APPENDIX: Getting Graphics

You have two basic options for getting images to use for your site. One is to create these graphics in a program like MS Photo Editor (Available in lab 18) or Adobe PhotoShop (available in some units in lab 21).

For home use, you can download shareware graphics editors from sites like Tucows.

The graphic file formats that are acceptable for web use are gif's and jpg's.

For a complete definition of gif's and jpg's (and the differences between the formats) as well as an excellent tutorial regarding designing web graphics in general, read Judy Litt's article, "Web Graphics 101"

You can get help using PhotoShop from CerealKiller's Help Desk, Adobe, and Laurie McCanna.

Clip Art

If don't want to create your own backgrounds, bullets, banner, etc., there are many web sites that offer free art for aspiring web developers to use.

My favorite reference for free clip art is about.com's Web Clip Art index. You will find thousands of links to high-quality art that is free to use in exchange for a link back to the designer's site.

To save the graphics you see on a web page,

	Right-Click on the image
	Choose the "Save Image As" option

An explorer window will open up. Put the image on your floppy disk {the A:\ drive).

I've collected my favorites from several sites here. If you use this art, please comply with the designer's wishes regarding link backs for use.

Backgrounds

This elegant background tile

is from the collection of

Angel's Web Graphics.

Angel's images are muted and subtle and will add a touch of class to your site.

This dramatic background is from the collection of

Black Cat's Free Web Graphics.

Black Cat has a flair for the dramatic and mystical.

If you search, you can find

gorgeous background by talented artists like this one by

Tammy Sharp

Find a world of other examples at

about.com's Web Clip Art section.

Horizontal Rules

Instead of using the horizontal line button (), you can insert in image that is more interesting:

(Courtesy of Hey You!)

(Courtesy of Images by Grapholina)

(Courtesy of Pixel Monkey)

(Courtesy of Media Builder)

Thousands of interesting rules can be found by surfing the suggestions as the about.com Web Clip Art section.

Animated Gif's

Animated gifs easily add motion to a web page. They are used in the exact way as any other image.

The Animation Factory has a huge selection of high- quality images.	Animation can make bullet points and other accent come alive. (courtesy Animation Factory)	This award winning image comes from The Pixelator
This interesting animation courtesy of Ringo's Art Web	Courtesy of Chris Stewart	Courtesy of Scream Design
Many other animations can be found by browsing the about.com Web Clip Art page

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