Manipulating Images
Introduction
Using original artwork adds a unique look to your web pages.
However, after obtaining your images through one of the digitizing
processes discussed in the last module (or on your own), they will
more than likely need some adjusting. While Photoshop has been
crowned the king of web graphics, the cost places it out of reach of
most schools. Changing the format, size, brightness, contrast, and
color levels are some of the simple changes that you can easily do
with the two graphic manipulation programs examined here.
Additionally, you will learn some easy tricks to help spice up your
web pages.
In this module you will learn how to adjust the basic features of
your images using two different applications:
BME - This
program is currently being distributed for free by SoftLogik. It is
the simplest of the two programs, but lacks any advanced features.
Graphic
Converter - This program has been hailed the best shareware
($35.00) graphics program around. It can be a very viable alternative
to Photoshop.
Resources
- BME can be downloaded from the home page of SoftLogik. They
can be found at:
http://www.softlogik.com
- Graphic Converter can be downloaded from shareware web sites
including (once at these sites you need to do a search):
Procedures for Use
- BME (Resizing, contrast, brightness,
and file type-gif/jpeg)
- Graphic Converter: Part 1
(Resizing, resolution, contrast, brightness, levels, and file
type-gif/jpeg)
- Graphic Converter: Part 2 (Drop
shadows, transparency, interlacing, and thumbnails)
Using Images on the
Internet
Several important factors can make all the difference as you
prepare to create/manipulate images for the Internet. They include
format, resolution, and size.
- Format - Right now the Internet only accepts two types
of graphic files: GIFs and JPEGs. It is recommended
that you utilize GIFs, unless posting a color photograph. The
reasoning behind this lies in the fact that GIFs use only 256
colors, which are the colors that your individual computer uses
for its system palette (In BME, this mode is called Palette and in
Photoshop, Indexed Color). A photograph contains thousands, if not
millions of colors. To keep the full integrity of the photograph
intact, you should use the JPEG format.
- Resolution - Because you are creating your images for
the Internet, you need to make sure the resolution is set at 72
dpi - both horizontally and vertically. The explanation is two
fold. First, your screen's resolution is only 72 dpi. You will not
lose any quality by reducing the resolution to that number.
Second, bringing the resolution down, brings the file size of the
image down. Thus, allowing for a faster download time on the
Internet.
- Size - As previously discussed in resolution, the
smaller the file, the quicker it downloads. It is important to
keep your graphic's dimensions and resolution as small as
possible. This does not mean compromise the quality or
effectiveness of your images. Sometimes to get the desired impact
it is important to have a larger image. You need to use your best
judgment when determining the size of your images.
Further Reading
For those overachievers who feel compelled to go beyond what we
have learned here, visit the links below to learn more about graphics
on the Internet and the programs we used. Enjoy.
When you download Graphic Converter it comes equipped with 30
pages of documentation for your reading pleasure!
Conclusion
Images are an important part of your web pages, they will help
keep the interest of your readers, whether they be students or other
teachers. The appearance of your graphics can also add or detract
from your purpose. The adjustment of images using above programs will
help provide clean, effective, and eye-pleasing web pages.
This page by Dan McDowell.
Last updated on July 3, 1997.
