Magic Graphics

Blip, I'm working on a page about popular movies during this time period. I have a background image of the ocean, and I have a GIF of the Titanic. How can I make this ship "float" on my web page?

pixel


blip

That's easy! Just turn it into a transparent image.



Making a transparent image
You can make a transparent GIF by removing the background color that surrounds an object. This is a good option if you want the object to float on your web page background. Or, if you want web graphics that have outlines other than square or rectangular.

Transparent and non-transparent GIFs

To make a transparent image:

    1. Select the image by clicking on it.

    2. Click the Make Transparent button on the Image Toolbar.

Make transparent button

    3. Move the cursor over the color you want to make transparent, then click once.

    4. The color you selected will become transparent.

tip


blip

We've got to keep in mind, Pixel, that in this time period modems can be quite slow.


Yikes! I wish you reminded me sooner. Our visitors are going to go zany staring at a blank page, waiting for all our images to appear.

pixel


That's why FrontPage lets us create interlaced images. This allows the image to start appearing before it's fully loaded. That way, the viewer can gauge if the image is going to be worth the wait.


What are you talking about? Of course my images are worth the wait.


You budding artist-types are so touchy.



Making interlaced images
You can interlace your GIF files to create a special visual effect for your web site visitors. When a file is interlaced, your visitors will see a blurry image that slowly fades into view while they wait for the complete image to load into their computers. Otherwise, they would have to wait to see the image filling in line-by-line from the top to the bottom of the screen.

To interlace a GIF file:

    1. Select the image by clicking on it.

    2. Click Edit on the Menu Bar and select Image Properties.

    Select the Image Properties command in the Edit menu

    3. The Image Properties dialog box will appear. Select the General tab.

    Image properties dialog box

    4. Select the Interlaced check box, then click OK.

    Add a check mark to the Interlaced check box


Back
Quick Quiz
Next