Image optimization is an important part of the website creation process. At first, choosing one may seem like a simple task, which is why we sometimes neglect to give it the attention it deserves.
Images, as well as text and other elements of a website, need to be optimized. Image optimization is key not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it can affect loading time, help with Google ranking, and much more.
SEO How to optimize
A lightweight website improves Google rankings, as site loading speed is one of the criteria evaluated to determine ranking. Faster sites generate greater visitor satisfaction and, consequently, increase conversions.
To ensure your images are found by search engines , be sure to add title and alt attributes to them. In addition to improving SEO, you’ll also significantly improve your site’s usability.
Formats
There are several file formats for digital telegram number list images . The most commonly used on the web are PNG, JPEG, and GIF, but each behaves differently. Choosing the most appropriate format is the first step toward optimizing your images.
- GIF: The GIF format supports up to 256 colors and saves images in a small format—which is convenient for the internet. It supports image transparency, but only complete transparency. It also maintains image fidelity and supports small animations.
- PNG: The PNG format also maintains image fidelity and supports transparency, but with an alpha channel—which makes it possible to define the opacity level of each pixel. The PNG format used in graphics tools is 24-bit, which supports 16 million colors, but there is also an 8-bit format, which has 256 colors, like the GIF format. Overall, the PNG format is superior to the GIF format because it preserves subtle details, and if you need geometric elements, it’s also a great option for vector use.
- JPG (or JPEG): JPG is the most linking keywords to a long string suitable format for photographs and the most popular on the internet, however, scaling it up often results in a loss of quality. It doesn’t support transparency but does support 16 million colors.
To put it simply: Use JPEG for photos, PNG for vectors, and GIF for animations.
Dimensions
Think about your site and visualize where each image will be inserted, choosing the amount of space it will take up. This way, you can optimize images during production or when selecting them from an image bank; you’ll be able to keep the necessary dimensions in mind and find a suitable file to use the actual size of the image.
Knowing the space each image will occupy already determines how each one is prepared. For example, if you have a space 600 pixels wide in your design, you won’t need an image larger than that; just get one that’s the right size.
Remember: Using high-resolution images with larger dimensions than necessary will increase loading times , making your site heavier. On the other hand, using low-resolution How to optimize images with smaller dimensions may result in a blurred or stretched file .
Comprehension
Another step in the image optimization process to make your site lighter is understanding.
This helps reduce page load times; each image file contains duplicate metadata and information, making the files larger.
So, in simple terms, compressing or compacting involves removing redundant information and reducing the file size. In compression, pixel information is stored and replicated in other pixels similar to it. To perform this procedure, you’ll need to use tools, and we’ve selected two options for you:
- TinyPNG : This is a tool that reduces file size by selectively reducing the number of colors. Despite its name, TinyPNG accepts other file formats and allows you to upload up to 20 files at a time, each 5 MB in size.
- Smush.it: This is an online tool and also a WordPress plugin. You can use this tool to optimize and resize images in your directory.
CSS How to optimize
Creating a graphic element on your site united kingdom data doesn’t have to be just about using image files. You can create custom buttons, for example, with CSS stylesheets. This makes maintaining and customizing elements easier and more practical, and they’re much lighter than an image .
Did you like the tips? Now all that’s left is to start optimizing your images to improve your site’s loading speed and attract more visitors.
If you want to know more about image and website optimization, you might be interested in How to know if your company has a quality website