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You can probably share any picture you have on your computer, digital camera, cell phone, or other device on MySpace. You just need to take a few considerations into account before you start putting your images up on the site.
Using the correct file format
MySpace recognizes only two image-file formats. These just happen to be the most common formats used on the Internet, though, so you should be okay. Your pictures should either be GIFs or JPEGs — that is, each one must have the file extension .gif or .jpg after the filename — because files in those common photo formats need the least storage space. If you have images in other formats, you need to convert them to a GIF or JPEG before you try to upload them.
 | MySpace recommends using a program called IrfanView. This program helps resize and reformat your pictures into a usable picture on MySpace. You can also use commercial programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Fireworks, or the GIMP, to change your images. Finally, most digital cameras come with software that allows you to manipulate your pictures. Use whatever feels easiest to you. |
To convert your picture into a nice, compact .gif or .jpg by using IrfanView, follow these steps:
1. Open IrfanView.
2. Click File in the top menu, select Open, and navigate to your image.
3. Click Open to open the file.
4. Now click File and select Save As.
Select either .gif or .jpg in the Save As Type drop-down menu.
5. Click Save.
Making sure you have the right file size
MySpace doesn't allow pictures larger than 600 kilobytes (600K) in size. Size, in this case, refers to the overall file size — how much storage space it takes up on a computer — not the actual length and width of the picture. If your pictures exceed 600K, use photo-manipulation software or IrfanView to get them down to an acceptable file size.
To get your picture into the correct file size by using IrfanView, follow these steps:
1. Open IrfanView.
2. Click File in the top menu, select Open, and navigate to your image.
3. Click Open to open the file.
4. Click Image in the top menu bar and select Resize/Resample.
5. Set the DPI at 72 and change the length and width of the picture to smaller values.
 | Make sure the Preserve Aspect Ratio box is checked to keep your pictures from looked stretched-out or unnatural. |
6. Now click File and select Save As.
Select either .gif or .jpg in the Save As Type drop-down menu.
7. Click Save.
Naming your photo file
Keep the file name simple — and it's okay to run the words together. A name such as Dayatthebeach.jpg works just fine. MySpace has problems if you try to use spaces — or, for that matter, symbols such as dashes or dollar signs. Change the name if you need to before uploading the picture.
Adhering to the content policy
MySpace bans adult content on its servers, and you can lose your account if you violate the policy. Before you post your picture, determine first whether it falls in the PG or R category. More than likely, an R rating will cause problems. MySpace also deletes any pictures that include contact information (such as a phone number, address, or Web-site URL).
| You can't host pictures you want others to see on the Internet from a home computer. The pics have to be on MySpace or another Web site. |
Finding places to host your images
You can host your pictures on the Internet beyond MySpace. Hosting sites exist solely to give your digital images a home on the Internet so that you can hotlink to them on other Web sites, such as MySpace or other forums, and send links to friends and relatives. You upload photos from your computer to these sites (usually after registering for an account) and use their links to send out your photos. Please read each site's agreements and policies carefully — most of these accounts have differences between free and paid hosting solutions; some limit the amount of data they let you transmit on a monthly basis, depending on the option you choose at sign-up.
Two of the most popular sites are Flickr and Photobucket, although other sites are out there. Take the time to investigate these services, and you'll find one that works for you. These sites are great alternatives to MySpace — especially if you're going to be posting large quantities of photos or sending them to people who don't use MySpace.
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