Optimizing Images - Adobe PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Manual

CHAPTER 11
230
Optimizing Images for the Web

Optimizing images

Optimization options appear on the right side of
the Save For Web dialog box. You can choose a
predefined setting for quick optimization, or select
format-specific options to fine-tune the optimi-
zation to your image.
Using predefined optimization settings
The easiest way to optimize an image is to choose
a predefined optimization setting. Predefined
settings are tailored to meet the optimization
needs of different types of images. (See "Choosing
a file format for optimization" on page 227.)
The name of each predefined setting reflects its
function. For example, choose JPEG High if you
want to optimize an image in JPEG file format
with High compression quality. Choose GIF 32
Dithered if you want to optimize an image in GIF
file format, reduce the colors in the image to 32,
and apply dithering.
You can change the options in a predefined setting;
however, when the options no longer match the
predefined setting, the Settings menu displays the
term "Custom." You cannot save a custom setting.
To apply a predefined optimization setting to
an image:
Choose a setting name from the Settings
pop-up menu.
Setting optimization options for JPEG
format
JPEG is the standard format for compressing
continuous-tone images such as photographs.
(See "About JPEG format" on page 228.)
A
B
Optimization options for JPEG format:
A. Optimization format B. Compression quality
To optimize an image in JPEG format:
Choose JPEG for the optimization format.
1
Do one of the following to specify the
2
compression quality:
Choose an option from the Quality
•
pop-up menu.
Drag the Quality pop-up slider. (See "Using
•
pop-up sliders" on page 24.)
Enter a value in the Quality text box.
•
The higher the Quality setting, the more detail
is preserved in the optimized image. However,
using a high Quality setting results in a larger file
size than using a low Quality setting. View the
optimized image at several quality settings to
determine the best balance of quality and file size.