Tutorial - Optimizing Photos For The Web

Optimize Photos For The Web

Before using photos on the web, they must be optimized (compressed to the smallest file size possible without losing clarity) so that your web page loads quickly. Most photo programs have an option to optimize or resample your images. If you do not have access to any of these programs or are not sure how to do it on your program; you can use Irfan View. This program can be downloaded for free at: www.irfanview.com. After downloading the program; follow the tutorial below.

Step 1
Launch Irfan View. Go to: File>Open and choose which image you would like to optimize. You should now be viewing your image at actual size. Next, go to: Image>Resize/Resample... or simply press Ctrl+R on your keyboard.

Step 2
A pop up window will appear as shown below. Ensure that the box that reads: "Preserve aspect ratio" is checked. Next type in your new height (the width will adjust itself accordingly). Close up images on the web are usually about 350-400 pixels high; and thumbnails are usually 125-150 pixels high (this is true only if the image is wider than it is tall; if the image is taller than it is wide, then you should adjust the width to these measurements). Click OK.

Step 3
You should now see your image at it's new smaller size. Go to: File>Save As...

Step 4
A pop up window will appear as shown below to the left. Choose which file you would like to save your image in, then type in your file name, and choose JPG from the drop down menu. Choosing JPG will bring up another pop up window as shown below to the right. Bring the slider to about 60 (this adjusts the actual file size and compresses it for the web). Click Save. Your newly saved image is now ready for the web!