How to Block “Save As” to Prevent Saving of Images
I have a client who wants to block access to his images directory. I have successfully blocked “right click” without issue in the browser, however if you simply click on “File>Save As” all graphics are downloaded.
How do I get around this?
I have searched and found several sites claiming to have solutions, but they don’t work. Is it even possible?
I considered nesting iframes and using an alternate domain name, so I could restrict all access accept the original domain’s call for the graphic. Any other better ideas?
Thanks!
Answer:
The moment someone publishes some content to the public, they should relinquish their sense of absolute control over it.
If it is viewable on the visitors screen it is also possible to copy it (in fact it has already been copied automatically in the download process via cache).
They only way to prevent it is to have an absolute control over the entire process from start to finish and that requires gaining control over other people’s computers. So the solution for your client is either not to pubish the original content as is, and instead publish a distorted version (i.e. watermarking) or simply accept the realities of releasing content to the public.
Sorry but that’s the way it is, watermarking is about the best solution.
