We have reasons why DARKROOM was built for a Windows environment. Too many to list here. What we can tell MAC users is that with an Intel chipset and Windows software there are several options for you to configure and use DARKROOM just like everyone else. The Parallels software lets you run Windows right on your MAC (approx. $80) via “virtual machine.” Other possibilities are programs like BootCamp allow you to choose OSx or a Windows operating system on startup. Again, purchase and use these suggestions at your own risk… but remember you can try DARKROOM for free before making any purchase with us, so please, test your options and feel comfortable with your decision.

Yes. We have been beta-testing all current editions of DARKROOM with Windows 7 and have found no issues whatsoever. Until Windows submits updates, there may be a cosmetic issue here or there, but DARKROOM, itself, will function just fine. That said, if you are connecting DARKROOM to any printer driver, especially a Windows-specific driver, please be sure to update those as needed. We cannot predict which printers or printer manufacturer will be prepared for the migration to Windows 7, but we anticipate very little issue.

Older security keys, also known as “dongles,” that come with your DARKROOM purchase were originally built for 32-bit computers. There is a solution for this! All you need to do is download an update for this driver.

Click here to go to the security key’s manufacturer website, Safenet. At the top of the page you will see a sentence under the header Sentinal Drivers that says, “Click here for the latest Sentinel Driver.” Click that link, allow the download and you should not have any further issue.

We keep an elaborate list of supported cameras and printers that can be found here. As you will see, DARKROOM has been built with the most relevant and popular professional equipment in mind. Furthermore, DARKROOM will import the following file formats, so rest assured, you’re covered:

	All standard image file formats like .tif, .bmp, .jpg, .tga, .psd, and .png
	.mif (MegaVision raw files)		.crw (Canon raw format, also .raw or .tif
	.nef (Nikon raw format)		.dcr (Kodak professional file format)
	.pcd (Kodak PhotoCD)		.pcx (Zsoft)
	.fpx (Flashpix)		.tiff (Kodak proprietary tif)

Nope. The beauty of DARKROOM is that it saves you money because you will not have to purchase supporting software and drivers from your printer and camera manufacturers. If your hardware is listed here and you own DARKROOM you will not need to buy anything else -- if you so choose. (With one exception, many camera manufacturers now require you purchase additional hardware to drop images directly into a computer's hot folder or to use WiFi capabilities. If your camera is listed on our supported hardware page you do not need additional hardware; but if your camera is not listed you may need to see if the camera manufacterer supplies hot folder capability. If it does, you're in luck, with that additional equipment or software, your DARKROOM software will be able to collect your images wirelessly just as if it was on our list. We're pretty excited about this, by the way.)

Most ExpressDigital products require a software protection key in order to function. DARKROOM will load Evaluation Mode if the software key is not connected properly (in a USB slot). Evaluation Mode does not permit printing and will watermark the images you import into the software. When you purchase DARKROOM directly from us or from an authorized dealer, the latest version of the software and the key (also called a “dongle”) will be shipped to you. If you are in a rush, know that most dealers offer overnight shipping.

Open your software. Click the [ ? ] icon in the top right hand corner. A pop up will tell you at the very top what version of the software you are currently operating.

Currently, DARKROOM Professional Edition is operating version 8.91 and DARKROOM Core Edition is operating version 9.0. There are free updates for both Pro, Core and Assembly versions of 8.9 and newere here (if you currently own that version and you are simply seeking an update). If you are operating a version 8.8 or older, an upgrade to version 8.9 is likely what you are looking for.

If you are operating a version of DARKROOM that is 8.8, 8.7 or older, you are missing out on a lot of features. So much so, that you need a new software key to operate functions developed in the past four years.

If you are operating a version of DARKROOM that is 8.7 through version 8.8, purchasing an upgrade will allow us to remotely activate your software key so you can download the latest functions.

If you would like to purchase or learn more about a software upgrade email or call us at 888-271-3445.

Since version 8.8, DARKROOM has built-in these new feature additions:

	Sell prints, products, gifts and digital items online with PhotoReflect.com free Internet storefronts		Choice between two industry leading greenscreen tools (for Pro Edition)
	Download fresh product templates directly through the software with Template Marketplace		More tools for advanced and basic custom template creation
	Online publishing automation so you can continue to work and update online events at the same time		Enhanced push-button connectivity to Labtricity Labs within the software
	Change text and borders in Photo Workshop directly, versus altering the template		Join the digital revolution with Digital Delivery and Digital Download features
	New drivers and built-in configurations for the latest printers and cameras (for Pro Edition)		Significantly improved photo enhancement tools including a new “healing” brush (for Pro Edition)

If you are a member of the Anytime Access support plan at the time of a new release launch you are entitled to free version upgrades.

If you have any version of 8.9 you can download a version update for free here.

If you have any version of 8.8 you can:

	Purchase a full upgrade to Core 9.0 for $295 or Pro 8.9 for $395 by calling 888-271-3445
	Purchase a full upgrade with Anytime Access (24/7 call support for 365 days) for Core at $345 or Pro at $495 by calling 888-271-3445 (...p.s. this option is a little known secret and a huge bargain)

We like to think that DARKROOM is intuitive and easy to work with, but we have found the more you do with DARKROOM combined with the less time you have to figure it out on your own, the more you need access to support. DARKROOM is pretty powerful software and your time is money, which is why there are some support options for you to consider before making a DARKROOM purchase.

The most popular option is the Anytime Access Plan which gives subscribers access to a dedicated phone line with DARKROOM experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days. Anytime Access also includes free software upgrades — all of which presents a pretty significant value.

