Image Handler 4 (for v1.5.x) Support Thread

[DivaVocals]

Moving again.. But we're only going up the road a bit!

Welcome to the new support thread for Image Handler 4, v4.0.

Image Handler 4, v4.0 is available for download here:
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=2098


The previous support threads can be found here:
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178972
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35913
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33373

All support related questions for Image Handler 4 for v1.5.x should be posted on THIS support thread.

The Image Handler 3 Support thread will continue to serve as the support thread for Image Handler 3 for v1.3.x (for ZC v1.3.9).
The Image Handler 2 Support thread will continue to serve as the support thread for those who are using Image Handler 2 for v1.3.x (ZC v1.3.8).

Any IH2 or IH3 questions posted here will be (gently or not so gently) re-directed back to the appropriate support thread. (and vice versa)

Image Handler 4 v4.0 for v1.5.x
Image Handler 4, v4.0 for v1.5.x is based on an original contribution by Tim Kröger.

Why the new name??
With the guidance of the Zen Cart admins, Image Handler 4 was submitted as a NEW add-on with a new name to minimize confusion so this new CLEAN support thread could be started. The bugs/issues reported in the old support thread have been addressed in this new version, and the readme has been revamped to provide MORE information upfront to those who use this add-on which will (hopefully) address some of the usual install and configuration questions.. (versus having to search through an unrelated support thread)

So on to the good stuff.

Here's the answers to the most frequently asked question: "What does Image Handler 4 do?"
(which BTW REALLY IS explained in detail in the readme for those who REALLY wanna know.. it doesn't hurt to download the fileset..)

Purpose & Aim
Image Handler 4 at the heart of its code is really meant to ease the management of product images (particularly the management of additional product images), and to help improve page performance by optimizing the product images.

Image Handler 4 generates product images (based on your image settings) in the Image Handler 4 bmz_cache folder. It DOES NOT replace or modify the original images. So it's PERFECTLY safe to use on an existing store.

Image Handler 4 enables you to use GD libraries or ImageMagick (if installed on your server) to generate and resize small, medium and large images on the fly on page request. You can simply upload just one image or you can have different sources for medium and large images. Image Handler 4 further enables you to watermark your images (overlay a second specific translucent image) and have medium or large images pop up when you move your mouse over a small image (fancy hover).

This contribution includes a powerful admin interface to browse your products just like you would with the Attribute Manager and upload / delete / add additional images without having to do this manually via FTP. Image Handler 4 works fine with mass update utilities like EzPopulate.

Features

• Improve site performance (faster loading, faster display)
• Professional looking images (no stair-effects, smooth edges)
• Choose preferred image-types for each image size
• Uploading one image automatically creates small, medium and large images on page request
• Drops in and out seamlessly. No need to redo your images. All images are kept.
• Easy install. One-click-database-upgrade.
• Works with mass-update/-upload tools like EzPopulate.
• Watermark images to prevent competitors from stealing them.
• Fancy image hover functionality lets a larger image pop up whenever you move your mouse above a small image (switchable).
• Choose an image background color matching to match you site's color or select a transparent background for your images.
• Manage your multiple images for products easily from one page just like you do with attributes in the Products Attribute Manager.

Image Handler 4 is meant to ease the work required to setup images for your store. It works WITH default Zen Cart functionality, it does not replace it.

It is very strongly recommended that you read through the ENTIRE "Configuration" & "Usage" sections of the Image Handler 4 readme file. There you will find out exactly what Image Handler 4 can do.