Want to know the secret to a speedier web site? Well, if you are looking for a weekend project to help you site perform better, I have the best one you can get started with.
Have you ever looked into optimizing your images?
The secret to optimizing your images is simple. You want the best looking image at the smallest file size possible. If the graphic editing software you have has a “web” setting when saving, use it. If not – it might take a few trials and tribulations before you figure out the lowest size you can save it as that gives you the best results. There will be a lot of save it, try it, doesn’t work. Save it, try it, almost works. However in the long run, the smaller you can make your image sizes, the faster your web site will load.
DynamicDrive.com has an online image optimizer you might want to check out too:
You can use that to see how for they get the sizes down, so you can do the same or if you are in a pinch for a good image editor to work with.
When it comes to image formats, this is my own personal rule of thumb. Use the JPEG or JPG format when working with photographs. When working with graphic work or logos, stick with PNG most of the time, and GIF, (if the end result doesn’t look like crap).
