Resizing Images - Tips

I've been noticing that many do not know how to resize an image properly on their websites and publications. Here are some tips that may help some of you:

• When you are wanting a smaller image on your website, please resize the image in an image editing application like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop Elements, etc. instead of resizing it in your website editor. When you resize it in your website editor it only changes the size it displays in the browser, but it does not resize the actual image. It will take a longer time for the image to download and it can frustrate your website visitors. It will look better too if you resize it in an image editing application.
• Do not make a jpg or gif image larger than the original size of the image. These images are made up of pixels that only get distorted when enlarged.
• When resizing an image in your image editing application or desktop publishing application (Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) please use the corner sizing handles of the image to maintain the image's proportions. If you click on the top, bottom, left or right sizing handles of the image you can stretch it too wide or too tall and it will NOT be in proportion to the original image. Sometimes you may have to hold your shift key while resizing using the corners to keep it in proportion, depending on the application you are using.