Optimizing your GIF graphics for Web Pages

These next few pages will show examples of graphics for web pages.
This first page shows that can be done to keep the file size of graphics small so they will download over the internet much faster.
The Action Graphics page shows examples of movement in graphics without special software add-ins.
Plus There is a pages of LINKS to sites were you can see more examples and download software to help you to keep your graphics fast and clean. Enjoy! ;-)

Here are a series of GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) files that have been saved with different color pallets or bit depths. The page will show how much a GIF file can be shrunk in file size (and therefore in download time) without loosing too much detail.

I saved over 250 K of Web Page storage after I minimized my Gif's for all my pages.
Here are some samples of a GIF using optimized color pallets

256 colors 54k Original
32 color pallet 26k 52% Reduction
8 color pallet 11k 80% Reduction
3 color pallet 5,531 Bytes 89% Reduction

Tips you can use to create the smallest/fastest possible graphics files

Minimize dimension and maximize crop.
Minimize the initial number of colors.
Choose your colors from the non-dithering palette.
Use flat, horizontal areas of color: avoid gradations of color.
Turn off icons when saving graphics files.
Reduce the resolution to 72 dpi as your LAST STEP.
When you need to display a very large graphic use a small "Thumbnail" version of a picture set up as a link to the larger graphic.
Use multiple small graphics and/or backgrounds instead of one large graphic for a web page background.

Here is a page about how to make Action Graphics done using the GIF89a format (Some examples shown below).

Here is a page of links to sites which help you minimize your web pages and graphics.

All Pages done with Macintosh Computer by Erik Carlson
Best when viewed with Netscape Navigator

Last Updated: 3-7-97

Comments, suggestions, etc. regarding these pages can be sent to
WebAuthor: Erik Carlson Mailboxboy.gif (3549bytes)

erikcarlson@mac.com
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