
Select the photos you want to include. If they are in more than one place, combine them in the Clipboard. Drag them to the Slideshow icon. Here you will have the option to arrange them in the order you want them. Click on “create” and in a few moments you will have a slideshow (click on slideshow.swf to view it). You have the options to change how and when the images are displayed (click “settings”) as well as to download it to your PC or e-mail it. If you want to download it, right click on the file name.
How do I send my photos via MMS?
Select the photos you wish to send (up to 5) and drag them to the MMS icon in the Action Bar. You will then have the option to arrange them in the order that you wish them to be viewed, add the recipient’s telephone number and select a presentation format. Finally, you can select “when” you would like the images to be delivered.
And e-cards?
Of course. We have a new twist on what an e-card could look like, so be sure to try ours.
The steps are as usual: drag the photos you wish to share to the e-card icon in the Action Bar, arrange the photos in the wished order, chose a presentation format and a melody, select the recipients from the address book or add their address, and add a comment. Then click on “preview” just to see what your viewers will.
The recipients will receive an invitation with a link that will bring them to your e-card. At the same time, your e-card is registered on our system where it’s kept active until you choose to disable it.
What about creating photobooks?
Aren’t they great. It’s the solution that we needed for digital cameras. We have two ways of creating these. You can make a PDF photobook by dragging the photos onto the Create PDF icon. It’s limited in its scope but what it does, it does well. It creates a PDF file that can be e-mailed or printed out locally in a book format. Perfect if you need something quickly for a limited time.
Alternatively, we have a commercially printed version. These things come bound, hard or soft. They are great gifts or just to leave on the coffee table in the living room at home. Again, just drag the photos you want onto the Photobook icon. You will want to take a bit more time to get this one just the way you want it as it can last a lifetime.
Can I order commercial prints?
We haven’t left anything out. You have your choice of commercial printers and product options within each. Just drag the photos to the Order Prints icon, and you are on your way to the highest quality prints available.
Is there a choice of webalbum presentation templates?
You bet. We have the greatest number of choices here, more than you will find elsewhere. When you publish a webalbum in the Internet, there’s a default template, but if you wish, click on the Settings button to choose from several options. Here you will find various templates and additional presentation items that you can customise. It’s not work, it’s fun.
And when you are ready, you can create your own templates (we call them skins) - this is done via the Create Frame icon on the Action Bar - but be selective in the background photos you use, not all are appropriate.
Can you create a single photo from a series of photos?
This is called a panorama, because that’s what it is. We have a tool on the Action Bar that you can use to create it. But, just a “heads up”, you need to plan for this to get a good result. Your pictures need to be taken at the same time, from the same viewing position with a minimum of 20 % overlap from picture to picture. The results are worth the time.
Can I add a copyright to my published photos?
Yes you can. This is an option you will find when you publish a webalbum. You create the text that you wish to appear on each image in the album. Just be sure they belong to you if you add this.
Can I publish all my photos on the Internet?
The choice to publish a photo is yours. There are no technical limitations. Those photos that belong to you (or you have permission to use) and do not violate any viewing guidelines or laws can be practically published. This is detailed in our Acceptable Use Policy that you agreed to when you subscribed. We won’t repeat these “appropriate use” guidelines here, but suggest that you should honor the spirit and intent of having fun and sharing the photos via snapmania.
Should someone e-mail photos to your snapmania address, you should have the permission of the owner (who may not be the person who sent them to you) to publish them, if you choose to publish them. You are ultimately responsible for any photos within your own account.
I have a trial account. What happens when it expires?
10 days before the expiration of Trial Account you will receive an informational mail from snapmania. At that time, or for that matter, at any time during the trial period, you may subscribe to a paid account. If you choose not to subscribe, you don’t need to do anything, the account will simply be cancelled and the photos deleted.
Can my photos be erased or deleted?
You can do this anytime, or it could occur when your account subscription expires. Our system is set to notify you of any changes that we might make to your account. But as you might know, your images are saved on three separate systems by snapmania, so there’s very little chance that they will be destroyed accidently.
If you are going to be away and unavailable via e-mail for a longer time, you might want to contact our customer service so that we might address your particular situation.
And what if I don’t want anyone to see my photos?
If you don’t wish anyone other that you, the account owner, to see your photos, don’t publish them in a webalbum, or if you do, password protect the album.
Can I choose my own URL at which my webalbums may be viewed?
Yes and no. You may assign the name for the webalbum within the URL, but the preceding part must relate to our system.
For instance, you could have a URL such as http://www.snapmania.com/users/your_user_name/the_name_of_your_webalum
It’s the last part that you can assign. (the_name_of:_your_webalblum)
Another unique aspect of snapmania is that any changes you make to a webalbum, like adding photos or changing the way they are displayed is accessible under the same URL. For instance, you created a webalbum and then invited some friends to view it - and make subsequent changes to it. Most systems assign a new URL to the changed presentation, so you would have to tell everyone about a new URL. But not with snapmania. We use the same one. Whenever the URL is clicked, we render the album on the fly. It’s not statically stored. It’s alive!
It’s one thing to take them, but once stored, how do I find them again?
You will find them again. There are a couple ways to find photos when you want them. The first is to look by date you took the picture as they are filed by this date in the Image Folders column. It could be that you had the time to organize them within the hierarchical Collection folders. So you could look by the topics that you created for it. And a third option, you could use the Search function. It will search for word matches in the title, the description or if you assigned them, for a keyword. If you don’t find it one of these ways, well perhaps you weren’t meant to.
Forgot your password?
With so many these days, our limits are stretched to far already. Click the link, Forgot Password and we will e-mail it to your registered e-mail address.
And how about changing my password?
Ok. Go to the Preferences Icon. Then to “change password”. It’s a three-step process. Try to choose a new one that’s not easily hacked. If you can, use a combination of letters, numbers and characters like. These are not so easy to guess.
Should I log out when I am finished?
You should get into this habit of logging out when finished, but if you don’t, it’s not likely to create a problem unless you access the snapmania from a terminal other your personal one.
For your convenience, your browser stores a cookie that’s good for approximately 24 hours. This allows you to access your photos without logging in again. This is where it gets problematic. If you access your photos from a public location, anyone using the same machine, could go through the browser history and when clicking on the snapmania url, could access your account since the browser has an active cookie. This active cookie is deleted when and if you logout using the “X” on the top right. So that’s why we say it’s good to get into the habit of logging out.
If I give you my e-mail address, will I get spammed?
We hate spam as much, if not more, than you do! No, we won’t abuse your mail address and we certainly will never give it to anyone else. Snapmania will send you the mails it’s configured to, like when you get photos via e-mail or an operation which you requested is completed (like creating a panorama) and we will use it only to send you any relevant account information.
Can I cancel my subscription?
We haven’t specifically planned for this option. You can choose to let it run out, and not renew it. But please don't. We would like to keep you as our customer.
I didn’t renew my subscription. What happened to my photos?
Well if you haven’t gone more than two days after the expiration, your photos are probably still stored on our system. But you must act now. If it’s over 30 days since the expiration date, we can only say “sorry” your photos were erased to make room for others.
If you know you won’t re-subscribe, take the time in advance of the expiration date to download your original photos.
I keep getting a message “You are using an old version, please re-upload”. What do I need to do?
This can happen with the Safari browser and arises from a caching failure. What it means is that the Flash client plugin needs to be upgraded. To correct, if you are not already logged out, do so. Then on the browser, empty the browser’s cache. When you login again, the latest version will be auto magically installed.
I have a suggestion. Does anyone care?
We are happy to report that we do care about what you have to say. We created a feed back form for this purpose. You will find it under Preferences.
