How to Optimize Graphics in a Kindle Book

Optimizing graphics on the Kindle book is possible, but only with a little help from your computer. Much of the Kindle is still experimental, and there is no function in the Kindle book that allows you to optimize graphics satisfactorily. Still, graphics can be read on the Kindle, but it takes a little preparation to truly get an image you can read and enjoy on the display screen. With the sensitivity of the Kindle to file format, it will take some time to optimize the graphics, then have the file converted for free.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop

1. Optimize any graphics on your computer first before you try to do anything with the Kindle. Optimize files with the following extensions: JPG, GIF, PNG or BMP.

2. Open the graphics file in Adobe Photoshop on your computer. This is the best program for optimizing graphics.

3. Click on the graphic file, holding the left mouse button down, and drag the file into the Photoshop tab at on the task bar at the bottom of your screen.

4. 
    
   Thomas Walton's Photoshop resizing an image

   Click on the "Image" drop-down menu. Select "Image size." You may also crop the picture if you want to save file size. To do this, simply click on the crop tool on the left hand side of the interface in the tools pallet. Trace the picture, release the left mouse button, then press the right mouse button. Select "Crop." Highlight the value inside of the text box labeled "Width," under the "Document Size" section. Change the width to about 2 or 3 inches.

5. Click inside the "Resolution" text box and type over the current value of 72 dpi, changing it to 300 dpi. This step preserves the quality of the image even when you shrink it. Click "OK."

6. Click "File." Select "Save for Web." The "Image Ready" floating window appears. Click the "2-up" tab if it isn’t already set. You now have one original picture and the optimized picture. Look at the optimized picture on the right-hand side of the screen. Ensure the file type (JPEG) at the base of the picture is what you want it to be. If the file extension is not what you wish, click on the file drop-down list on the right side and select it. Look at the base of the picture and note the file size. This is important. You want to keep the file size down to around 27K.

7. 
    
   Thomas Walton's Photoshop optimizing the final image file

   Adjust the file size by clicking on the "Compression" drop-down list. This is located under the file extension type on the upper right of the window. Select "Medium" first. If the file size doesn’t shrink, try selecting "Low." Watch the base of the picture for changes in the file size. If the image is still greater than 27K, you may drag the "Quality" slider to lower the resolution. Click "Save," and name the file.

8. Email the graphical file to your free email address at kindle.com. The conversion service will convert your file so that it is compatible on your Kindle reader.

9. Avoid fees by opting to have your files sent directly to your computer. To do this, check the option to have your file mailed to [e-mail].

10. Open the graphics file on your computer. Transmit the file to your Kindle via the cradle/ sync cable. View your graphics on the Kindle. If the graphics are not to your liking, readjust the picture on your computer, then resend it to your email address at free.kindle.com.