simpleStream

What is simpleStream?

simpleStream is a free application that enables you to quickly and easily put your own photos online on your web server. Your photos will be displayed in an easy-to-use manner akin to a gallery, photo blog, or photo stream. simpleStream does not use a database and can be populated by either dropping files in a specific folder, or using an online form. The system is designed to get your photos online as quickly as possible. As new photos are added to simpleStream its rss feed is updated so anyone can watch your stream and keep current on your new photos.

simpleStream makes use of the metadata present in digital camera files to generate the displayed information. While this typically includes the date the image was taken and other camera settings, simpleStream also extracts the caption for your photo, if you have set one using an image editor (such as Picasa, iPhoto, Aperture, Lightroom, etc.). simpleStream enables you to take advantage of the metatdata you have added to your photos already so you don't have to do any of this work again.

simpleStream presents a simple way to navigate through your photos easily and relies on Lightbox2 to provide a pleasant viewing experience across most modern browsers.

simpleStream was inspired by folderblog; both simpleStream and folderblog enable you to drop photos into a folder and have them display, although simpleStream heavily relies on the metadata embedded in digital photo files to generate its output.

Configuring simpleStream

simpleStream is easy to install and configure. simpleStream requires php and must have access to a folder where it can read and write image files.

Configuration steps:

1. Download simpleStream (see link at top of page)
2. Unzip into a web-server accessible directory.
3. Edit conf.php to set your folder, title, and paths.
4. Ensure your image path is writeable by the web server.
5. Add some photos!

Using simpleStream

simpleStream has been designed to be as simple and intuitive to use as possible; in general, the system aims for simplicity of presentation in order to maximize usability.

Navigating the stream

You can navigate your stream by clicking on any image in the thumbnail list and either clicking the next / previous buttons that appear when you hover the mouse over the image, or by using your left and right arrow keys on your keyboard. To exit a photo back to the main index page, either click on an area not covered by the image, or press the escape key.

Adding photos to the stream

There are two main options for adding photos to your folder stream.

1. To add many files at once, simply copy your full-sized image files to the directory you configured as '$imageDir' in config.php. The next time the index page is requested, the medium and thumbnail images will be automatically created (this may take a while for many files).
2. To add a single file you can use the above method, or visit your stream and append /add to its url (e.g., site.com/stream/add). You can then select the photo from your drive (or memory card) and provide your password (set in config.php) and the photo will be automatically added.

Removing photos from the stream

To remove a photo from your stream, visit your stream and append /remove to its url (e.g., site.com/stream/remove). You can then view any photo and click the remove link. You will be asked for your password to confirm deletion (set in config.php).

Contact information

Your feedback is the only way we can improve simpleStream; please let us know if you have any problems, suggestions, or comments: .