America Online

(A-O-L)

A national information provider and ISP.

A common question that comes up is how to view or convert an AOL compressed .ART file. The basic answer is that you usually can't without the AOL software. Using AOL software you can convert the .ART file by selecting File|Open and selecting the .ART file to view. Then select File|Save as and select either .JPG or .BMP format. This will decompress the file and save it in the format selected.

If you wish to view files in normal rather than compressed format all the time go to the AOL option: Members|Preferences|WWW|Uncompressed Graphics and select it. All images will then load in their native format instead of the compressed (and often terrible-looking) .ART format.

(Note: The manual for the commercial program ACDSee, ver. 4 indicates that with a plug-in it can show AOL .ART files. Contact ACD Systems for further information.)

More Information

• AOL Home Page