PSP7 and web icons

[Andy_Downie]

HI All,
I am new here. I wondered if anyone could help me with some web graphics? I am trying to build a site for friends. I was handed a list of graphics which I have been trying to optimise and make look nicer.
But this isn't happening.

At the moment the graphics looks a bit speckled and grainy. Ideally I'd like the grey ring and ornage ring of the rollover to be much clearer and smoother looking.

Cheers

Andy

[edited by: Andy_Downie at 4:51 pm (utc) on Aug. 6, 2003]

[edited by: mivox at 5:23 pm (utc) on Aug. 6, 2003]
[edit reason] No personal URLs, Thanks! [/edit]

[martinibuster]

Welcome to Webmasterworld.

[edited by: martinibuster at 5:58 pm (utc) on Aug. 6, 2003]

[Andy_Downie]

So I am to believe that I cannot post direct links to the problem graphics...?

[Sinner_G]

Yep, you are to believe that. But if you explain the problem and give us enough info (e.g. what browser, version, screen resolution, graphic formats and the like you use), there normally will be someone who can help you.

[Andy_Downie]

The problem I have is that the icons I have been passed show some a grey ring with a pc pixel image located centrally. From each later at 180 degrees a set of bars protrude from the ring. Thess protrusions.... forget it...

Surely the best way to represent my problem is to post an actual copy of the image? Anyway, I wouldn't know where to start to set out describing the problem, I believe the images are self explanatory. If possible you could delete my query, I think I shall try to solve it myself. I do not mean to sound unfair, but surely an image is worth 1000 words? I think I will unsubscribe thank you.

[Sinner_G]

an image is worth 1000 words

Not in every case. In this particular case, I did visit your link and couldn't see a problem with the rollover. For me it looks quite ok, in contrast to the logo which looks as though the width and height in the image tag are not defined correctly (i.e. not the width and height of the image itself). That's why I asked for more info on your screen resolution and so on.

[mivox]

I've never used PSP, but "speckled" looking colors and strange artifacts around the edges of GIF images are often due to using colors that are not in the chosen GIF color palette (usually either 216 or 256 colors). Then the image editor is forced to "dither" the allowed colors to create something close to the original palette.

For instance (this is an oversimplification, but illustrates the principle), if you want orange in a GIF image, but you only have yellow and red in your chosen palette, the software will convert the orange areas in your icon to alternating pixels of red and yellow. This technique often works out OK in larger images, but it can ruin an icon.

Most graphics programs will give you the option somewhere in the "save as" menu to disable dithering in GIF images... That would get rid of most common "speckling" problems I've seen. Also, make sure what color palette you're using for your gifs, and see if you can display it as an on-screen palette while you're working. That way, you can use the color eyedropper tool to choose 'valid' colors when designing your icons.

:) Hope that helps! If not, please do try to describe your problems a little more clearly.