AIA Redwood Empire

1. How to Format Images for Display

Requirements:

• maximum file size: 200kb
• maximum image dimensions: 950px x 700px

These instructions assume you are using a version Photoshop.  Other programs may be different, however this may serve as a guide and can be helpful if you are using an alternate program.

A. With an open image, go to File > Save for Web & Devices...

A dialog box will appear looking like the below image.

B. First locate your current image setting located in the lower left corner of the dialog box. (Circled in above picture)

C. Adjust the image dimensions first by entering 950 into the length that is the longest. (Located at #1 in the above picture)

For example: If your image is landscape oriented adjust the width accordingly.  If your image is portrait oriented adjust the height accordingly.

The width and height boxes should, by default be linked together to ensure proper image proportions.  If not, make sure the link icon a solid link and not a broken link.

D.  Make sure the file type is set to JPEG located at #2 in above picture.

E. Locate the Quality slider located at #2 in the above picture.

Adjust this setting until the file size in the lower left corner (green oval) is at or below 200kb.

F. Click Save

Note: This is the ideal process for saving images for viewing on the web as this process creates a copy of the original image using the optimized settings you just created.  This ensures that your original image stays intact and untouched from manipulation.

2. How to Create a ZIP File?

A .zip file is a compressed file, ideal for sending larger data files across the web.  You can copress several different files/folders into one .zip file (like three, for example, into one single archive file).  By the way, if someone sends you a .zip file, don't sweat it.  On a PC double click the file and choose Extract all Files. On a Mac simply double click the .zip file and Tiger will automatically decompress it.

To create a .zip file follow the steps below either for a PC or a Mac.

A. On a PC

1. Select the files/folders you wish to zip (you can put them all into one folder, or hold Ctrl and click on each individual file/folder)

2. Right click on a selected file/folder

3. Click on the option to create a "Compressed (zipped) Folder".  You may have a different option such as "Add to Archive" or similar.

4. A dialog box may appear with options to create a name for the ZIP folder and choose various file compressions.  A ZIP folder should appear with the selected content contained inside.  The zipped folder acts as a single file.  It may take some time for your computer to compile and compress the new ZIP file.

The above process works on Windows XP and above.  There are a variety of utilities out there such as WinZIP and WinRAR that can also perfom this task.  Most such utilities will install themselves into your right-click menu, meaning that you can right-click inside of Windows Explorer and choose to create a ZIP file out of the selected files.

B.  On a Mac

1.  Either Ctrl + click on the file and choose Create Archive (which is an Apple-speak for "make a compressed ZIP file"). Or you can click on a file, then go to the Action Menu (the button that looks like a gear up in the Finder window's toolbar), and choose Create Archive from there.  Either way, it quickly creates a new file, with the file extension ".zip".