Formats
There are generally 2 types of image formats used on web pages – jpg and gif. Both formats are compressible which means their file size can be kept small making it easier to download them over the Internet.
The jpg format is used for photographs as it allows for gradient colours. An example of a filename is people.jpg
The gif format is used for images with flat colours, like logos or clipart. An example of a filename is logo.gif
Size
The size of an image on a web page is generally measured in pixels. A pixel is a dot of information on the computer screen – screens today range from 800 to a 1024 pixels in width.
Big images can take a long time to download and so certain restrictions are set in place when it comes to loading images onto Community Portals.
The suggested maximum size of an image can be set by each Portal Administrator and will be displayed alongside the insert picture Browse button.
NB Allowing an image to be wider than 450 pixels could interfere with the page layout as it will force text on the right of it of the screen and out of view.
Preparation
It is best to prepare your images before going on line. If you want to put a photograph on one of your web pages then it is best that you save it to the right size in an image-editing program (eg PhotoDraw; PhotoShop; Paint Shop Pro; Serif PhotoPlus; etc) before inserting it in your page.
Community Portals do have a resizing option available but there may be a slight lose of quality in using this automatic feature.
NB Pictures that are too large in size will be rejected by the system.