When using FotoStation to view and organize your files, whether on a single computer or in a network environment, the easiest way for repeatedly accessing the files is by using something called an archive. In simple terms, an archive is similar to a shortcut in Windows or an alias in Mac OS – it works as a pointer to a folder containing files that you want to view and work with. But an archive is much more than a simple pointer to a folder on a disk. Archives can be configured with a number of advanced options.
This topic deals with how you can create an archive easily. To learn more about advanced configuration of archives, please go to the Configuring Archives topic.
The quickest way to create an archive is to click on the Desktop tab in the left side panel. This will give you access to all hard drives, removable drives and mounted network drives. In FotoStation for Windows you can also browse your network directly, without mounting drives.
When you have found a folder you would like to create an archive for, right-click on it to bring up a context menu of available choices. Choose Create Archive from the context menu. FotoStation will display the Archive properties dialog box where you can set and edit the archive’s properties. Since you created the archive directly from the Desktop tab, the archive’s name is the same as the folder name (you may change it if you like) and the archive’s path is inserted into the folder field. Click on the OK button to create the archive using default settings.
You can view the newly created archive by clicking on the Archives tab. You then gain access to all your archives. To view the files in an archive, simply click on the desired archive.
It is also possible to create archives by choosing Archive in the program menu and then selecting Create archive from the menu. However, you will then have to manually enter an archive name and path in the Archive properties dialog box.
Power tip: When creating an archive, FotoStation will display it on the Archives tab. It is possible to create different types of tabs in FotoStation – they may contain archives, actions, projects, jobs, or a folder tree view.
You can also create FotoStation archives that point to Index Manager archives, FotoWeb archives or another Archive Agent-enabled archive on your network, in a WAN or over the Internet. More information about these archive types and connection options can be found in the Configuring Archives topic.