Images

Cardinal Rules for working with Images
  1. Save images only as jpg or gif file types
  2. Resolution should be between 72 to 96 dpi
  3. Image size should be less than 50% of the screen
  4. Use the Height and Width attributes in the Image Source tag
  5. Use the Alternate text attribute within the Image Source tag
If you know nothing else about working with images in a web page, remember those five rules.


1. File Type

The majority of browsers are capable of viewing only two file types: Joint Photographic Experts Group, or jpg, and Graphics Information Format, or gif. There are advantages and disadvantages to each file type, but both tend to create small files that load relatively quickly.

2. Resolution

A monitor views images at a resolution of 72 dpi, so anything greater than that is overkill. High resolution images take forever to download, and are to large to fit the screen. Make sure to reduce to resolution of all scanned images before exporting to the web.

3. Image size

Large images will not fit onto the screens of some viewers, and your view of the grand canyon is not going to be very impressive if viewers need to scroll back and forth and up and down to view it in its entirity.

4. Height and Width

Designating the height and width of an image in pixels will greatly speed the process of loading a page. These designations allow the browser to set aside the needed space so the rest of the page can load. This gives viewers text to read while the images finish loading.

5. Alternate Text

Alternate text is the only way that text based browsers can know what your images are. Remember that you are not limited to one or two words, so be descriptive.