Question "My questions are regarding to the best format to save vector images for a website work.
1)Should I only create vector images in RGB...Web Colors? CYMK will not display correctly on the web??
2)Should I “Save for Web and devices” when closing (I can do the same in fireworks right)
3)What format looks the best GIF, Jpeg, PNG-8,PNG-24 etc, The reason why I’m asking is that I have tried saving to all of the above and some instances the images were pixelie. Could this be a function not having the image in right color format (i.e. CMYK) or is it the incorrect file format?
4)Can an art board size conflict when transferring to the web? (at times the image appears with a grainy background.)
5)Should I always set art board presets to “Fit art board to artwork bounds”?
6)Should an artboard always be a transparent for web work?
Thank you in advance I appreciate the help... Tim O "
Answer Tim, there are a lot of questions here but none of them have definite YES or NO answers except the first question, which is YES. Use RGB.
I have to preface my answer by telling you that I am NOT a web graphics expert. You might get better answers by looking for different sources or tutorials. I did a quick search just now and found many that will take you step-by-step through designing a website using Illustrator as your main design tool.
The questions you've asked depend on HOW you are using Illustrator in terms of developing graphics for web. Are you designing an entire page layout using slices, etc.? Are you developing individual graphical elements of your page? Like a logo here, a button there?
Yes, you can certainly use the Save for Web feature. You will need to know what formats are best for each graphic element on your page. It's too much to get into here, so you should do a little research about when each format is to be used when you have a chance. Fireworks is a tool for optimizing websites and their elements but again, you do need to know the basics about the formats' pros and cons in order to use it effectively.
General info about formats (and there are people who will disagree:
Photos or elements using gradients generally look best when saved as jpeg.
Graphical elements with limited numbers of colors generally look best as GIFs.
Elements that need transparent backgrounds should be saved as GIFs. I rarely use PNGs but they also support transparency.
As far as getting a non-jaggedy, smooth images, you have to experiment with size, # of colors, format, matte color, etc., to see what works best for your particular design.
The same goes for artboard issues (questions 4-5-6). It depends on how you are using Illustrator (complete page layout or individual graphics). Generally, yes, transparent art board. Clip to Art board? No, unless you want a huge white area around your graphic (maybe the answer to your #4 question?)
Maybe there is a web expert on here, too, that you could ask for more help with any of the issues you've raised?
Good luck
Amy
PS - If you want to run something past me (like a logo or a graphic) and ask me what format I'd use, send it to me at AmyLynPace@yahoo.com and I'll let you know. I use CS3, so save appropriately.
