How to save files for web

HOW TO SAVE FILES FOR WEB

ALWAYSALWAYS

First, How to Save the Authoring File

Start a graphics file at the LARGEST dimensions and resolution (dpi/ppi)

you will ever need it. (If you create a small image and enlarge it later,

your image will degrade.)

Back up all your original files (make copies) so you don’t end up accidentally

ruining your originals. Remember, web files are going to be low-quality

versions of your original files, so you don’t want to lose the original high

quality files.

Always save layers intact in your original authoring programs.

(You can’t unflatten after you’ve closed).

First, How to Save the Authoring File

Start a graphics file at the LARGEST dimensions and resolution (dpi/ppi)

you will ever need it. (If you create a small image and enlarge it later,

your image will degrade.)

Back up all your original files (make copies) so you don’t end up accidentally

ruining your originals. Remember, web files are going to be low-quality

versions of your original files, so you don’t want to lose the original high

quality files.

Always save layers intact in your original authoring programs.

(You can’t unflatten after you’ve closed).

PHOTOSHOPFor images (e.g., photos) that don’t originate In Illustrator, use Photoshop to optimize them for the Web.

TO OPTIMIZE FILES FOR THE WEB, YOU WILL CHANGE:

Resolution: Change to 72 dpi/ppi

Dimension: Change dimension of the image to be the exact dimensions you will need for the Web (not bigger or smaller)

File Format: - .jpg (on “high”) for photos and other continuous tone images- .gif for solid colors (choose #of colors needed)- .png (at 24-bit) for transparency

O V E R V I E W

1) View current image at 100% Set view at 100% (lower left corner) and decide what new

size you want it to appear on the screen.

2) Go to Image > Image Size

Change Resolution to 72 Pixels/Inch (do this FIRST). Change Dimensions (considering average laptop screen is set at about 1300

pixels wide).

3) Go to File > Save for Web(or in CC File > Export > Legacy Save for Web)

4) Choose .jpg (on high) for photos/gradients Click “Save.”

OR choose .gif for solid colors (choose #of colors) Click “Save.”

Then, check “transparency.” Click “Save.”

OR choose .png 24 if there’s transparency.

Remember, to prepare your image for transparency: You have to turn the background layer off in Photoshop

ahead of time.

ILLUSTRATORFor images created in Illustrator (e.g., logos, illustrations)

To optimize files for the Web, you will change:O V E R V I E W

Dimension: Change dimension of the image to be the exact dimensions you will need for the Web (not bigger or smaller.

Resolution: We will not have to “change” resolution in Illustrator because it’s not a pixel-based program. There are no dots per inch or pixels per inch, so Illustrator automatically saves at 72dpi when you save for web.

File Format: - .jpg (on “high”) for photos- .gif for solid colors (choose #of colors needed)- .png (at 24-bit) for transparency

1) View image at 100%

Set view at 100% (lower left corner) and decide what new size you want it to appear on the screen.

2) Change Image Dimensions:

Select All (Ctrl+A or Command-A) Hold down Shift key and drag a corner of the image.

3) Change Artboard size to fit.

Select Artboard tool. Drag an artboard corner to resize.

4) Go to File > Save for Web(or in CC File > Export > Legacy Save for Web)

5) Choose .gif for solid-colored images

(which are typically created in Illustrator) and choose #of colors.

Then, ceck “transparency.” Click “Save.”OR choose .png 24 if there’s transparency.

INDESIGNHow to Optimize an InDesign File for Web

InDesign

You can “save for web” in InDesign, but it’s difficult to change dimensions of an image before-hand. So here’s an easier way.

1) Save as a .pdf. 2) Open the .pdf and take a screen shot:

alt+prtsc in (Windows) or Command-Shift-3 (Mac) 3) Open or paste the image in Photoshop. 4) Resize and save for web.

IMAGES WITH BOTH TEXT AND PHOTOS

Which file format should I use?

Options:

OPTION 1) Use a .png 24 (it works for both print and photos, though it creates a somewhat larger file than .jpg or .gif)

OPTION 2)Choose the file format that creates the smallest file (if size is a central concern).

OPTION 3) Choose based on volume of text vs. volume of images (more text = .gif; more photos = .jpg)

REVIEW OF FILE FORMATSFor Convenience

Extension Format Used for `Loss `# Colors Transparency?

.jpgJointPhotographicExperts Group

Continuoustone (e.g.,photos) Web

Lossy ThousandsNO

.gifGraphicInterchangeFormat (Compuserve)

Solid colors(e.g., cartoons)

Web

Lossless

256 + transparency

Yes, GIF-8 (jaggies)

.pngPortableNetworkGraphicsformat

Web(continuoustone or solidcolors)

LosslessThousands

Yes (no jaggieds)but big file

.tifTagged ImageFile Format

Print Only Lossless Thousands Yes

FILE FORMATS

QUESTIONS?