In our previous posts we have made it clear that images and illustrations are essential in website design. This is because of two reasons, aesthetics and usability. Yes, with the use of images and illustrations website designers will be able to incorporate in their design the two essential characteristic of a website. With a good visual presentation for a website such will be able to attract the attention of your target audience for your specific niche, while having a user-friendly website will not only capture attention but it will also encourage loyalty to your website due to the fact that your website is very easy to navigate and use.
Types of Image File Formats
Image file formats are also known as image file compression, there are several image file compressions however only several types are applicable for use in web design. This is because of the fact that only some of such image file compressions are compatible with the different web browsers, in addition only some image file formats are able to load fast enough in web browsers. The following are the different file formats that are recognisable by web browsers:
1. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) – the JPEG file compression is the most common file format due to the fact that its compression allows the faster download of the images without compromising much on the image quality. It contains a wide spectrum of colours because it allows the use of gradients as well as blend allowing for the variation of colors.
2. Graphical User Interface (GIF) – unlike JPEG the GIF file compression does not support the use of gradients and blends thus it does not create different colour tones. However, being one of the first file compression recognised over the internet it is a widely acceptable and compatible image file format by the web browsers. Further, GIF files are relatively small in file sizes thus it would load faster.
3. Portable Network Graphics – the newest acceptable file format for web design. It was designed to replace GIF file format, it is also relatively small in file size however this time it recognises different gradients of colours thus adding to the tone colour quality of the image.
Conclusion
Web designers should be able to determine the right image file compression to be used in their website, however this does not mean that you should stick to one type of file format, depending on its purpose you can actually utilise all three types of file format compression. One thing that should always be considered is the fact that faster loading time is always favoured thus it should be one of your consideration when choosing the image file compression format for your web design.
