CapturePost and Version 4

Applies to: CapturePost


To eliminate the need for photographers to install MySQL on their laptops, CapturePost will continue to work with tnj files in Version 4. In fact the only difference in the way a photographer works with CapturePost is in the format of order barcodes (see Ordering in Version 4.

In addition Version 4 of CapturePost also supports Subject Keys meaning a photographer may choose to lookup subjects by their key rather than their ID or name. (see The subject Key)

A typical workflow

The workflow involving CapturePost in Version 4 therefore differs primarily in the manner the tnj job file is prepared and then incorporated into Version 4. Essentially two choices are available

  • Prepare a tnj job file either in a Version 3 application or in a Version application running in 'tnj mode'
  • Prepare a job in Version 4 then export the job as a tnj file for use in CapturePost

With each of these starting points the tnj file is then imported into the MySQL database with one of the other Version 4 applications such as NeoPack/Professional. This is achieved by either:

  • Importing the tnj file into Version 4 with the File>New from tnj file
  • Merging the tnj file back into the Version 4 job from where it had originated

Preparing the tnj file directly

With this workflow a tnj job file is prepared in a Version 3 application or in a Version 4 application used in tnj mode. After using the job file in CapturePost the job file is imported into Version 4.

  1. Prepare a new tnj job file in a Version 3 application
  2. Work with the tnj file in CapturePost in the normal manner
  3. In Version 4, start a new job by importing the tnj file. (File>New from TNJ file...)
  4. Select a Season, Account and Offer for the new job as needed

It is anticipated the above workflow will also be used by photographers working with DataPost or PackBuilder away from their lab (and therefore away from the MySQL database). Such photographers will continue to work with tnj files and send their job files to the lab in the normal way.

Note only Version 4 applications (whether working in SQL mode or tnj mode) will create subject keys. This needs to be considered if the photographer wishes to use the subject key in any way such as for use with the Timestone Internet Ordering System.

Preparing an SQL job in Version 4 then exporting to tnj

An alternative to the previous workflow is to prepare a new job in a Version 4 application then export the job as a tnj file for use with CapturePost. After photography the tnj file can be merged into the original Version 4 job or imported into Version 4 as a new job.

  1. Prepare a new SQL job in a Version 4 application
  2. Export the job to a tnj file
  3. Work with the tnj file in CapturePost in the normal manner
  4. In Version 4, open the original job and merge the tnj file into it (File>Merge ...)

This workflow will most commonly be used by CapturePost photographers working directly with their studio or lab and therefore have access to the MySQL database.

End of article