How to Export Website JPEGs in Photoshop

One of the standard file formats for web graphics is a JPEG. Adobe Photoshop allows you to export your graphic files in a JPEG format that is optimized to conserve size while maintaining the image's integrity. Photographs and images with numerous color blends are well-suited for export as JPEG files. Here's how to optimize yours in Adobe Photoshop.

Instructions

1. Prepare your image in Photoshop at the dimensions you require your the website project. You can use the levels palette as well as the sharpen filter to color correct and add clarity to your photo or image. Your file can contain as many layers as you need.

2. Click "File > Save for Web" from the main Photoshop menu. When the dialog box appears, set the preferences for the exported file. You should view the image within the large main window to preview any changes made to it by the new preference settings. Choose JPEG low, medium or high from the "Preset" dropdown menu. Make sure the "Optimized" box is checked. You will be able to see how your optimized file size changes at the bottom of the preview window.

3. Choose your image quality setting from low to maximum in the dropdown box below the "JPEG" setting. You can judge your best option based on the file size and loss in image quality. Remember that high file sizes take longer to download, especially for users with a slower modem connection. Be sure to click the "Progressive" box. This will allow your image to be downloaded in several passes by the user's browser. This is especially helpful for larger files, as a lower resolution version of the image will very quickly show up on the page and then gradually gain quality as the page loads. That way, the user isn't faced with a blank image during an extended download time.

4. Click the "Image Size" tab in the bottom input area to change your image dimensions. Then, adjust the quality settings to accommodate the new size. This feature is particularly helpful if your website requires a larger version as well as a thumbnail image.

5. Click the "Save" button at the top right corner of the dialog box. After you are satisfied with your image, give your optimized JPEG file a name. Now, you are ready to insert image onto your web page.