
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Choose a sample image Step 2: Use your own image Step 3: Format the image Step 4: Load it up!







	resolution: The degree of sharpness of a computer-generated image as measured by the number of pixels across and down on a display monitor dpi: Dots per inch


	When adjusting an image's size, you'll want both its horizontal and vertical measurements to change simultaneously. Otherwise, the image will become distorted.

2torial #0492:
Learn2 Change Your Monitor's Wallpaper (continued)

Format the image

If you scanned the image, or if you downloaded an image that isn't a bitmap (.bmp) file (Windows) or a "pict" file (Macintosh), you'll need to format it. For this you'll need photo editing software such as PhotoShop, Picture It, Paint Shop Pro, or the like. There are also some software and shareware programs available online that are made specifically for use with wallpaper images (and some don't require you to reformat the image). Check the wallpaper or background image sites from your initial online search to find them.

To reformat the image with photo editing software:

Reduce the image's dpi to 72. Crop it appropriately, taking your monitor's size and shape into account.
Check your monitor's resolution (it should be the same as the image). In Windows, right-click on the desktop, select Properties, then click on Settings. Your resolution will be listed there. On a Macintosh, choose Control Panels from the Apple Menu, then choose Monitors and Sound. Click on the Monitor icon. The resolution will be listed on the right-hand side of the dialog box.
Adjust the image's width to match your monitor's horizontal resolution (width is listed first, so if the resolution is 800 by 600 pixels, set the image's width to 800 pixels). If the image has the right width but isn't high enough, adjust the image's height (as slightly as possible), being careful not to distort the image in the process.
Save the image as a .bmp file (Windows) or a pict file (Macintosh).

Step 4