Optimizing Graphics

Looking for a good program

[MatthewHSE]

What is a good program for optimizing images to shrink the file size, yet not sacrifice too much quality? I've heard that there are better programs than PhotoShop; unfortunately the source I heard that from couldn't remember the names of any of them. What does anyone here use to optimize graphics?

[defanjos]

I use Ulead SmartSaver.
It works very well
It works as a Photoshop plugin also, which is very handy.

[yowza]

I use Fireworks. I don't know if it's the best, but it works better than Photoshop in this respect.

[garry]

For a good little 900kb powerful image viewer / manipulator program, try Irfanview.

[tedster]

I now get better results with Photoshop 7 (actually ImageReady, the bundled companion) than I do with Fireworks -- but they are both excellent.

I thought PhotoShop 6 compression algorithms were a bit weaker than Fireworks, especially for jpg, but Adobe took a big leap with version 7. I haven't found a need for any other plug-in or program in a long time.

In fact, some of the results that Adobe now gives blow my mind - especially the way it handles sharp lines and high contrast edges in a jpg.

[jbinbpt]

Irfanview is a real gem and you cannot beat the price. It also has excellent scanner support.

[limbo]

Another vote for Fireworks Here

The export Preview command lets you remove and compact data to your wish and select the file type for the image.

It resizes images well but can be limited if you image is needed for print.

Ta

[balinor]

I'm going to have to vote for ImageReady, especially the newest version. Excellent compression without losing image quality. Ifranview is a great viewer and resizer, but unless I am missing something, it doesn't optimize for the web.

[krieves]

Another vote for ImageReady. It works wonders for compressing an image and yet leaves it looking acceptable.

[Sinner_G]

And one more vote for ImageReady. I like having the ability to decide for each colour tone wether I want to keep it or not.

[limbo]

I like having the ability to decide for each colour tone wether I want to keep it or not

Yep this is a very nice feature. Although Fireworks can do this too ;)

[caine]

been with fireworks for three years now. very confident with it. seems capable of doing what i need from a graphics package. though i have never used photoshop, and the main reason i do not change from FW is becuase of the rest of the macromedia suite, specifically DW and FH.

[dillonstars]

I agree that fireworks is very good, but I have never found a better PhotoShop tool than BoxTop ProJpeg. The files are ridiculously small and VERY high quality (better even than fireworks).

If you do use the built in save-for-web optimizer in PhotoShop, you can get crisp lines on vector shapes and text by clicking on the 'circle in square' icon next to the quality settings. you can then select to use the text or shapes and have them at a higher quality than the rest of the image.

The file sizes are a bit bigger but sometimes it is worth the difference.

[MatthewHSE]

Thanks everyone. Dillonstars, I downloaded BoxTop ProJpeg, but I've never installed a plugin for PhotoShop before and I'm not sure where ProJpeg should be installed to. Also, once it's installed, how do I access the plugin to use it?

Thanks,

Matthew

[dillonstars]

You should install it in the plugins folder under c:/Program Files>Adobe>Photoshop>Plug-ins or something like that.

Make sure Photoshop isn't running, or you will have to restart it before it will work.

how do I access the plugin to use it?

In the "save as" menu, you will see an option to save it as a BoxTop ProJpeg image. The plugin will then load allowing you to set the compression level you need.

Rob

[henry0]

Has anyone tried PaintShopPro?

[piskie]

Fireworks MX and Photoshop CS both prety dam good and both are noticably better than previous versions.

[henry0]

I agree, but for fewer $ or for those just willing to do fewer tweaks, or even only experiment;
PaintProShop can be the answer