Reducing the pixel dimensions of an image is the most effective way to reduce the file size.
If you use Photoshop, theTrimcommand works well for this.
When you prepare a GIF image, reduce the output dimensions.
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Each graphics-editing program offers different commands for resizing.
Reduce the number of colors in the image.
Reduce the number of frames in the image for animated GIFs.
Avoid useless animation, in general.
Excessive animation adds to web page download time, and many people find it distracting.
If you usePhotoshop, create a GIF file by using theExport Asmenu item.
SelectFile>Export As.
If you use Adobe Photoshop Elements, selectFile>Save For Web.
When it opens, apply dithering, reduce the color, and modify the physical dimensions of the image.
Avoid dithering.Ditheringmay make some images look better, but it increases the file size.
If your software allows it, use a lower level of dithering to save extra bytes.
Some software has a lossy option for saving GIFs.
This option can significantly reduce the file size, but it also reduces image quality.
Don’t use interlacing.
Interlacing usually increases the file size.
Both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements show the download time.
Pay no attention to it.
It is based on the use of a 56k modem.
A more valid number appears if you select a cable modem from the drop-down menu.
GIF Images and the Web
GIF images aren’t a one size fits all solution.
Before the introduction of the GIF format, web images were black-and-white and compressed using the RLE format.
GIFs first appeared on the scene in 1987 when Compuserve released the format as a web-imaging solution.
Though the GIF format can be used for photographs, the reduced color palette introduces artifacts into the image.
Still, theGlitch Art movementand the rise of thecinemagraphhave sparked a renewed interest in the GIF format.
The simplest way to compress a GIF without affecting quality is to useFile Explorer’s own compression feature.
Select all of the animation frames in the first GIF, then copy them by selectingWindow>Animation.
Repeat with other GIFs you want to add, then export the finished amalgamation when you’re done.
