Q: How do I compress images and make image file size smaller?

The two major image file formats used on the web are ".jpg" and ".gif". There are two ways to make the image file size smaller are:

• Resize the image (e.g. create a thumbnail version, to learn how click here)
  • images must be resized outside the SiteBuilder before importing the image to your web site.

• Reduce the amount "data" in the image (e.g. less dpi, less colors).
  • the process of removing "data" from an image, is often referred to as "cleaning" or "optimizing" an image for the web.
  • The more "data" that is removed from an image, the more noticeable the difference in the resulting image.

What is image compression or image optimization?

Here are links for articles and resources about image optimization and compression:

• Optimising Images from htmlsource.f2.com, click here
• Everyone's Guide to Optimizing Graphics from AllThingsWeb, click here
• Optimizing Web Graphics from Webreference.com, click here
• Optimizing Images from About.com, click here
• Compression and Optimization Tips from About.com, click here

Note:

• Some information may not apply to pages created in the SiteBuilder

To "clean" or "optimize" an image, there are free online tools, as well as, some free downloadable programs.

Free Online Image Optimization Tools

• SpinWave's JPEG and GIF Crunchers, click here

• Adobe offers two free online image compression services
  • Save For Web, click here
  • Optimize an Image, click here
  • Note: Both Adobe services are currently available, however Adobe has also said that these services have been discontinued.
  
  
• For more online tools for image optimization, click here

Note:

• When using online tools, you will have to save the "optimized" image to your computer by right-clicking on the image and choosing "Save Picture As" on the menu.
• Free online tools only allow you to work with one image at a time.

Free Image Optimization Programs

• JPG Cleaner, click here
• GIF Optimizer, click here

• For a list of free image optimization programs, click here

Related Links

• For more resources and information about using images on a web site, click here
• For basic info about image file formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, click here

(Please note that none of the above are official partners of Homestead, nor have we done any extensive testing of what they have to offer. Use of their tools and services must be undertaken at your own risk.)