Better Optimizing

For web graphics, you need to be careful just how you optimize your design elements, otherwise your type may be too fuzzy due to over optimization. That is why Adobe® PhotoShop® 7.0 allows you to achieve the perfect balance between image quality and file size with weighted optimization. Simply follow the instructions below for perfect type everytime. First, let's take a look at your design element:



1. Create a slice around the type.
Select the slice tool, and drag in the image to create a slice. You'll use the slice to apply optimization settings, so make sure it encompasses the entire area you want to optimize.



2. Select the slice in the Save For Web dialog box.
Choose File > Save for Web, and click the slice that contains the type with the slice select tool.



3. Apply the weighted optimization.
Set JPG, GIF or PNG as your optimization format depending on your artwork. To apply weighted optimization, click the mask button next to the Quality text box. Once the Modify Quality Setting dialog box opens, select the All Text Layers option to let Photoshop® 7.0 create a mask around yout Type. In addition to text layers, you can also select alpha channels and vector shape layers in the Modify Quality Setting dialog box to generate masks for weighted optimization.



4. Preview the optimization.
To set the level of dithering for the text, select the Preview option in the Modify Quality Setting dialog box, and then set the Minimum and Maximum settings you want. It may take a bit of experimenting to settle on the dither settings. We set the Minimum quality to 0 and the Maximum quality to 60. With this quality range, the type stays crisp, and the background image gets stronger optimization.