Web Design Graphics

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Beginners: Learn How to Use Web Design Graphics

Choosing Graphic Sizes and Formats for Websites

One way to enhance your web pages is to include web design graphics. These are images (whether photographs or drawn sketches) designed to be displayed on the web. Unlike those used in non-web presentations, web page graphics must be formatted and sized a certain way so they'll display properly on the page.

Web Image Format Types

There are three main types of graphic formatting - GIF, JPEG and PNG. GIF images use no more than 256 unique colors; therefore, these are smaller in file size than JPEG images. They are compressed for fast loading time.

The only drawback is GIF formatting does not work with photographs or graphics with gradient colors. Since colors are limited with GIF files, photographs will become distorted or have a "fuzzy" appearance on a web page if saved in GIF format.

JPEG images are typically used for photographs and complex images. The advantage is JPEG presents a clearer image that doesn't lose quality in the transfer to the Web. The only time quality may be lost is if the image is resized to be larger or smaller than its original size.

PNG images were meant to replace GIF formatting due to possible "royalty rights" issues. This format is similar to GIF except the compression rate is better with PNG. This means an image can be smaller in PNG and have equal quality as if it were a GIF image. Both PNG and GIF formats can be used to create animated graphics.

Size It Up

While graphics can enhance a page, having too many of them or creating them to be too large can hinder your page's main purpose - to keep visitors reading. Size your graphics so they don't appear overbearing on the page. Graphics are sized using "pixels" so use as few pixels as possible while keeping the image's quality intact. Only use larger graphics when it's to create your website logo or to design a background image for your page.

Use web page graphics sparingly as these can not only slow page loading time, but also distract your visitors from actually reading your presentation. Place them strategically so the images will direct the reader to the right places on your web page.

For example, use a graphical arrow to point to your order section, or place a photo in your reading materials that goes along with the subject. Avoid animations altogether unless there's a definite purpose for including them. Some sites use animated banners as advertisements for their affiliates or sponsors. Some use animations to illustrate a point or give instructions (although many site owners are leaning toward videos these days).

Your Website Design needs to be Functional - Not Just Pretty with Graphics

As a beginner, focus on your site's content and functionality. Does it flow? Is it easy to navigate? Will users know my site's purpose right away, or do they have to guess at it? Keep these web design tips in mind when choosing and/or learning to create web pages with website design graphics.

Really Design Your Own Web Graphics & Headers

Are you ready to take your web design to the next level by designing and adding your own graphics and headers?

What if you could do it as easy as 1-2-3 just by pointing your mouse and clicking? Well, I've found a system just about that easy. It's called Design Dashboard and you can learn more - just click on the link below and see what it can do!

CLICK HERE To Learn Graphic Design Like An Expert

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