I'm starting to use graphic headlines. I like the extra formatting you can do to them. (Squeezing, elongating, shadows, etc.)

My question is: What's the best format and compression to use on them to get them to load as fast as possible without too much quality degradation?

Some graphic folks may have a better answer, but I generally use JPEGs, because you can control how much tradeoff between quality and size.

Then you can try different settings until you find the one that works best for your needs.

Just be careful...if you open a JPEG and make changes to it and re-save it, the quality can degrade each time. Always work from the original lossless version.

John

I usually use jpgs, but find that in order to get a decent load time on slower dsl lines (like mine) I have to make the image quality so low.

On the other hand, png files have many interlace and filter options. I was really wondering if some combination of those worked better.

Vin,
When creating a text headline with Photoshop or Macromedia Fireworks, I normally save as a gif file as you can get the same quality as a jpeg, but in a smaller size.

As a rule of thumb, Gifs are used for text or "cartoon style", "flat" pictures.

This is because you use less colors in these types of pictures in the pixels.

JPG's are normally used for higher resolution pictures, such as photograph-quality pictures.

If you notice, your avatar on this website is in jpg format... it is of "photo-quality".

If you were to take the same photo and convert it into gif, you wouldn't get the same results at the same size file.

I've never used PNG's because the sizes are normally twice the size as most gif's or jpeg's.

PM me or phone me if you want to discuss this... you've got my number.

Thanks man. I'm going to look into using gifs.

Hi Vin,

You can go with all 3 options. If you go with .jpeg be prepared to have relativley big files because you are using more colors than let's say .gif format.

If you use .gif format you will lose a little bit of quality but it will be ok for web.

If you use .png transparent files or whatever you want you will have to add a special line of code to work on all browsers.

I would personaly go with .gif format.

Hope this helps,
Hrvoje

Yes, GIFs have a 256 color palette, so if you don't need more, then GIFs are fine.

John

I actually just put mine back up at 128.

Since my headline graphics use only black, crimson and the shadow, I'm wondering if there's a way to go even lower. When I tried, I got degradation.

Anyone know if you can choose which 16 colors to use if you go that low? I'm sure my 2 colors plus shading can't encompass more than 16.

If you use photoshop try it when you save it. I think I'm not sure what you mean.

Also I would go with brither red color of that headline. What do you think as a copywriter?

Vin,
I just tried it using Fireworks and got it down to 10K saving it as a gif at 16 bits.

Here are the results (ignore the subtle changes).