locking an image

[megan_stone]

<p>is one able to "lock an image" (sort of speak) so that when emailed to a client or put on a CD for a client, they are unable to do any further adjustments to it? (ie: crop, change color etc)</p>

<p>is this possible to do? Or, can they merely copy the file to their computer and make any adjustments they want...? getting rid of any "lock"</p>

<p>please clarfiy.</p>

<p>thank you</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<p>The short answer is "No"</p>

<p>Once you give the client a file, he/she can manipulate it as much as they want.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

[Matt Laur]

<p>The short answer is, no. There's always a way for people to manipulate an image file. <br /><br />But the real question is: why are you sending it to them? Just for a preview of your work? You can always add a watermark to the image, making it unusable for printing and commercial use. Or, you can send them a very nice, but low resolution version that isn't usable for printing - only for modest-sized on screen viewing.</p>

[dbcooper]

<p>Ditto on the watermark and lo-res ideas, unless it's final work you owe the client. Also, jpg files don't take to image editing as well as tiff files, etc., but if it's finished work, jpgs print fine at full-size resolution.</p>

<p>If it's finished work for a client, there's really not much you can do to prevent them from altering it if they really want to. If they butcher your work, and then pass it off as yours, discuss that with an attorney. If they use the images in a manner inconsistent with a contract they have with you, discuss it with an attorney. By using the work 'client', I presume you're doing paid jobs. If so, I would certainly hope you're using a contract that addresses exactly what they get for their money, terms/conditions and limits of use (for both parties), and transfer (or not) of the copyright.</p>

<p>It's also a good idea never to distribute any RAW files...they're basically the proof of originality and ownership of the copyright.</p>

[edelson1]

<p>One other option can be to save the image as a locked pdf file. You can password protect user rights for printing and editing. This can allow you to email a file for viewing and supply a password allowing image printing and/or alterations once payment has been made (I'm assuming this is for commercial sale). You can do this right in PS when you use Save as..., including setting permissions at the time of saving.</p>

<p>Henry</p>

[Matt Laur]

<p>The only problem with the locked PDF is that you can still use a simple screen capture to grab a copy of it and dump it right into photoshop. Once it's on someone's screen, they've got ways to get it - and that's where watermarking comes in. </p>