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Please read the Image Preparation Tips below. If you still have difficulty preparing images for uploading at WOODWEB, Send a message to the Webmaster

Image Preparation Tips
Image Specifications: WOODWEB's Forums, Gallery, or Exchanges
Image Specifications: Woodworkers Directory

Image Preparation Tips

GIF and JPEG files are the most common and universally accepted Web file types (formats) for graphics and photos. Other formats like PNG and FLASH offer advantages, but are only available to those using the latest browsing software and plug-ins. The WOODWEB image upload system accommodates GIF and JPEG formats. GIFs are best for graphics with large areas of flat color, like the CAD drawing or the logo below.

 
 

JPEGs work best for photos, or continuous-tone images like the machine photo below.


In most cases, the goal should be to display images as small as possible, while assuring that the quality remains as high as possible. This rule of thumb keeps the file size down and makes the image load faster. Optimizing the image is also important; aim for the highest quality at the smallest file size. JPEG and GIF formats each require different optimization techniques.

Reduce a GIF by limiting colors in the image to the lowest number that still offers acceptable quality. The illustration below was created with the minimum number of colors required.

 

The image will load fast since it is relatively small and composed of only two colors, but the edges of the letters are a bit jagged and unattractive. The rough edges can be eliminated by letting the image-editing software add a few more colors. The extra colors smooth the edges.

 

Optimize a JPEG by setting the image editor's JPEG quality parameter as low as possible, while maintaining a good-quality image. Notice the company logo in the image of the machine on the right. Though the file size of the lower-quality image (at left) is smaller, the one on the right is more attractive, so the extra file size is warranted.

 

Image Specifications: WOODWEB's Forums, Gallery, or Exchanges

When practical, prepare an image for WOODWEB's gallery, forums or exhanges by reducing the width to 400 pixels (or less). When a larger image is desirable (to display needed detail, for example), our system will accommodate images over 400 pixels in width by displaying a reduced width image that links to the larger, full-size image. File size is limited to a maximum of 250K. Most images will work well at a size between 25K and 60K.

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Image Specifications: Woodworkers Directory

Prepare an image to include with your Woodworkers Directory listing by reducing width 225 pixels (or less).

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