1  2  3  4  5

Web Graphics - Details

Web graphics is a broad term used to describe any of the follow computer-based media:

• drawings
• photos
• illustrations
• visual decoration in general

Perhaps the best way to start including graphics on your web page is to use some of the ready-made graphics available. See Where to get Graphics.

Graphic Types

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a very common file format, supported on most platforms. Maximum color depth is 8 bit, with a maximum display of 256 colors. There are two variants; GIF '87, and GIF '89, which includes added support for color cycling and transparency, among other things. GIF is best for flat colour images such as a poster or cartoon.

JPEG ( Joint Photographic Experts Group) supports a maximum color palette of 16 million. JPEG is best for photographic images.

See JPG vs GIF format graphics for a comparison of these graphics types.

Making best use of your graphics

Adding a slow loading and superfluous graphic will in fact detract more from your web design than it adds. Try to have your graphic enhance the general message rather than detract or even divert from it. In addition, be aware that large graphics will slow the download time of your page and run the risk of frustrating the viewer. For example, an graphic of size 3K seems quite small, but it will take the same time to download as approximately 500 words!

See When NOT to use graphics and Reducing file size.