- 25th May 2013
- Working with photographers in 23 countries.
Compressing your files
When you are happy with your image you will need to compress it in order to upload it. Images must be JPEG files of no more than 85k with a maximum dimension of 475 pixels at 72dpi. JPEG is the standard format for photos on the Internet and there are many applications that can compress images into this format. Images saved to colour must be RGB files and not CYMK files.
When testing our upload procedure, we found the safest way of reducing a file size is to use the 'save for web' tool under the FILE menu in Photoshop. However it is very important to establish the 475 pixels dimension BEFORE adjusting the ‘QUALITY’ tab to get the correct kb size.
Here is a step-by-step guide of how to compress your images, which we hope will be of help...
Put your chosen image onto your desktop and open Adobe Photoshop (or your chosen image manipulation program)
Go to FILE - scroll to open. Click on your chosen file – when you see it in the window click on OPEN. You are now looking at your image in Photoshop.
Go to FILE and scroll down to SAVE FOR WEB
At the top of the page you will see four choice of viewing your image, choose 2-UP.
You are now looking at your image in its original size in the left hand box; the adjustments you make will show the quality of image and file size in the right hand box.
Look at SETTINGS in the top half of the panel on the right of your screen.
Make sure that ‘jpeg’ is showing in the choice of ‘file box’ – tick the OPTIMIZED box opposite the ‘file box’.
Go to the bottom half of the panel – ‘Colour Table and Image Size’.
Click on IMAGE SIZE
In the ‘New Size’ box showing ‘Width’ and ‘Height’ put 475 in the box, which corresponds to the longest edge of your image. If for instance your image is portrait it will be 475 pixels HIGH, the width dimension is automatically calculated. If it’s of landscape dimensions it will be 475 pixels WIDE etc. The number in the PERCENT box below will reduce. Tick the CONSTRAINT PROPORTION box below that.
Click APPLY at the bottom of the page.
OK, you now have your image saved at either 475 pixels wide or high and you have ticked the CONSTRAIN PROPORTIONS box
Look at the file size under your image in the right hand box, to be on the safe side it should not be reading MORE than 85k.
If it is reading above 85k go to the QUALITY box, (below OPTIMISED) click and adjust the number down. You will see exactly how that is affecting the file size and quality of your image in the right hand box. You will also see that in comparison to your untouched image in the left hand box, the loss of quality is hardly discernible.
When the file size is 85k click the SAVE button at the top of the page.
If you have any problems with saving your files or uploading them please contact us.
Photography by Ralph Barnet.
