Frequently asked questions

 

Photosymbols 3 FAQ

 

Q: Which version of photosymbols is right for me?
A: Single User Packs are for individuals, and can only be installed on a single computer.

For multiple users or to share the images over a network, like an intranet, you can choose between the Mini-Site (10 user), Site (100 user) or Global (1000 user), depending on how many people you wish to access the images. The reduced price Speaking Up Pack is only available to groups run by people with learning disabilities/disabled people, or small registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £75,000.

 

Q: How many pictures are there?
A: The Photosymbols 3 Pack has 3000 pictures.

 

Q: What's the difference between Photosymbols 2 and 3?
1: Photosymbols 3 has 1000 more pictures than Photosymbols 2. In fact, there are over 1500 new pictures because we removed some of the least popular pictures from version 2, to make room for some even better ones.

 

2: Photosymbols 3 comes on a USB flashdrive instead of a CD, which allows us to include more pictures at a higher quality. The flashdrive plugs into the USB port on your computer and you can easily take it with you so you are never without your photosymbols.

 

3: The new browser has a clever search feature to help you find the pictures you want quickly. Photosymbols 2 used a series of theme based galleries, but it could be hard to find a picture without remembering which theme it was shown in. Now you can just type a keyword (or tag) including character names and just see the pictures you want.

 

4: Photosymbols 3 features child and teenager characters for the first time, and over 100 additional characters. We now have characters aged 2 - 82, as well as continuing to show a diverse range of interesting people and lifestyles.

 

Q: Can I install photosymbols on my hard drive?
A: The flashdrive works just like any other drive, so you can just copy the entire Photosymbols 3 Folder to your hard drive and it is installed. If you are not sure how to do this, just follow the instructions in the pack booklet.

 

Q: Can we put photosymbols on our intranet?
A: You can with a Mini-Site, Site or Global licence. The schedule with your licence will say how many people are allowed to access the photosymbols (concurrent users).

 

Q: What can I use the pictures for?
A: Photosymbols are royalty free, which means you can use them as much as you like, in booklets, leaflets, posters, as web graphics, multimedia or video.

 

Q: Is there an ongoing licence fee?
A: No. Once you've bought your pack there are no ongoing fees.

 

Q: Can we use photosymbols on our website?
A: Yes.

 

Q: How do we credit photosymbols in our easy read?
A: You can use the 'Made with Photosymbols' badge included with the pictures. Just type 'photosymbols badge' into the browser search to find it. Alternatively, you can type your own text. Something like 'Pictures from Photosymbols 3'.

 

Q: How many USB flashdrives do we get with a Site Licence?
A: We supply 1 USB flashdrive as standard. You can install onto an intranet or network from this flashdrive, and onto individual workstations for each licenced user. If you want additional USB flashdrives for individual licenced users, we can supply them at £35+vat, or if you are upgrading from Photosymbols 2, the special price of £25+vat.

 

Q: We charge our customers for easy read design. Can we still use photosymbols?
A: Yes.

 

Q: We are a charity. Do we get a special price?
A: You may qualify if you have an annual turnover of less than £75,000. Please get in touch to find out more.

 

Q: Can the Site Licence be used on a network AND standalone installations?
A: Yes. As long as you don't exceed the number of licenced users.

 

Q: Can we pay with an official order number?
A: Yes. Our payment terms are 30 days from date of invoice.

 

Q: We need a full size high resolution version of a photosymbol for a front cover. Can you help?
A: We can supply high resolution versions of any photosymbols you need, in either RGB Jpeg, CMYK TIFF, or transparent Photoshop PSD format. These are sized for full resolution A4 print. We can also supply some of the images at A3 for poster sized prints.

There is a charge of £10+vat per picture, which we will supply on disc or as a download link.

 

Q: We want more people in our organisation to use photosymbols. Can we upgrade?
A: Yes, and we will deduct any payments already made from the price of the upgrade.

 

Q: We have some suggestions for new photosymbols. Can you we make a request?
A: We are always pleased to hear suggestions from our customers.

 

Q: Some people would like to model for photosymbols. Is this possible?
A: Yes. We work with groups up and down the country. Get in touch with us to discuss.

 

Q: Do you offer a discount for resellers?
A: Not for individual purchases. If you require a bulk order, please get in touch to discuss.

 

Q: Can we share a Site Licence between a local authority and health services in the same area?
A: Possibly. As long as the number of users does not exceed the terms of the licence. Please contact us if you would like to make an arrangement for this.

 

Q: What resolution are Photosymbols?
A: Photosymbols 3 has two sizes of pictures, measured in pixels. If you only need small pictures, say for a website or simple minutes you print yourself, then you should use the lo-res photosymbols. These are 160 pixels wide (about 5cm on your screen).

 

For better print results and when you just want a bigger picture, switch to the hi-res pictures. These are 800 pixels wide (about 20cm on your screen) and will print professionally at 5cm - just the right size to fit alongside text in a document.

 

Easy Read Training FAQ

 

Q: What kind of training packages do you offer?
A: We run 1 day, 3 day and 5 day training courses in easy read, and using photosymbols.

 

Q: How many places are there on a course?
A: We can train up to 15 people at a time. If you need training for more people, we can arrange a split-training programme for people to attend on different days.

 

Q: Can we get training vouchers to redeem later?
A: We are pleased to now offer training vouchers. These can be purchased in advance and used at a time when training will be most useful to your organisation.

 

Easy Read Design FAQ

 

Q: What kind of documents can you make into easy read?
A: Pretty much anything. We have made easy read versions of annual reports, forms and questionnaires, handouts, powerpoint presentations, handbooks, photo-stories and good old fashioned brochures.

 

Q: Why use Photosymbols for easy read?
A: We are the longest running providers of easy read in the UK, with 20 years experience. Making something truly accessible takes a delicate blend of good design, clear language and an awareness of the current issues of importance to people with learning disabilities. We approach every single job in this way, and as creators of the pictures too, we can customize every job with that photosymbols look.

 

Q: How much do you charge?
A: We provide a quotation after looking at the original document for translation.

 

Q: Can you prepare artwork for print?
A: Yes. As a standard, we supply finished documents as PDF for web, and high resolution PDF for print, with bleed. Most printers can work with these documents to produce high quality print.

 

Other FAQs

 

Q: I hear you offer a bespoke photography service. How can I find out more?
A: Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. We can send our professional photographers to cover events, pictures for corporate use, or develop a special collection of unique photosymbols.