In the graphics modules, we will provide ways to create, manipulate, and
prepare graphics for use on the World Wide Web. The basic rules are
that graphics must be saved in one of two formats, GIF and JPEG. You
cna't just add the .gif to the end of a file... it must be saved in
that format. Graphics also must be as small as possible since the larger
the file, the longer the web page will take to download, especially on a
modem connection. The longer the download, the easier it is for someone
to lose interest in your page, even if it is of high quality.
For most graphic work, an image should be stored in GIF format. This format utilizes a minimum number of colors and is best suited for clip art, line drawings, and most icons. Files that need a high degree of accuracy and a large number of colors (like photographs) may be better stored as a JPEG. GIF files are relatively smaller than JPEGs and, of course, are faster to download.
Graphics can be obtained from many sources. You can scan images, take digital photos, create original drawings, or obtain clip art from CDs or Websites. However, be sure that copyright procedures and all Acceptable Use Guidelines are followed. You are publishing this for the world to see and all licensing of images must be in compliance with laws. Just because a graphic is on the web or on a CD does not mean that the image is allowable for use by others on the web. Student work needs written permission from both student and parent. Fair Use Guidelines for classroom use generally do not apply to web publishing, since your audience is different. Be sure to ask if in doubt.
In this module, we will present general ways of working with graphics. More specific information is contained in later modules, as there are many approaches to obtain the same result.
You can create your images from scratch or you can take existing images and
convert them to Internet-ready format. If the image is scanned or taken
from a digital camera, you would want to save it in the correct format, if
possible. Also, if you have the option, you would want to optimize
your images so that they use the fewest colors possible and the least disk
space possible.
Scanners and cameras: You may find that some scannners and cameras (especially older ones) save only in certain formats like TIFF or PICT or their own format. If given the choice, save it in GIF or JPEG. If you have no choice, you would save it and then find some way to convert to GIF or JPEG. For the Macintosh, Graphic Converter (shareware and well worth it) or Photoshop can do most conversions. For the PC, Photoshop also converts and there are other utilities that can do these conversions.
Also be very careful with the size of your images. When you scan in images, they may have been reduced to fit the screen and you may see them at a 25% size. Even though the image fits the screen, it may still be extremely large, with you just looking at a reduced view. Keep an eye out for this, and try to save the image as close to the size you ultimately want as you can.
If it is important that a large file is displayed (especially in JPEG format), then you should use thumbnails. A thumbnail is a separate, reduced verson of the larger file that is saved in a smaller format. When the thumbnail is clicked, the larger image is opened.
Clip Art and Created Images: Often you will have a choice with how to save clip art. Unless you need the color exactness, use GIF format. When you create a graphic yourself (in ClarisWorks, TwistType, Word Art, etc.), you may need to save it in some format and then convert it to GIF. Another option is to create the artwork, select it and then COPY it (as in COPY/PASTE). Then open a graphcs program, create a new file, and PASTE the copied image. Then you can save it in GIF format.
Images from the Internet: Be very, very careful here. Unless you know otherwise, assume all images on the Internet are copyrighted and require permission to use in your web pages. There are several web sites that allow you to copy their images and use them so read their Terms of Use carefully. They may only require acknowledgement or may have other conditions to follow.
No matter what source you have and how you manupulate your graphics, some
things are constant. You want to be able to "crop" your pictures (select
which part of the picture you want to use and delete the rest). You
want to shrink your pictures to very close to the size they will appear on
the web page. If possible, you want to minimize the number of colors
you use. You may want to make one color (the picture "background") transparent.
You may even want to remove the background completely (maybe you have a photo
of a teacher with students and need to remove the students from the background).
All these things and more can be done with image editing programs.
We can't provide much detail here because specifics are tied to individual
programs and versions and platforms. But knowing the basics of what
is possible can give you some direction.
Should you want additional help with graphics, see the later modules specific
for your platform or get help from various other sources or the web.
Several web sites allow you to upload your images and they will optimize
them for you and return the cleaned up copy to you. One site is:
webservices.adobe.com/optimize/main.html