Understanding Graphics File Formats: JPG and GIF
When it comes to graphics, two acronyms you’ll frequently encounter are jpg and gif. While the technical details behind these formats may not be crucial for you to understand, knowing when to use each one is important.
JPG: This format is ideal for photographs or graphics that resemble photographs.
GIF: This format is suitable for all other types of graphics.
Getting Started with Scanning and Resizing
Before you start creating your graphics, familiarize yourself with your scanner https://www.nahls.co.jp/ software. You should be able to select either the gif or jpg file format when saving your scanned images. This option could be located under “Save As” or “Export”, or it might be in the settings you adjust before scanning.
When scanning images for web use, set the scanning resolution to 72. This is the resolution at which computer monitors display images. Although a 72-resolution scan may not look good when printed, it will look great on the web.
Next, consider the size of your photo. A 2×3 inch photo can appear quite large on a webpage, so you may need to reduce your photo’s size during or after scanning. Experiment with different sizes to find what works best for your webpage.
Saving and Optimizing Your Graphics
Once you’ve scanned your photo at a 72 resolution and adjusted its size, save or export it as a jpg. You’ll likely have the option to choose the quality of your jpg. If possible, choose “low” quality or a low number (like “3”). The goal is to use the lowest quality or number that still results in an acceptable photo. This leads us to a key principle of web graphics design: all graphics should be as small as possible in terms of file size. Smaller files load faster, use less server space, and are less likely to cause issues with web browsers.