ProSelect Setup Tutorial: From Installation to Advanced SettingsProSelect is a powerful photography ordering and presentation tool used by portrait and event photographers to design client galleries, create product packages, and produce lab-compliant export files. This tutorial walks you step-by-step from initial installation through advanced settings, workflow optimization, and troubleshooting tips so you can get the most out of ProSelect.
1. System Requirements and Preparation
Before installing, confirm your system meets ProSelect’s requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 10 or higher, or macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher.
- Processor & RAM: Modern multicore CPU and at least 8 GB RAM recommended for large galleries.
- Disk space: At least 2 GB free for application plus additional space for projects and exports.
- Screen resolution: 1280×800 or higher for best layout experience.
- Dependencies: None beyond the OS, but ensure you have a modern web browser for online resources and product lab profiles.
Prepare your image assets: organize source files (RAW/JPEG/TIFF) into a clear folder structure and decide on a naming convention. Back up originals before beginning.
2. Installing ProSelect
- Obtain the installer from the official ProSelect website or an authorized reseller.
- macOS:
- Open the downloaded .dmg, drag ProSelect to Applications, then eject the dmg.
- On first launch, if macOS warns about an unidentified developer, allow it in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.
- Windows:
- Run the downloaded .exe and follow the installer prompts.
- Choose a destination folder and allow the installer to create shortcuts if desired.
- License activation:
- Start ProSelect and enter your license key when prompted. You can also use the trial mode (limited time) to evaluate.
- For multiple machines, check your license terms for concurrent activations.
3. First Launch: Interface Overview
Upon opening ProSelect, familiarize yourself with the main areas:
- Toolbar: quick access to import, export, layout, and zoom controls.
- Browser/Source panel: shows folders and images available for the current project.
- Workspace/Canvas: where you build layouts, spreads, and galleries.
- Inspector/Properties: adjust selected image settings, captions, and lab options.
- Order/Price panel: set up product pricing and packages for client ordering.
Tip: Resize panels and save a custom workspace layout via View → Layouts if you prefer a specific workflow.
4. Creating a New Project
- File → New Project. Name the project and select a working folder where ProSelect will store its project file.
- Define the project type (album design, proofing, or slideshow). This choice influences available templates and export presets.
- Import images: drag folders or files into the Browser, or use File → Import. ProSelect works with original files; it references them rather than copying them by default—be mindful of source file locations.
5. Basic Layouts and Templates
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Use built-in templates for quick layouts (single image, multi-image grids, contact sheets).
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To create a custom template:
- Arrange images on the canvas as desired.
- Use Guides (View → Show Guides) to align elements precisely.
- Save the layout as a template for reuse via File → Save Template.
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Snap and smart guides help with consistent spacing. Hold Shift for constrained movements when resizing.
6. Image Editing & Adjustments
ProSelect includes basic image adjustments and non-destructive edits:
- Crop and rotate images directly on the canvas. Double-click an image to open the crop handler.
- Basic adjustments: exposure, contrast, saturation, sharpening, and vignette. These are applied per-project and don’t alter original files.
- Color profiles: assign ICC profiles for accurate color handling when preparing files for labs. Ensure your monitor is color-calibrated for best results.
For extensive RAW editing, use Lightroom or Capture One, then import the processed TIFFs/JPEGs into ProSelect.
7. Creating Product Pricing & Packages
- Open the Price List/Order panel.
- Add products: prints, albums, digital packages, and custom items. Enter SKU, size, and retail price.
- Create packages by combining items and setting package prices or discounts.
- Assign product images and lab profiles so exported files match lab requirements.
Use price templates if you have standardized offerings across multiple projects.
8. Client Proofing and Ordering
- Create proofing galleries with locked/unlocked options for client selections.
- Enable online proofing or export proof PDFs for email. Include watermark or low-res images if you prefer to protect images.
- Track client selections in the Order panel; export an order summary (CSV or PDF) for your records or lab submission.
9. Exporting for Labs and Delivery
ProSelect provides lab export profiles and custom export options:
- Choose the correct lab profile (paper size, bleed, color space, resolution). Many labs provide ready-made profiles you can import.
- Export formats: JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Select resolution and compression appropriate for intended output (e.g., 300 dpi for prints).
- For albums, use the album export workflow to produce a single PDF or a set of print-ready files per spread.
Always run a test print or soft-proof before a full production run.
10. Advanced Settings & Automation
- Batch actions: apply watermarks, captions, or adjustments to multiple images at once.
- Scripting/macros: if available in your ProSelect version, use macros to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., apply a package, export).
- Integration: connect ProSelect with lab plugins or ordering systems where supported to send orders directly from the app.
- Custom keyboard shortcuts: assign frequently used commands in Preferences to speed your workflow.
11. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Missing images: ensure source files were not moved; relink via the Browser’s relink option.
- Color mismatch: confirm ICC profiles and monitor calibration.
- Export errors: check disk space, file permissions, and that the chosen export folder is writable.
- Performance problems: close other memory-heavy apps, increase available RAM, or split very large projects into smaller ones.
12. Backup & Project Maintenance
- Regularly back up your project folder and original images. Use automated backup software or cloud storage.
- Archive finished projects by consolidating assets into a single folder (File → Consolidate Project) to prevent missing links later.
13. Tips for an Efficient ProSelect Workflow
- Keep a master price list and templates for repeated offerings.
- Use consistent naming conventions for folders and files to avoid relinking.
- Use low-res proof exports for client review and reserve high-res exports for production.
- Test lab profiles and do one small print before bulk orders.
14. Further Learning Resources
- Official ProSelect manual and knowledge base (search on the vendor site).
- Community forums and photographer groups for template sharing and real-world tips.
- Video tutorials demonstrating album flow and export procedures.
If you want, I can:
- Create a starter template based on your typical album sizes,
- Write a price list example formatted for ProSelect, or
- Walk through a specific export step with your lab’s specs.
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