Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes web page designers make is to misuse or overuse graphic images on web pages. Designers become so enthusiastic about using new technology that they tend to focus on “look what we can make for you” rather than a web page’s functionality.
Web page graphics must serve a function. If a graphic image’s only function is “to look cool,” you are unnecessarily increasing the download time of your web pages. “Looking cool” can ultimately cost you more money and make you lose potential customers.
The following list is a summary of the types of graphic images that are acceptable on a web page: Read the rest of this entry »
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Before discussing the differences between the two graphic standards for the web, GIFs and JPEGs, we will elaborate on what each does:
GIF is short for Graphics Interchange Format. GIF’s advantages is that it is supported by practically all web browsers, can include transparent backgrounds, supports interlacing (providing a low-resolution preview of the graphic to the viewer while it downloads), and can be used as an image map (allowing the viewer to click on the graphic as they would a regular link to another site.) GIF’s disadvantages are that it can only support 8-bit color (or a palette no greater than 256 colors). It may also handle dithering poorly, which is the result of pixels in a graphic that try to mix themselves up to emulate different colors. Photographs saved as GIFs can also lose their detail and a wide range of values.
The following photograph was saved as a GIF instead of a JPEG. Notice how the fine gradients do not display well: Read the rest of this entry »
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Scanning for the web is a specialty medium. Scanning requires advanced skills and training to make your original photo or graphic image recognizable on a wide range of viewing environments on the web, with the added challenge of shrinking your photo or graphic image to the smallest file size possible for quick downloading and viewing.
For a commerce site, scans are a crucial part of the selling process. A well-scanned picture allows for your audience to perceive an added value in your product or service. A poorly scanned picture will hurt your sales and reputation.
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