How to save and share 2D copies of 3D photos taken with HTC EVO 3D
The metal camera switch on the HTC EVO 3D lets you quickly decide whether you want to take a picture in 2D or 3D mode, but what happens when you snap a 2D pic and then later wish it was in 3D instead? And how are you going to share a 3D image when MMS and many photo-sharing services don't support 3D formats (.mpo and .jps) yet and your friends/family don't have an EVO 3D (or other 3D-capable device) to view them on?
This may not be the best solution for everyone, but if you want to minimize 2D/3D remorse and be able to share your photos with others, then slide the switch to 3D and leave it there. Take all your pictures in 3D. Then just make 2D copies (as necessary) or share them in 2D without saving them.
How to save a 2D copy of a 3D image
- View the 3D photo in the Gallery app.
- Tap the photo to bring up the on-screen toolbar and tap the second icon from the left (the one that looks like a sparkling pen or firecracker) to bring up the "Edit photo" menu.
- Tap the first option, Save as 2D.
- Tap OK to save a 2D copy of the 3D photo.
The 2D copy will be about four times smaller in terms of file size and have a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The original 3D image has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 in .mpo format and 3840 x 1080 in .jps format.
Though the 2D image resolution is lower than it would be if you actually took the picture in 2D mode, which yields a 2560 x 1440 photo in 5-megapixel widescreen mode, more megapixels don't mean better quality (read "The Megapixel Myth" for more on this). The 2D copy still looks good, and you never have to look at one of your pictures and wish you had taken it in 3D instead.
How to share a 3D image in 2D without saving it
- View the 3D photo in the Gallery app.
- Tap the photo to bring up the on-screen controls and tap the middle button to bring up the "Share via" menu.
- Select your sharing method. Apps like Gmail and Mail will ask whether you want to share in 3D or 2D, while other services will automatically convert to 2D with your permission.
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If you have absolutely no interest in ever taking or sharing 3D photos, then just go ahead and slide that camera switch to 2D and keep it there forever.
