Project Management

Album3D uses two types of files: project files for working on your collections, and packages for sharing them.

Understanding File Types

Project Files (.album3d-x)

Project files are your working files that contain:

• All album and slide configurations
• References to source images (stored in the project file):
  • SRC paths - references to source files copied into the project folder
  • ORIG paths - references to the original file locations before import
• Custom settings and slide arrangements
• Historical settings

When to use: For ongoing work and editing your photo collections.

Package Files (.album3d)

Packages are compressed archives that bundle:

• The complete project file (.album3d-x)
• The media used by the project (for example, images now, and in the future video, audio, or other source files), depending on the options you choose when creating the package
• All necessary data for viewing in a single, shareable file
• Source files copied to the project (SRC files) are included unless "Exclude Source Files" is selected when creating the package
• Files at original locations (ORIG paths) are not copied into the package; only the path references are preserved

When to use: For sharing your projects with others or archiving completed work.

Creating a New Project

1. Click "New Project" in the main menu.
2. Choose where to save your new project file (.album3d-x):
   • Edit the suggested location and click "Save".
   • Or click "Save As" to select a different folder or filename.

Album3D creates a new .album3d-x project file at your chosen location.

Opening Projects & Packages

Open

1. Click "Open" in the main menu.

Open Project (.album3d-x)

2. Choose the project file (.album3d-x):
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename and click "Open".
   • Or click "Open From..." to select a different folder or file name.

Open Package (.album3d)

2. Choose the package file (.album3d):
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename and click "Open Package".
   • Or click "Open Package From..." to select a different folder or file name.

💡 Tip: To extract a package into a regular project (.album3d-x + media folders) instead of only opening it as a package, see "Extracting Packages" below.

Opening from Different Locations

You can open projects and packages from:

• Local hard drive
• External drives
• Network folders that are mounted and accessible as normal drives or directories on your system
• Cloud storage folders synced locally (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) — files must be available offline in a local folder, not online‑only.

Saving Projects & Packages

Save

1. Click "Save" in the main menu.

Save Project (.album3d-x + media folders)

1. If needed, select options:
   • "Freeze Project (no modifications will be allowed)"  makes the project immutable.
   • "Exclude Source Files (SRC)"  skips copying source media files into the project's media folders, keeping only thumbnails or references to the original files.
2. Choose a save location for the project (.album3d-x and its media folders):
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename and click "Save".
   • Or click "Save As" to select a different folder or filename.

💡 Tip: If a package (.album3d) is currently open, you'll see an "Extract Package..." button instead of "Save" and "Save As". For more information, see "Extracting Packages" below.

Save Package (.album3d)

1. If needed, select options:
   • "Save Project Before Saving Package"  saves the project before creating the package.
   • "Exclude Source Files"  excludes source media files from the package, leaving only thumbnails or references to the original files inside the package.
   • "Freeze"  makes the packaged project immutable.
2. Choose a save location for the package (.album3d):
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename and click "Save".
   • Or click "Save As" to select a different folder or filename.

Package Size Considerations

• With source images (project or package): Larger file size, preserves original quality.
• Without source images: Smaller file size, sufficient for viewing if thumbnails are of high enough quality. References to original files can be included (if chosen during import), and if they are available, they will be used for high-quality rendering.
• Recommendation: Include source images if recipients may want to view in the highest quality or edit the project after extracting it.

Extracting Packages

To extract a package you created or someone shared with you:

1. Use the "Open" command in the main menu to open or extract an Album3D package.
2. Click "Extract Package...".
3. If you want the project to open automatically after extraction, select "Open After Extraction". If you leave it unselected, the project will be extracted but not opened.
4. Select the package file (.album3d):
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename.
   • Or click "Select Package To Extract..." to select a different folder or file name.
5. Choose where to extract it (.album3d-x and its media folders).
   • Adjust the suggested path or filename (.album3d-x) and click "Extract To".
   • Or click "Extract Package To..." to select a different folder or filename.

Project Backups

Album3D automatically creates backups for some files:

• Location: _Album3D_backup_files_ subfolder next to your project
• Count: Keeps the last 5 backups
• Naming: Uses filenames with .backup, .backup-2, .backup-3, etc. extensions

💡 Tip: You can safely delete backup files from the project folder if you no longer need them or before sharing the project.

Restoring from Backup

If you need to restore a backup:

1. Navigate to the _Album3D_backup_files_ folder.
2. Find the backup you want to restore.
3. Copy it to your working location (for example, next to your current project file).
4. If necessary, rename it so that it ends with the standard Album3D project extension (for example, MyProject_restored.album3d-x).
5. Open the restored file from Album3D.

Best Practices

• Save frequently: Use the project Save command regularly.
• Use meaningful names: Name projects clearly (for example, "Family_Vacation_2024").
• Organize by folders: Keep related projects in dedicated folders.
• Create packages for sharing: Use .album3d packages when sending projects to others; avoid sharing working .album3d-x files directly.
• Keep backups: Maintain copies of important projects in multiple locations.

Next Steps

• Importing Images - Add photos to your project.
• Albums & Slides - Organize your photos.
• Project Maintenance - Repair and optimize projects.

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