Image Optimization and Exporting for Web Use
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Image Optimization Process
During image design and transformation, there's complete freedom. Optimization is applied at the end, before exporting the image to a web-compatible format.
Optimization involves three key steps:
- Selecting the best file format to manage file size.
- Adjusting format options and colors. Each format has specific compression controls, some limiting color palettes.
- Defining export options based on image use.
Common Export Formats
- GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): Up to 256 colors, supports transparency, ideal for animations, logos, and images with transparent areas. Often used for vector graphics.
- JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Best for photos and textured images, supports many colors, but has fewer image quality options.
- PNG (Portable Network Graphic): Not universally supported by all web browsers.
- WBMP (Wireless Bitmap): For images on portable devices like cell phones.
- TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): Commonly used for print files.
- BMP: Standard format for Windows.
- PICT: Format used in Mac OS.
The choice of format (JPEG, GIF, animated GIF, WBMP, TIFF, PNG, etc.) depends on image use and color depth. GIFs have a limited color palette, while JPEGs are ideal for images with many colors.
Optimization and Export Options
The File menu provides optimization and exporting options:
- Image preview
- Export wizard
The image preview is recommended, allowing real-time visualization of optimization changes.
The File tab adjusts image size. The Options tab controls file compression parameters. The Animation tab manages GIF animation settings. Information like download time, file size, and webpage preview is also displayed.
Example: Compare a GIF and a JPEG image. The JPEG has more defined colors due to its wider color gamut.
Reducing a GIF's file size involves limiting colors, which also decreases download time. For JPEGs, size reduction is achieved by adjusting quality settings in the Options tab.
Using the Export Wizard
The Export Wizard, found in the File menu, is a helpful tool for selecting the appropriate image format.