SiteWelder: JPG Instructions

Open your original scanned image in Photoshop. If the original image has an embedded profile, convert the profile into an "sRGB IEC6 1966-2.1" Profile." (Image/Mode/Convert to Profile).

Assuming you are working from a fairly large original scan, pull down the Image Size command (Image/ Image Size). Change the document size resolution to 72 pixels/inch. Under the pixel dimensions, adjust the width and height to your desired output.

Most images look good on most monitors at 350-500 pixels wide for horizontal images and 300-400 pixels high for vertical images. We suggest 450 pixels maximum width and 360 pixels maximum height to insure an appropriate image for viewing on most monitors. If you think your viewers will be using larger monitors (19" or above), try 600 pixels maximum width and 450 pixels maximum height. For super-sizing your online portfolio, try scaling your photographs at 835 pixels maximum width and 550 pixels maximum height. You should also change your maximum upload height/width on the Site Preferences page of SiteWelder.

When you initially resize your image, it will appear smaller ... use the keyboard command command (Apple symbol) - + on a Mac or control - + on a PC to increase the image size to 100% on your monitor. Remember, the resolution on monitors is only 72 pixels per inch. That is all you need to display the image correctly on other computers. Since there are 72 pixels to the inch, a 6-inch wide image would be 432 pixels wide (6 x 72).

After you resize an image to a smaller image resolution, you usually need to re-sharpen the image to make it look more like the original image. Use the "Unsharp Mask" tool (Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp Mask...). We suggest trying a 70-100 percent amount, using a radius of 0.5 pixels and a threshold of 5 levels. Try different amounts until you come up with the amount you want. Make sure the "Preview" is checked on the dialogue box.

After you resize and re-sharpen your image, save your image as a .JPG file. We suggest using the "Save for Web" option in Photoshop. (File/Save For Web) When the dialogue box comes up, click on the "2-up" option in the top left tab. This will allow you to see your original file on the left and your destination file on the right. On the top right, make sure the "JPEG" is selected in the pulldown options under settings. You can leave the "Optimized" option unchecked. In the quality option, we usually save images at around 40 quality. This usually gives a good combination of reduced image size and good quality. If your image doesn't look good enough at 40, try higher numbers like 50 or 60. Saving at 100 quality level will give you the best possible quality, but will leave you with a large file. If you use the "Save As" option instead of "Save for Web," try saving your filles at about 5 quality level.

IMPORTANT: save as .JPG files and be sure to append the .JPG extension to your file names. Your files names need to conform to web-based standards for file naming, and you need the .JPG extension for your file to be displayed properly on the web. Do not save a profile with your images for the web.

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