Working With Images

JPG vs GIF for web images

The two most popular image formats for the web are JPG and GIF. These formats represent very different approaches to the problem of delivering an image with minimum file size and download time.

Formats of picture files recommended for web pages:

• .jpg= use this format for pictures; good quality; small file size;universal on the web
• .gif= only contains 256 colors; small file size; common in animations and icons

Formats of picture files NOT recommended for web pages (if you want to use them, convert them in Fireworks):

• .tiff- larger file size, better quality; not huge, but compress before putting on web
  
• .png- almost universal.....but don't offer transparency (most browsers see these)
• raw= these are pictures straight out of a camera; HUGE file size; you must compress to fit on the web
• .psd= Photoshop documents; huge file size; great quality; must compress for web

While GIF is great for computer generated images with limited palettes, JPG is far better for photographs. It gives better quality images for the same file size.

The bottom line is use jpg format for photographs and gif images for banners, clip art, etc.

Inserting Images

1.) Move the cursor to a line under the title and select Insert>Image.

2.) Find and select the image you wish to insert and click Choose.

Formatting the Image

1.) Save your picture to the desktop.

2.) Fireworks>Open.

3.) Select your picture, Click Open

4.) once in Fireworks with your picture, Modify>Canvas>Image Size

5.) Select appropriate height and width.

6) Go to File > Export Wizard to convert your image as a jpg or gif to the Images folder in your site.

6.) File>Save to the desktop again.

7.) Drag & Drop your picture from the desktop to where you would like to have it

More sites on using Fireworks:

Ron's website- http://prodev.wsd.wednet.edu/topics/fireworks/fireworks.html