Preparing images for digital use

Use the correct file type when saving an image: 

• JPG/JPEG: Use this format for photographs, images with gradients, or a lot of colors (more than 256).
• PNG: Use this format for vector artwork, solid colored shapes, or any image where you need transparency.

Create a JPG image using Photoshop:

Using Photoshop, start with the original file with a size and resolution that exceeds the dimensions required. 

Note: Do not use an image that was previously optimized for the web or smaller than the pixel size required.

In Photoshop:

1. Crop the image to correct size (see specs in the pattern library  or silver platter).
2. Go to File menu > Select "Save for Web."
3. Select "JPEG Medium."
4. Use a"Quality" setting of 60
5. Set "Metadata"to "None."
6. Click the "2-Up" to compare your original and optimized image.
7. Adjust "Quality" setting if needed (use 50-70). The goal is to make the file size as small as possible while balancing the quality of the image. Keep in mind that a larger file size will cause a page to load slowly.
8. Select "Save" button.

Create a PNG image using Photoshop:

Using Photoshop, start with the original file with a size and resolution that matches or exceeds the dimensions required. 

Note: Do not use an image that was previously optimized for the web or smaller than the size required.

In Photoshop,:

1. Start with an image set to the correct width and height (pixels) or correct ratio.
2. Go to File menu > Select "Save for Web."
3. Select PNG-24.
4. Check "Transparency" box if required. If not uncheck the box, since this will increase the file size. 
5. Set "Metadata"to "None."
6. Select "Save" button