Creating Soundslides

Making the most of audio-enriched photo slideshows in CP5

By CMN Staff

Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Soundslides presentations can be easily added to the CP5 system using the Soundslides object. The object is specifically designed to handle the export files Soundslides creates.

To upload a Soundslides presentations to your CP5 system:

  1. Create the Soundslides presentation in the software and export it. Zip or "Archive" (if using Mac OS) that folder.
  2. Log in to your CP5 administration area and navigate to the page where you want to add the presentation.
  3. Create a new object from the dropdown menu, selecting "Soundslides" as the object.
  4. Upload the Soundslides ZIP file (ZIP your Publish to Web folder) and save the object using the Save and Insert button. Note that you must use the Save and Insert command for the Soundslides to work properly.
  5. The Soundslide will embed within your page as part of that element.

Things to consider when creating your presentation:

  • Captions and bylines matter - be sure to include the information in your presentation.
  • Complete your "Credits" information, and be sure to add a copyright for your paper.
  • Size your presentation to something close to your site's display width. Anything larger may break your design or may cause your photos to look squashed.
  • If you're lacking audio, talk with members of your college radio station and ask for highlights from their broadcasts. For example, the excitement - as heard on the radio - leading into a  touchdown mixed with the photos of the play that made it happen create a powerful multimedia experience.