Step 7 - Maintain (Cont.)

How can I reduce download time?

Image optimization reduces the file size of an image or graphic, while maintaining the integrity/look of the image.

Make sure your have the tools required to view and/or edit your images. Download an Image Viewer/Editors download from the sites listed below:

• IrfanView. IrfanView is a fast, simple image viewer and editor it supports all major graphics formats, including .bmp, .gif, .jpg/jpeg, .png, .tif and more. In addition, you can view images, perform basic image editing, create slide shows, and convert files from one image format to another. Crop, blur, and sharpen your images. Make modifications in regular mode or in zoom mode.
  License: Free
  Operating Systems: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
  Version: 3.98
  File Size 2.99 MB
  
• Free Image Viewer Software. Macintosh.
  Free Macintosh software for browsing and viewing the images and photos on your computer.

So what can you do to speed up the loading of your pages?

1. Duplicate your images first. It’s always good idea to keep a copy of the original. That way you can go back to later, if needed.
2. Crop your images (trim away unwanted parts of the image) to the smallest area possible that still shows the image you want displayed before optimizing it.
3. Reuse your graphics, where possible.
4. Always use width, height and alt tags with your image.
5. Optimize your images, see below:

Image type:

1. Optimize GIF images.
2. Optimize JPG/JPEG images.
3. Optimize PNG images.

Other options you should investigate to reduce download time are to:

• Use thumbnails of your large pictures. A thumbnail is a smaller version of the same picture.
• If the image is particularly large, chop your image into several smaller images.

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