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Web Development 101 - Questions & Answers

What image formats are used in Web development?

There are various digital formats in which images can be stored. JPEG, GIF, PNG and BMP images can be viewed online. These files are generally "resampled" in either format, using a graphics program of some sort
e.g. Adobe PhotoShop or Corel PhotoPaint.

• JPEG images are generally used for "full colour" graphics.
• GIF images are generally used for "line work", such as logos and illustration, where a wide range of colours is not required.

What files can I add to my Web site?

You can have several file formats available to be viewed or opened on your Web site. Typical files available on Web sites include Microsoft Windows Media Player, Word or PowerPoint files; Adobe Acrobat PDF documents; Macromedia Flash or Shockwave; RealPlayer; and QuickTime multi-media applications.

The catch? Visitors to your Web site must have applications on their computers in order to open these file. For example, to view a Windows Media Player or Quick Time multi-media presentation, one needs these applications loaded in his/her computer. In order to open a Word document, that person will require a current version of Word loaded in his/her 'machine'. Adobe software makes it very easy to download a current version of their Reader application to view PDF files.

The good news? More and more computers have plug-ins. For example, Macromedia (software developer of the "Flash" technology) notes that there are 537,653,046 Macromedia Flash users worldwide as of June 24, 2003 (view some interesting Flash use statistics.) That’s a lot of users!

Several applications provide ‘player’ files, where you don’t need to have a full version of an application loaded in your computer in order to view it. For example, PowerPoint Player has a version that can be downloaded, which is much smaller in size than the full application.

Should I offer downloads and plug-ins on my Web site?

Many computer browsers are enabled with Flash and Adobe Acrobat or Reader. So you likely use these plug-ins for most websites. However, it's typically best to build a website that doesn't require the visitor to add any software to view your website.

The use of different file formats is becoming more practical on-line, as plug-in usage increases and high-speed Internet access becomes more popular. There are several strategies you can use to make sure your files and plug-in applications are used on-line. For example, Custom Fit Online develops programming that diagnoses whether a visitor’s Web browser has a required plug-in. If a user has Flash, then a correct version of a Flash animation file will be loaded for viewing. If not, a non-animated image file (e.g. JPEG or GIF file) can be loaded instead.

If we offer a PDF file for download, we include a link to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have a multi-media presentation, such as a video clip, we then offer several plug-in versions. The more versions of the file you offer, the better the chance it will be viewed.

If you plan your Web site carefully, you can offer a great variety of applications and files available to enhance your Web site, and your brand development.

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