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RE: How to display graphics clearly on screen and on print?
Subject:RE: How to display graphics clearly on screen and on print? From:"Keith Hansen" <KRH -at- weiland-wfg -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Tue, 8 Aug 2006 12:01:17 -0500
Ed wrote:
<<Well, GIFs are more for Web usage - (usually) small image files that
download quickly to a browser. They're not meant for holding huge
amounts of image detail. Instead, save your screenshots as JPGs or PNGs.
JPGs are
intermediate: larger files than GIF, but better detail; PNGs store
maximum image details, but usually wind up as much larger files than
JPGs.>>
I found this reply timely and helpful because I'm trying to decide which
file format will be best for me. The screenshots I take will have to be
used in both of the following:
* A RoboHelp (WebHelp) project for online help
* A FrameMaker document that will end up as a PDF document or actual
printed document (The printed document would not be high quality or
color. Just black and white pages placed in a binder.)
I took some sample screenshots in GIF, JPG, and PNG formats. Can anyone
comment on my questions below?
* GIF is out of the question for large shots: my samples are blotchy
looking in places. I assume, however, GIFs would be OK for very small
images (such as an image of an icon or button)? Can anyone confirm this
for me?
* My sample PNGs and JPGs look pretty close in quality. However, my
PNGs are smaller--not larger--files than my JPGs (e.g., 117KB vs.
376KB). Any ideas why?
* So I am leaning towards using PNGs in both RoboHelp and FrameMaker.
Any compelling reasons to go with JPGs instead of PNGs?
Thanks for any comments.
Keith
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