How Do I Protect My Online Photos So People Can Not Print Them?

Using a strategic image protection plan can help protect your digital photography on the Internet.

Protecting your online photos from pirating can be an ongoing challenge in today’s digital climate. While no method is fool-proof, combining the following methods into a strategic protection plan can help shield your work from unauthorized usage. Educating the public on your website can further ensure the security of your images, since many people are unaware that using your images without permission is a crime.

Instructions

1. Adjust your online images to a small file size, with a digital resolution of 72 DPI (dots per inch). The smaller file size will make printing the image difficult, and at 72 DPI, the printout will be pixelated and distorted.

2. Open your image in a photo editing program and adjust the file size to the desired dimensions for placement online. If the photo will be used as a thumbnail or small display image, size the photo for this output. A thumbnail or small image should not exceed 200 pixels in width. If you keep your resolution at 72 DPI, it will not be printable at any decent size.

3. Embed your images with metadata containing your copyright information, website and additional contact information. Metadata is embedded in your photo files and is not visible to the naked eye, but can be viewed in a photo editing software program. This data is attached to the image file, so if someone downloads the file, the information will be present. This will not prevent someone from printing the file, but it will allow you to track the image's location on the internet using special tracking software. Metadata can be stripped, however, so use this method in addition to other protection.

4. Copyright all your images with the United Stated Copyright Office prior to placing them online, and state that these images are registered on your website. Violations can be taken to court and hefty fines levied for each offense. Discovering such violations, however, may be difficult.

5. Add a watermark to your images prior to putting them online. A watermark can be as simple as the copyright symbol with your name next to it or a mark or logo from your business located on the file. Use a professional photo editing program to add this watermark to your file. The watermark cannot be removed by someone attempting to print your image, though it could be cropped out. Place your watermark far from the edge of your image to prevent easy removal.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office- Copyright in General FAQ
• Adobe: Digimark Copyright Protection