Optimization is a process which can be lengthy for perfect results or fairly brief for almost perfect results. You have to weigh in on which route you need to go. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe ImageReady both offer full tool sets for optimizing the file for online display quality. I would use the one I'm most familiar with and the one that's used most frequently. For a skilled user, ImageReady is really not necessary.
The easy way:
The Photoshop "Save As" control lets you save an image as either a GIF, JPEG, or PNG file. You can designate image quality, background transparency or matting, color display, and downloading method depending on which file format you select. The controls for each of the resulting dialog boxes are pretty much self explanatory. I recommend saving your image this way (using a different name) and then saving it using the next steps as a way of comparing the two. Doing it this way will give you a good indication of which option gives the best results.
I use the "Save for Web" command for greater control and more precise optimization. It's found in the File menu just below the "Save As..." item.
The "Save for Web" window offers a variety of choices. Again, the options here are all fairly self explanatory.
Click a tab at the top of the image area to select a display option: 2-Up so you can see both versions of the image side by side.
The area below each image in the "Save for Web" dialog box gives you information concerning how the file will perform online. Some items you should see include the original image filename and file size; and the optimized image optimization options, the size of the optimized file, and the estimated download time using a selected modem speed. I use the 28.8 setting to be sure.
Now play with the "quality" options to the right and test the different settings.
Nothing will affect the file until you select "Save Optimized" -- so experiment until you have a visual understanding of what to expect.
You can also set scaling at this time, and Photoshop does a pretty good job of sampling your image down to the correct size. Remember: never enlarge. - 15437
The easy way:
The Photoshop "Save As" control lets you save an image as either a GIF, JPEG, or PNG file. You can designate image quality, background transparency or matting, color display, and downloading method depending on which file format you select. The controls for each of the resulting dialog boxes are pretty much self explanatory. I recommend saving your image this way (using a different name) and then saving it using the next steps as a way of comparing the two. Doing it this way will give you a good indication of which option gives the best results.
I use the "Save for Web" command for greater control and more precise optimization. It's found in the File menu just below the "Save As..." item.
The "Save for Web" window offers a variety of choices. Again, the options here are all fairly self explanatory.
Click a tab at the top of the image area to select a display option: 2-Up so you can see both versions of the image side by side.
The area below each image in the "Save for Web" dialog box gives you information concerning how the file will perform online. Some items you should see include the original image filename and file size; and the optimized image optimization options, the size of the optimized file, and the estimated download time using a selected modem speed. I use the 28.8 setting to be sure.
Now play with the "quality" options to the right and test the different settings.
Nothing will affect the file until you select "Save Optimized" -- so experiment until you have a visual understanding of what to expect.
You can also set scaling at this time, and Photoshop does a pretty good job of sampling your image down to the correct size. Remember: never enlarge. - 15437
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