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ARTICLE:
Preparing Graphics and Media for your Site
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Graphics and media enhance your web site by providing visual appeal and impact. But don't be fooled by eye-popping graphics. A first impression is generally made within the initial five seconds of uploading, and you want the visitor to see as much of your page as possible during this time. Formatting your graphics and media files for quick upload and optimal display is therefore crucial.

OUT THERE PRODUCTIONS has prepared the following guidelines for use in designing your web graphics. We're ready to help you develop your plan, prepare your graphics, lay out your design, write the contents and construct the site you need to get the most out of conducting business on the web. For more information, contact us.

Resolution

Monitors display at a resolution of 72 dpi, so your web graphics needn't be any higher. Preparing your graphics at this resolution will make files substantially smaller: a 2 x 2 inch image formatted at 400 dpi is about 200k in size, while the same image at 72 dpi is about 12k. The difference in download time (and bandwidth) is key to your site's traffic.

GIF versus JPEG Files

GIF images are smaller in size than JPEG files (about 50-70% less). GIF images are also downloaded differently by default: they generally appear grainy at first, then gradually 'fill in' as they're loaded. JPEG images typically begin from the top of the image, and 'scroll' down until they're fully loaded.

JPEG format should be reserved for photographic images, while others can be formatted as GIF.

It's not necessary - and can be lethal - to use any other image format, such as TIF or EPS. Know the differences and stay within your limitations.

File Size and Color Depth

There are several methods to reduce the size of an image, and a few great applications available that automate this process. Here are a few suggestions:

If a photo image is large, consider reducing the number of colors by optimizing the image for web deployment, or even converting the photo a mono- or duo-tone. Visual impact can still be achieved when either of these options are used, and the file size drastically decreases when colors are reduced.

You may not necessarily save on upload time by breaking the image into smaller pieces and placing them in a table, but the clear benefit will be the progress your visitor will observe while your final image is 'built.'

Video Files

Beware video clips — they can be enormous in size! But don't eliminate your desire for them just yet. Consider optimizing their size by saving audio in compressed formats such as SWF or MP3, lowering frame size, reducing key frames, or minimizing the clip's length. Be sure to include a control panel with your video files, so the reader can control its play. Finally, offer the visitor the option of downloading your video, and be sure to note the estimated download time so they can decide if they want to wait.

Audio Files

While some sound files can be large in size, there are tricks to optimizing them for speedy play on the web. Convert any WAV, AIFF and other audio files to either MPEG or SWF format. SWF (or even SWA) files are exponentially smaller and provide optimum quality; we recommend use of this format for most needs.

MIDI files are also extremely small (32k versus 1.7Mb for AIFF for about 2 minutes). These files sound more like synthesizers than symphonies, and cannot contain narrative, but they're often appealing and accomplish the task of providing background audio.

Before you decide to use audio, be sensitive to your reader's needs. Consider whether audio adds value. Also be aware that background audio that's always ON is often regarded as one of the most frequent reasons for not returning to a site, as it can be monotonous, slow to upload, and very distracting. If you do provide background audio, we recommend that you offer a DISABLE feature, to allow visitors to turn off the sound.

FLASH Files

Flash files are a fabulous way of grabbing or directing attention. The real beauty of Flash is its format; SWF files are quite small and quick to download. Combined with the application's versatility and the diverse possibilities of uses, Flash has quickly become a web standard.

However, the use of Flash files should be carefully considered in the same manner as other graphics and images: they should add value. Longer Flash files should also have a LOADING indicator. And splash pages should have a redirect to your site's main page, in the event that the visitor chooses not to wait through your flash opening.

Finally, while recent statistics indicate that the majority of internet users already have the Flash plugin installed on their computer, it's important to keep in mind those who do not will need to install it prior to viewing your Flash files. Consider using a tickler page to offer a non-Flash version of your pages, in the event that Flash is not detected on a user's computer.

PDF Files

OUT THERE PRODUCTIONS is a big fan of PDF files, created using many applications and read using Adobe's Acrobat Reader. PDFs are extremely beneficial when offering your visitors printable documents such as annual reports, brochures and presentations. This format also permits files to be viewed and printed, but not edited, thereby lending security to important, legal or copyright-protected information.

To learn more about the exciting possibilities of doing business on the web or how OUT THERE PRODUCTIONS can help with your Internet presence, click HERE to read about our web services, or contact us.