The Grace Hopper graphics on my site come from many sources.
Many of these sources provide graphics with high levels of detail. But the result is that the graphic files are quite large.
On my site, I generally sacrifice some level of "quality" in order to reduce the file size of the graphic. This happens in two ways:
If a JPG file is "smaller" than the corresponding GIF file, I will use the JPG, and
I generally optimize JPG files to 75%.
Within the notes for the Grace Hopper graphics, you will see information tags. These tags tells you the relationship between the graphic that you see on my site and the original graphic which I obtained.
Code
Meaning
CO-75
Original image is a JPG. It was cropped to remove "framing". It was then optimized to 75%,
CRO-75
Original image is a JPG. It was cropped to remove "framing". It was then reduced in size and optimized to 75%,
HRC-30
Because the original image is so large, I display a smaller version (1000 pixel limit) on my site. To give you an idea of the detail of the original, high resolution image, I have also provided this Cutout from Hi-Res the original image.
It is also optimized optimized to 30%.
GIF
Original image is a GIF. Most of the original images are JPGs. This tag highlights those that are GIFs.
GO-75
Original image is a GIF. It was converted to a JPG, optimized to 75%.
GRO-75
Original image is a GIF. It was converted to a JPG, reduced in physical size and optimized to 75%.
O
Original image is shown. It has not been altered. This is used if the original is already "optimized" at or below 75%.
O-75
Original image is a JPG. It was optimized to 75%. This is the most common tag for "large" images.
R
Original image is a GIF. It was reduced in size.
RO-75
Original image is a JPG. It was reduced in physical size and optimized to 75%. This is the most common tag for "thumbnail" images. It is also used for extremely large images reduced to form the "large" image on my
site.
Thumbnails
The thumbnail versions of the images are generally reduced in size so that the smallest dimension (either width or height) is 150 pixels.
Large Images
The large versions of the images are generally presented in the same size as the original, but optimized as JPG to 75%.
Current Tools
I am currently using Paint Shop Pro to perform the resizing and cropping, and Ulead Smart Saver Pro software to perform graphic optimizations.
Web Design Tutorial: Pictures