There are four support options to help you work with any DARKROOM feature and configuration:

	There are online training videos, manuals, tips and tricks published throughout this website that can be found by clicking here
	ExpressDigital has a free online support center that can be found here — you will need to create a login and password the first time you use it
	If you call the support center with a technical question on any DARKROOM feature or its functionality with supported hardware, you can pay as you go with a credit card, for $50 a call (the number is 888.508.3443 in the U.S. and 01493 888222 in the U.K.)
	If you want the ability to contact the support center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days we offer the Anytime Access Plan

Click here to learn more about DARKROOM support plans.

Certainly. Click here.

Web edition was built as part of an agreement with PhotoReflect.com to develop a robust online publisher that also had some workflow tools. As of March 1, 2010, the engineers at DARKROOM and the people with PhotoReflect built an entirely new publisher that is completely owned and managed by PhotoReflect. The PhotoReflect software does much more and is much easier to use than DARKROOM Web edition, which is why we don’t offer Web edition anymore.

If you are a Web edition user, however, don’t fret! There are updates and tutorials for you. The software you currently use and the version updates are fully supported by PhotoReflect if you are a member of their fine service. If you are looking for tutorials on how to use DARKROOM Web edition to publish to your PhotoReflect online storefront, click here. If you are looking for the latest Web edition updates and downloads, click here.

Yes. For any edition of DARKROOM you need to set it up properly to get started. You can download the Quick Start Manual pdf, watch the Get Started Video, or subscribe to the Anytime Access Plan for phone support.

The trial versions of Core/Pro Edition will let you import your images but will be scanned with an ExpressDigital watermark. Pre-installed images and catalogs will not have this watermark. The reason we did this was so you can see everything you can do and take your time, since there is no time limit to use these downloads.

In addition, you will not be able to connect your printer drivers in evaluation mode. But beyond those two limitations, you are able to enjoy the features of DARKROOM in order for you to determine which product is right for you.

Click here to read about our current 2010 schedule.

ExpressDigital attends tradeshows frequently. Sometimes we exhibit and sometimes we are simply there to support our dealers and partners. If you are attending a tradeshow you should first check the Exhibitor List to see if ExpressDigital, or DARKROOM is exhibiting. If not, compare the Exhibitor list to see if any of these companies will be there:

U.S. Dealers
	Adorama		Imaging Spectrum
	Buffalo Imaging		Digital Technology Group (DTG)
	Southpoint Photo Imaging		ImageTech Marketing
	IT Supplies		Event Photo Market
	Foto Club		B&H
	Desktop Darkroom		Calumet
	Image Pro
Canadian Dealers
	Mondrian Hall		Headshots
	Vistek		Camera Canada
International Dealers
	UK Photos		Advanced Warehouse
	Vanbar		Crane Distributors
	D.L. Kirkpatrick		Carnagon
	CEI (Corp & Event Imaging)		Fototek

If all else fails, join our monthly newsletter and you will be privy to travel announcements and much more.

DARKROOM Dealers are all very well versed in features or functionality. The fact is they are a very select group of companies that we have negotiated specials, trainings and events with. You should review our Dealer List and find the one nearest you. Not only would they be happy to demonstrate DARKROOM for you in person, most will promote an event or workshop that will be of service to you.

A recent Professional Photographers of America (PPA) study indicates that 1 in 3 professional photographers use a version of DARKROOM to solve problems and help them make more money. We cannot list all of our fans here, but we are pretty sure if you ask around you'll already know someone that uses DARKROOM.

DARKROOM Assembly Edition and DARKROOM PhotoMall are specialty products with very specific objectives and workflows in mind.

Assembly Edition was created for School and Group Photographers that need considerably more workflow flexibility based on the type of event and will allow you to use bar codes, scanners, and auto-print order envelopes and shoot sheets.

PhotoMall was created for, to put it simply, photographers that handle Santa Claus and Easter Bunny events and that require plug-and-print operations (and that's all).

Because of the unique specialty of these DARKROOM products and the support requirements end-users need to use them properly, we do not feature these products prominently on this website. However, if you are still interested, we can assist you in acquiring these products.

If the majority of your work requires a robust software solution that would enable school shoot products, Assembly Edition may be exactly what you are looking for. Assembly Edition includes all the features of Professional Edition PLUS these specialized tools:

	Data synchronization from multiple field computers		The ability to import .CSV data with all job information
	Ability to print order envelopes, slate cards and shoot sheets/stickers		Bar code automation for quick data entry
	Auto-creators of yearbook CD’s and printed ID cards		Ability to sort print jobs by data elements
	Ability to print school and data sheets on industry standardized forms

There is a dedicated dealer of Assembly Edition that handles all new purchases, training and support:

Desktop Darkroom Toll free: 888.398.9934 www.desktopdarkroom.com

University Blvd W., Jacksonville, Florida 32217 Direct: 904.398.2540

It depends. PhotoMall is a very simple and streamlined product designed solely for "mall photographers" (those photographers that shoot Santa Claus and Easter Bunny events). There is a very simple interface that will allow you to configure your camera and printer systems, enable a touchscreen monitor, shoot and sell. There are no "bells and whistles" but it has proven to be very successful. DARKROOM Professional Edition has the same capabilities along with considerably more tools and features for photographers that offer more products and services.

There is a dedicated dealer of PhotoMall that handles all new purchases, training and support:

imageTech Phone: 714.639.5411

10388 S. Randall St., Orange, CA 92869 www.imagetech.us