Quark and microstock agency Fotolia are making the FotoliaXT extension for QuarkXPress 7 available free of charge through the QuarkAlliance technology partnership.
FotoliaXT gives QuarkXPress 7 users direct access to more than three million royalty-free images and illustrations from the Fotolia community. Selected images can be dragged into print, web or interactive layouts and positioned as required. After purchase, the preview is replaced automatically with the high-resolution image, keeping image selection and layout inside one workflow.
“Many of our customers work with QuarkXPress 7,” says Fotolia managing director Dittmar Frohman. “Creating a connection between the layout software and our image collection is an obvious step. Designers can select material without interrupting their creative workflow and continue designing in QuarkXPress 7.”
FotoliaXT functions include:
- Searching, finding and reviewing Fotolia images
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Managing images in a lightbox for preliminary selection
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Drag-and-drop placement in print, web or interactive QuarkXPress 7 layouts
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Automatic replacement of previews by high-resolution images after purchase
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A consistent worldwide payment system using Fotolia credits inside the FotoliaXT palette
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Multiple-language support
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A web-based design that remains current
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Upload and sale of users’ own images
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Availability for Windows, with a Mac version in development
Fotolia membership and the FotoliaXT download are free. Images are available in several quality levels starting at €0.83. During the introductory period, users registering through the extension receive seven complimentary Fotolia credits.
“At prices this low, image piracy on the internet should take care of itself,” Frohman says. “Fotolia’s download agreements define copyright and usage rights clearly, so purchasers need not fear legal warnings for unauthorised use. We are pleased with the acceptance of our licensing and community model and that QuarkXPress 7 users can now use these possibilities more effectively.”
Photographers can also use the extension and QuarkXPress 7 to upload their own images for sale. Fotolia handles marketing and settlement after upload.
“We are very pleased with the partnership,” says Matthias Gilke, Quark marketing manager for Central Europe. “The new functions make it possible to research and place images directly in QuarkXPress 7, while the community model also allows creative users to earn money from their own work.”
