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Where Graphics Come From
Graphic formats
The GIF format is currently involved in a patent dispute, so it's possible another graphics format may replace GIF as the predominant format for Web graphics.
Why is this important? Graphics created in other formats, such as BMP (bit-map) or WMF (Windows Metafile) or TIFF must be converted to GIF or JPEG to be used on the Web. Some graphics viewers will allow you to save files from one format to another, and specific software programs (such as Hijaak) are designed specifically for file conversion.
Sources for graphics
1. Create Your Own: There are many simple graphics design and computer drawing programs that you can use to create attractive and functional graphics. You don't necessarily need to know Adobe Photoshop or other state-of-the-art programs to get in the game. The graphics for SpiritWeb's page were created with PC Paintbrush, a program included on many Windows machines.
2. Download Graphics From the Web: There are many Web sites providing graphics that can be downloaded for free and used on the Web. Some of the best include:
Religious Images & Icons: Includes backgrounds, icons and some graphics for use on Web pages.
United Methodist Graphics: Backgrounds and glogos featuring the cross and flame logo of the UMC.
Rob's Multimedia Labs: An excellent source for multimedia files, including GIFs (CompuServe-format Graphic Interchange Format files) that can be used on Web pages.
Icons & Images Collection: There are many places where you can find icons and images to use on your pages. This site is a good one.
Web search engines such as Yahoo! and Lycos can guide you to many more. Viruses are a concern when downloading from the Web. If you are going to obtain files this way, please be certain to have a reliable anti-virus program loaded and run it after downloads.
3. Download Graphics From an Online Service: Each of the major online services have forums for computer users that include areas devoted to graphics that include libraries. In some cases, graphics found in these libraries are not copyrighted and can be used on Web pages. Graphics in these libraries are often uploaded by members who have created graphics and want to distribute them. Sometimes you'll need their permission, in many cases they are listed as "freeware." Please be sure to respect the copyrights and wishes of graphics creators, who put effort into creating these designs.
Forums on religion and spirituality are also sources for graphics. On America Online, both the Christianity Online are and the Religion & Ethics Forum have libraries of religious graphics that can be downloaded. The online services have usually checked to be certain that anything posted in thse libraries is virus-free.
4. Use Clip-Art: There are many clip-art programs that have attractive images you can use that are copyright-free. Your local software store probably has religious clip-art collections available. Again, be certain you can use these images on the Web!
Graphic Size
Watch the size of your graphic files. You'll generally find that the more elaborate the graphic image, the larger the file. This is important because the size of files determines how long it will take Web browsers to download your page. Pages without graphics won't be as attractive to visitors. Pages with too many (or too large) graphics will take too long to download. The best approach is someplace in between.
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