What is FTP and how do I use it?

There are numerous FTP software applications available, including FileZilla, SmartFTP or CuteFTP for PCs and FileZilla, Cyberduck, Transmit or Fetch for Macs. Some of these are free; others require you to purchase a licence.

To transfer files using an FTP client program:

• Prepare the batch of images to be transferred. Please note that the space available in your Crestock FTP uploads folder corresponds to your weekly image upload limit. 10MB is available for every image in the limit. (If for example your weekly limit is 10 files, the total space available is 100MB. The batch of files to be transferred should be slightly smaller than 100MB in terms of total size on disk.)
  
  
• Follow the standard connection procedure for your FTP software. The server address should be set to ftp.crestock.com.
  
  
• Use your usual Crestock username and password to log in. Please note that the password is case sensitive when you use FTP (it is not case sensitive when you use it on our website.)
  
  
• Place all your files directly in the main directory. (Do not create subfolders within the FTP uploads folder.)
  
  
• Note: if the FTP client returns the message “550 There is not enough space on the disk”, or similar, it indicates that the FTP folder size limit has been reached. Please delete any partially copied files and process the existing batch before transferring any additional images.
  
  
• Once the FTP file transfer has completed, return to “Upload Images” (under “My Account”). Your newly transferred files will appear as '## new files ready to process'. Press the 'Process new files' button. The system will then begin processing files. Images which need additional title/description/keyword information will be moved to the 'Describe' tab. Images with embedded metadata will appear in the 'Review & Submit' section.
  
  
• Tip: if you encounter an “unexpected error” at this point, please use the FTP client program to check for and delete any incomplete files. Partial file transfers can cause this difficulty. If more assistance is needed, please message us via help@crestock.com.
  
  
• Images can be left in the FTP Uploads folder for processing at a later date. Please note however that images older than 60 days will be removed on a regular basis.

If you use Windows 7 or 10, go to Start » Computer and select 'Map network drive'

1. Click the link Connect to a Web site that you can use to store your documents and pictures.
2. Follow the step by step wizard to add a new network location.
3. In the Internet or network address field enter our ftp address: ftp.crestock.com.
4. Specify your usual Crestock username and password.
5. Drag & drop all your files to the network drive (do not add folders to the FTP uploads folder.) After completion, continue by processing and submitting your images.

If you use Windows 8, choose Desktop » Computer and click 'Add a network location' in the standard toolbar.

1. Follow steps 2-5 in the instructions above.

If you want to upload vector illustrations via FTP, your vector illustration needs to be in EPS or AI format. You will also need to supply a companion version of the image in JPEG format for each of your illustrations.

The JPEG must have exactly the same filename as the vector file (apart from the differing file extensions). This is necessary for our upload system to detect both parts of the file and create a preview image for the vector file. (For example, an untitled vector upload would consist of two files: "untitled.eps" and "untitled.jpg".)

You can find more information about uploading vector illustrations here.