Graphics

Where to get FREE Graphics

If generic images will work for your web site browse thru Microsoft's on-line collection of FREE CLIPART.

If you plan to create your own graphics you will more than likely want to use a software application that allows you to edit the graphics.  There are many to choose from but they can be quite expensive for the novice web designer. My favorite graphic design applications are Photoshop and Illustrator.

How to add Graphics to your web page

  
    < img src="images/soccerplayer.jpg" / >
  

Depending on the location of your images and the location of your web pages you might need to edit the above code to properly point to your image. Be sure to read more details about this in Basics of HTML.

 The end result:

Be sure to add a description of the image in the ALT tag for SEO! If you place your mouse over the image you should see a small box pop up that reads: "graphic image of a soccer player". This is done by adding the alt property to your image.

Graphic Applications

If you want to create a custom logo for FREE, try using the on-line Custom Logo Designer program. Although this program does have its limitations, it's a good place for beginners or do-it-yourself web novice to get started. Try out the FREE program by clicking the image link below:



Another option is to use LogoMaker  developed by Hewlett Packard. The image below was created in less than 2 minutes using this program.

               

If you would like to be able to create custom buttons for your website using only your browser then you should click the button below:

One way to create a stylish look is to create a gradient background for a heading or the entire web page and then repeat the image horizontally. Use this on-line gradient tool to create a gradient image.

Vector drawings are best created with Flash or Adobe Illustrator. To edit photographs try Photoshop or Corel Draw. Of course you always have the option of using clipart or purchased generic graphics.

Keep in mind that no matter what program you use to create your graphics you will want to "optimize them for the web". Doing so allows your images to download faster. Some graphic editing software , like Photoshop, have built in tools that allow you to optimize your images by simply clicking a button on the toolbar.

After you have either created or obtained a graphic to place on your page, have optimized it for the web and uploaded it to your server you can then add code to your html page that enables it to display in the browser.