Optimising images for web use
Description
Demonstrates how and why to use GIF or PNG for block images and JPEG for photographs. Uses a graphic design package to make images different formats and different sizes and shows the effect on the quality of the resultant images.
Summary- Optimising images for web use
- Many image processing / design software packages allow you to optimise your images
- This demo shows using "Adobe Fireworks", your software should be able to do similar simple things.
- Why to use GIF for any 'solid block' images such as line art, cartoons, text, etc
- For simple block images, GIF produce small file sizes
- For simple block images, GIF produce small file sizes
- These can be reduced further by reducing the number of colours used
- Often without any noticeable loss of quality
- Do not use JPEGs for simple block images
- For the same file size as a crisp and clear GIF a JPEG will appear fuzzy
- To approach the crispness of the original you have to increase the file size
- PNGs can also work the same as GIFs if used on the right settings
- The file size can be reduced down without any noticeable loss of quality
- When converted to a gif of the same file size the quality is very poor
- When the GIF colour is increased to a more acceptable image, the file size becomes very large
- Use GIF or PNG for block image, use JPEG for graphic images