Optimizing...

[Scott]

We could really use a tutorial on how to optimize images for contest display and the web in general. We've gotten a few entries over 1mb in size, I've unfortunately had to delete these entries from contests. If anyone wants to lend a hand and create one.. it's worth 50 credits. IF there are no takers I'll write it.

[Dave]

Don't know about tutorial for this it's a one option process in PSP7.

When you're ready to save your image in jpeg format select from the main menu View > Preview in Web Browser, select the format jpeg and the web browser you view it in (IE or Firefox), click on the preview and this opens a second window which tells you the compressed size and uncompressed size. Changing the compression value to a higher number reduces the filesize. For PA contest entries a filesize of less than 200Kb is the norm.

If you cannot get your image under 200Kb then consider resizing the file downwards.

http://www.djherb.btinternet.co.uk/image_size.jpg (http://www.djherb.btinternet.co.uk/image_size.jpg)

Close those windows and then proceed to save your file .....

Select File Save As from the main menu. click the options button and change the compression setting to that required then name your file and save it.

http://www.djherb.btinternet.co.uk/save_as.jpg (http://www.djherb.btinternet.co.uk/save_as.jpg)

Job done!

Hope that makes sense?

[Oddcharacter]

Dont know how to write a tutorial but for web i save for web, optimize save for web x amount of k etc.

oc.............

[123456789]

I've never written a tut, but it would be good experience and so I volunteer me (if no one objects.) When do you need it for and what things should I not forget to mention in it (PM me?) I don't think it would be very long (maybe a page or two,) and not very in depth (maybe just the basics as far as contest entries go,) but it might be fun. I can start work on it on Monday and I guess you'd have it by Tuesday or Wednesday. If Dave doesn't mind, I'd include his bit on PSP since I don't use that program.
:)

[Scott]

We can add Dave's as a PSP tutorial as a separate tutorial. So no need to include that.

Basically, we need a tutorial which explains that whole numbers for image widths work best in contest (500px, 600px, 700px, etc) and that nothing over 1000px is needed. (many may not know this). In fact if an image is over 1000 pixels wide there may be errors. Then a quick run through of the Save for Web options and jpg images. How to check the file size (kb) and how to adjust things for better compression. Just a brief "how to save Images"

[123456789]

4 questions Jolt.
1- Do you want a 'Word' file or a 'PS' file?
2- How big (wide) should the screenshots I'm making for the tut be?
3- Do I chop it up into pages or are you gonna' handle that?
4- I put two links in with [ url= ][ /url ], is that ok or are you gonna' take care of that, too?

[Scott]

1) Word works best

2) 500pixels wide works best

3 and 4) I'll take care of these

[123456789]

[quote=Jolt]2) 500pixels wide works best[/quote]
How do I make them this size?


:jk:



Alrighty then. Should be good to go by tomorrow afternoon.

[down2earth2]

Way to go 1-9! A good PA citizen.

I wonder if the color profile a person uses should be mentioned as a part of optimizing their entry? I just realized my colors have been way muted as Libra noted with her entries. I changed my profile to sRBG as sugested by TrinityOfOne and the colors are now right.

[123456789]

Ooops! Good point.
I didn't think of that. I could add it and re-send it, Jolt.
Let me know.