Optimizing JPEG images for the Web

First, an example. Compare the quality and loading time of the following two images:

Spool (slow) Spool (fast)
Download size: 214 KB
Download time: approx 53 seconds
Download size: 6 KB
Download time: approx 1.5 seconds

I suspect you will agree that the image on the right is slightly better quality (less grainy) than the image on the left, and not only that, but it downloads nearly 40 times faster! (Download times are for a 56 Kbps modem, typical of what most web surfers have at the moment)

How was this done? ... It is all understanding a few simple concepts and things to avoid.

I'll avoid all the technical details for now, and just refer you to a great resource for optimizing your image sizes. Take a look!


Last updated Thursday, January 20, 2005

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