Resizing images (pictures and photographs), or reducing the size of saved image files, is accomplished by using one or more of the following techniques:

  • Removing unnecessary backgrounds (cut & paste)
  • Saving the image in the correct file format (JPEG, PNG, GIF)
  • Reducing the dimensions (physical size) of the image
  • Reducing the resolution/quality of the image
  • Converting the image to gray scale (black & white)

Backgrounds

Removing unnecessary backgrounds significantly reduces the size of image files. The tutorials below walk you step-by-step through this cut & paste operation.

File Format

Saving your images in the correct file format is important, and the issues to consider when selecting a format are (a) compression, and (b) compatibility. Although less superior to PNG (Portable Network Graphics), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is supported by all web browsers, as well as by the majority of image-viewing software programs. For compatibility and general viewing purposes, then, all images should be saved in JPEG format.

Dimensions

A small picture often tells the same story as a large picture. Consider reducing the dimensions (physical size) of your image before sending this to others.

Resolution/Quality

Reducing the resolution and quality of an image accelerates transfer speeds. Try this option before saving your final image.

Gray Scale

Is it really necessary to send the image in full colour? Converting an image to gray scale (black and white) reduces the file size by approximately 50%.

TUTORIALS

The tutorials below walk you step-by-step through each of the above file-reducing operations. Select your operating system from the options below for detailed instructions on resizing images.

Windows 2000 — Windows XP — Windows Me
Other Operating Systems


Windows 2000 — Windows XP — Windows Me

Follow the instructions below to resize images using Imaging For Windows found under Start > Imaging or Start > All Programs > Accessories > Imaging.

  1. Start Imaging For Windows
  2. Open the image to be edited — click File > Open, or click the Open icon
  3. Click Edit > Select Image, or click the Select Image icon on the tool bar
  4. Your mouse pointer changes to a cross-hair
  5. Place the cross-hair on your image, at the corner of the area to be cut
  6. Click and hold down the left mouse button
  7. Drag the cross-hair until the area desired has been selected
  8. On the menu bar, click Edit > Cut, or click the Cut icon on the tool bar
  9. This removes (cuts) the selected area from the existing image
  10. On the menu bar, select File > New
  11. If prompted to save the existing image, select No
  12. A New Blank Document Window appears
  13. Select JPG file
  14. Click OK
  15. A new window — Untitled - Imaging — appears
  16. On the menu bar, click Edit > Paste, or click the Paste icon on the tool bar
  17. The cut portion of the original image is now your new image
    Note - The copy function can be used in place of the cut action
  18. To reduce the dimensions (physical size) of the image, click Page > Properties
  19. The Page Properties dialog box appears
  20. Select Size from the folder options
  21. Under this folder, select Custom from the Size list menu
  22. Enter a new size (width & height) for the image, selecting the units desired
  23. Click OK
  24. On the menu bar, click File > Save As
  25. The Save As window appears
  26. In the top area, under Save in, browse for a location where you want to save your new image
  27. In this same window, under File name, type a name for your new image
  28. Still in this same window, under Save as type, select JPG File (*.jpg)
  29. Click Save
  30. To reduce the file size even further, click Page >Properties
  31. The Page Properties dialog box appears
  32. Select Compression from the folder options
  33. Under JPEG Resolution select Low, and under JPEG Quality select Low
  34. Click OK
  35. If the new image is acceptable, repeat steps 24 through 29 to save your low resolution JPEG image
  36. To convert the image to gray scale, click Page >Properties
  37. The Page Properties dialog box appears
  38. Select 256 Shades of Gray
  39. Click OK
  40. This converts the image to black and white, reducing the file size by approximately 50%
  41. If the new image is acceptable, repeat steps 24 through 29 to save your new black and white image
  42. Lastly, and before transferring multiple images over the Internet, place these in a single ZIP archive. Doing so eliminates the need for users to commence separate download operations for each image.

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Other Operating Systems

Most operating systems will have a built-in image editing program similar to the ones for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Me. Simply adhere to the techniques mentioned at the beginning of this section to reduce the file size of your images.

For those without a built-in image editing program, the download or purchase of such software is necessary to begin resizing images and reducing the size of saved image files. Often, the shareware versions of these programs permit a free 30-day trial, with purchase prices at the expiration of the free-trial period starting at about US-$20.00.

To locate shareware versions of image editing software, click on any of the links below and enter the words, image editing, in the search functions found on these sites.

Tucows
CNET Shareware

Caution — Freeware and shareware applications often contain spyware, an intrusive little utility that monitors your travels on the web and then relays this information back to the developers. From there, the information is generally sold to advertisers who, after adding your name to a spam list, proceed to bombard you with unwanted e-mail advertisements. The more destructive and dangerous versions of these stealth utilities are programmed to scan the files on your hard drive or — worse — monitor keystrokes, such as those used for passwords and credit card information. Whenever possible, never download freeware programs — buy the full version. If you suspect that spyware is active on your computer, click the link below for information on removing these hidden applications.

— Spyware Removal Information —
http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm

For those with a budget to die for, you might want to check out the products offered by Adobe Systems, the industry leader in digital imaging software. In addition to advanced features for resizing images, as well as quick and easy options for reducing the overall size of image files, the Adobe PhotoShop product is, hands-down, the essential tool for all professional graphic artists.
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