Image optimization
Whenever we prepare images to upload to our websites, we should ensure the smallest file sizes possible, without losing fidelity. Smaller files are easier and faster to download, especially in places where Internet bandwidth is low and ISPs are expensive.
We recommend the following:
- Crop and resize your images to the exact dimensions needed: please do not rely on the server to resize your images. For more details, see the standard image dimensions entry.
- Save your images using the web-optimization setting in your image editing program. For JPGs, it is recommended that photographic images be saved at 60–80% quality. Try at 60% and see if that looks good enough; if it does, use that lower setting; if it does not, try 70%, then 80%.
- Finally, run your image through the TinyJPG online service. This can reduce the file size of your image considerably, often by an additional 50–70%!
Note: If you run up against the TinyJPG limit of 20 images per day, 500 images per month, open an “incognito” browser window and try again: the incognito window will have no cookies, so your limits will be reset.
Email if you have any questions.