The most important thing to keep in mind
when you are preparing images for the web is to try to keep the
size of the image file as small as possible.
1. Launch Photoshop and then use the
File menu to Open the image you are working with.
2. Use the Image menu and go to the
Image Size option to change the size and resolution of
your image, see figure 1. First be sure that the Constrain:
Proportions box is checked, the bottom of figure 1. Since
smaller sized images have smaller file sizes change the height
of your image to 3 to 4 inches by typing in the Height:
box. (The width will automatically adjust if you checked the
Proportions box.) Next, click in the Resolution: box and
type in 72. When your screen looks like figure 1 click OK.
Your image should now appear smaller on your screen.
3. You are now ready to save your file as
a jpeg file, a type of file that is compressed and therefore
has a smaller file size. To save your image as a jpeg go to the
File menu and use the Save As option. If you are
using Photoshop version 5.5 or later use the Save for Web
option in the File Menu. Be sure to navigate to the
folder you will be using so that you will save the image in the
right folder. Also, use 8 letters or less to name your image
and be sure to type .jpeg at the end of the image name.
Note: If you are using a different
image processing program the menus and choices might be a little
different but you still should be able to resize your image and
change the resolution to 72 dpi's.
