Optimizing Images for the Web > About optimization
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About optimization


Optimization is the process of fine-tuning an image for use on the Web and is an important step in producing an image with good display quality and a small file size for use on the Web. Creating small graphic files is key to distributing images on the World Wide Web. With smaller files, Web servers can store and transmit images more efficiently, and users can view and download images more quickly.

There are three major graphic file formats used on the Web: GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), and PNG-8 or PNG-24 (Portable Network Graphics, with 8-bit or 24-bit color). You can optimize images in these formats using one of the following methods:
  • For precise optimization, you can use the Save for Web command to preview optimized images in different file formats. You can view the original image and the optimized image simultaneously and modify optimization settings to select the best combination of settings for your needs. You can also use the layers in your original image to generate an animated GIF. When you save the optimized file, you can choose to generate an HTML file for the image. This file contains all the necessary code to display your image in a Web browser.
  • For basic optimization, the Save As command lets you save an image as a GIF, JPEG, or PNG file. Depending on the file format, you can specify image quality, background transparency or matting, color display, and downloading method.

    • For complete information on using the Save As command to save an image as a GIF, JPEG, or PNG file, see About file formats.

    Optimizing Images for the Web > About optimization