Through image otimization, there are many ways in which to create a file. Web browsers cannot read native files such as Photoshop files or Illustrator files. Only the following files are formated for the web:

Gif- used for hard edge images

Jpg-used for photos

Swf- animation files created using Flash

Png- similar to gif, but not supported by all browsers. Works well for transparent background, but file size is LARGE.

These files can be used for alternate files however. As a designer, one must look at the file in all formats, to decide which one not only looks best, but is the smallest file size as well. In order for the page to load quickly and efficiently, you have to weigh out if it looks good, and the file size is relativly small.

As you can see on the Home page, jpg high was the best choice for my picture. Even though the image lost some quality, the file size is tremendously smaller and will load much faster on a web page.

The gif was not a good choice for my image because of the fact that gifs usually contain simple text and color.