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How using proper graphic formats is the secret to good website design

There are many different file formats that website design companies can use for site design. However, every specific graphic format has its own function and use and it is a part of good website design to use them judiciously.

Properties that these formats have:

In terms of common properties of these website design graphic formats, there are five main types. These are namely:

-       Compression: This refers to the ability to store an image in a smaller file size. This employs using special algorithms to measure pixels as single items.

-       Transparency: This varies the opaqueness of an image from being totally solid to being totally see-through or transparent.

-       Progressive loading: In this case of website design, a part of the image is loaded first. However, it is not decided on the concept of alternating rows. This allows the picture to get loaded quicker.

-       Interlacing: This is much like progressive loading, except that the odd numbered rows of the image appear first, followed by even numbered rows. Users can see images quickly using this format of website design.

-       Animation: In this case of website design graphical formats, various still images are moved in quick succession to make it seem like they are moving. Most animated GIF images work on all browsers as they do not need plug-ins for them.

File formats available:

There are three main graphic file formats in website design. These are GIF, JPEG and PNG. One of the oldest formats is GIF and it helps loading images quickly. They have only 8 bits of color and have interlacing and transparency incorporated in them. These are the most common forms of graphics in website design and images look good in such formats. JPEGs are compressed files and have a 24 bit color capacity. In situations where you need high quality images in website design, a JPEG format works well. Compression elements of JPEG files can be easily controlled by a website design company. The download speeds for such format files is faster and in cases of complicated drawings, the overall quality is excellent. In PNG graphic formats, there is support for 24 bit color images. Both interlacing and transparency is incorporated in such images. Such images also can have a description alongside, for use in search engines. Compared to JPEG images, PNG images look much better and hence are preferred where high quality images are needed. Plus, it overcomes the restrictions of an 8 bit color image in website design.

The  guidelines of website design all website design companies should know

If you plan on hiring any of the popular website design companies in the market today, make sure they know these elements of design. These are the basic rules while designing any site and all website design companies should know about these!

Good content:

While this is an offshoot of design, many website design companies do not emphasize on it enough. There are certain website design companies that do both design as well as content writing. Your best bet in terms of ensuring cost effectiveness would be to hire such companies for getting good content. Good quality content never fails to get a customer’s attention and can help index and rank your pages higher on search engines.

Browser compatibility:

Many website design companies fail to take this aspect into account when designing sites. Your site may look gorgeous but if it cannot be viewed in any other browser other than the standard IE, then you are losing out on a large customer base. Many people have started using other browsers other than Internet Explorer. Hence, all website design companies need to design their sites keeping compatibility with browsers in mind.

Good usage of graphics:

Today, sites with static text no longer appeal to people. This is why website design companies need to use more graphics and high tech photographs on the sites. Also, sites should never have image heavy pages that take over 10 seconds for loading. Users get easily impatient and will quickly surf to some other site before the page loads! Thus, while it is important for website design companies to incorporate stunning graphics, it should not take too long to load.

Themes and colors:

The colors used on a site need to be in harmony with the theme and business of the company. This is one of the most important aspects that all website design companies should know about. Every company has its own brand identity, which needs to be preserved while designing a site. Right from colors used to logo design, all aspects need to be in adherence to the brand essence. Always look for website design companies that preserve your brand image in the design.

Navigability:

Nothing turns off customers more than bad site navigation. Hence, while designing a site, website design companies need to ensure proper navigational elements. The search functionality should be robus and users should find things easily on the site.