Blocking graphic file right-click downloads

[Sereniti]

Hello, all -

I have several clients who need to display their photo and graphic work online but don't want low-quality printouts of their photos and other graphics circulating through the general public.

I know there are javascripts or other tools that will allow a site owner to block the right-click (or ctrl-click on a Mac) menu so that proprietary graphic files can't be downloaded. Instead of the menu popping up, a message pops up in its place. Where can I find such code?

Thanks.

[fathom]

Hello, all -

I have several clients who need to display their photo and graphic work online but don't want low-quality printouts of their photos and other graphics circulating through the general public.

I know there are javascripts or other tools that will allow a site owner to block the right-click (or ctrl-click on a Mac) menu so that proprietary graphic files can't be downloaded. Instead of the menu popping up, a message pops up in its place. Where can I find such code?

Thanks.

There is no way to categorically stop imagery posted online from being circulated, although you can limit website functionality to the hill - which then begs the question why have it online?

You can always stop the honest people but once in the public domain the dishonest will find a way around any provisions you adopt preemptively. Thus zero protection.

I highly recommend using

Digimarc MarcSpider® image tracking which is part of Adobe Phototshop for embedding proprietary and trackable watermarks (but you still need the license to track).

You cannot remove the watermark, not by saving, editing, cropping or format chance, the only real limitation is if not digitally displayed online no tracking functionality is available.

This way you can find illegal copies - and by developing policy on your site for infringement - you can easily make the culprit pay in settlement.

Digimarc Partners

http://www.digimarc.com/partners/cur...ge/default.asp

[spronger]

I have to agree with fathom. There are plenty of JavaScripts around to disable right-click. They will not stop anyone remotely net-savy from getting to your files and only cause annoyance to those who use right-click for completely legitimate reasons. Why annoy your visitors? Not worth the effort!

Steve Pronger

[vfaulkner]

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=268 has been another excellent discussion on the same sort of topic.

[Sereniti]

Thanks for the input. I agree with most of the responses, but it still doesn't address the question of where can I find the code. (Okay, so I'm not much of a programmer.) My clients (okay, so one is a non-client friend) want to slow folks down; they understand that nothing can be done to stop unauthorized download short of not displaying their art work or headshots at all. That option defeats the purpose of a web site where you can send folks - who will commission you or make a purchase - so they can see your portfolio.

Yes, I know about Digimark - my sig other used it in the past for a web site he maintained of his photos (which were intended for download but not for re-posting elsewhere) but didn't like it as it degraded the image quality, defeating the purpose of his site.

Besides, as noted in my original post, we're talking about discouraging folks who would print miriad copies and circulate physical prints, not who will rip off content for display elsewhere. While Digimark would seriously downgrade the quality and therefore discourage some of that activity, the last thing an artist wants is poor-quality copies of their work floating around. Ultimately, it reflects on their skills. Even at the Men in Tutus site we're still tweaking saturation levels to give the best possible appearance to the work.

The pics they're putting online are absolutely NOT the quality of the originals, they just want to limit the number of free-floating prints. (See http://www.menintutus.com and http://www.stephaniebeaton.com [in this case, it's a "let me see before I buy, then why buy if I can steal?" mentality].) At these sites, there is no legit reason to right-click and most visitors are anything but web-savvy, so the annoyance factor will be minimal.

Any thoughts?

[vfaulkner]

a 'customizable'script can be found at http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/...90-8-5421955-1

HTH

[spronger]

Here's a script courtesy of BraveNet. Lots of resources here:

http://www.stevepronger.com/bravenet.htm

Copy and paste right after your <head> tag:

<script language="JavaScript">
<!--
var popup="Sorry, right-click is disabled.\n\nThis Site Copyright
©2003";
function noway(go) {
if (document.all) {
if (event.button == 2) {
alert(popup);
return false;
}
}
if (document.layers) {
if (go.which == 3) {
alert(popup);
return false;
}
}
}
if (document.layers) {
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
}
document.onmousedown=noway;
// --> </script>

I still say, if you don't want it copied or printed, don't put it on the web!

Cheers

Steve

[spronger]

a 'customizable'script can be found at http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/...90-8-5421955-1

HTH

Hooly dooly. Make sure you 'customise' it or your client will be 'round to kneecap you.

Steve

[SyrenSong]

Sereniti -

You may also want to consider placing a watermark on your clients' images. It's a nice way of discouraging exactly what you're talking about.

Also, even if someone does decide to print the images, they'll be advertising that it's your client's work.

The watermark could be placed somewhere the obscures a significant portion of the image. Or it could contain copyright information. Maybe even the website address where it was found. Essentially, if anyone was determined enough to download the image for any use, they'd provide a nice "free" advertisement for your clients!

HTH!
Syren

[Sereniti]

Thanks VERY much. If you think about it, check out the Men In Tutus web site around mid-September. Once her show opens she'll be putting up lots of images.

Syren, the copyright notice/watermark is an excellent suggestion. We had discussed it, but somehow that thought slipped through the cracks :)

Spronger, that's a great resource - it just went into my bookmarks!