Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
16. Designing for the Web
What You'll Do
Save for the Web
Work with Save for Web Options
Work with Web File Formats
Optimize a JPEG Document
Optimize a GIF Document
Optimize a PNG-8 Document
Optimize a PNG-24 Document
Optimize an Image to File Size
Slice Images the Easy Way
Work with Slices
Add HTML Text or an URL to a Slice
Arrange Slices
Combine or Divide Slices
Save Slices for the Web
Save Selected Slices
Preview in a Browser
Introduction
If you need to manipulate a photographic image to place it on the web, there's not a better
program on the market than Adobe Illustrator that will do the job for you. Illustrator uses
various document formats, such as JPEG, GIF, PNG, SWF (Flash movie), and SVG, to
save images for the web. For example, the JPEG format is used primarily for compressing
photographic images, while the GIF format is used for compressing clip art and text. Each
format is designed to serve a purpose, and knowing when to use a specific format will help
you design fast-loading, dynamic web documents.
However, saving files in a specific file format is not the only way Illustrator helps you cre-
ate web-friendly images; you can also slice images. When you slice an image, you're cut-
tingtheimage intoseveral pieces. SincetheInternet handlessmaller packets ofinformation
