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Web graphics are the visual elements used to draw website readers and viewers to particular pieces of information. They are also used to supplement text in an effort to aid readers in their understanding of a particular concept or make the concept more clear or interesting. In the case of a website, the web graphics are one of the most important elements of style, and is what makes the first impression when a visitor sees your website.
The type of website graphic you use will convey the most important elements of your site, whether it is about business, recreation, information, or even if it's a personal blog. The website graphics tell the story of your website.
Historically, way back in the 1990s, Internet speeds increased, and Internet browsers capable of viewing images were released, the first being the classic web browser "Mosaic". At that time, websites began to use the GIF format to display small graphics, such as banners, advertisements, and navigation buttons, on the pages of websites. Now, modern web browsers (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla) can display JPEG, PNG and increasingly, SVG images in addition to GIFs on web pages. Plugins expand the web browser functions to display animated, interactive and 3-D graphics contained within file formats such as SWF and X3D.
Most modern web graphics are made with either Adobe Photoshop, the GIMP, or Corel Paint Shop Pro. However, users of Microsoft Windows mostly have MS Paint, which many find to be lacking in features. It doesn't really matter what program is used to create website graphics, but ultimately, it's how they're designed that matters most.
Numerous websites have been created to host communities for web graphics artists. A growing number of people use Photoshop, GIMP and Paint Shop Pro to create internet forum signatures - generally appearing after a user's post - and other digital artwork, such as photo manipulations and large graphics.
So whether you are a beginner, looking to spice up your website with a few interesting Photoshopped web graphics, or you're a professional looking to impress visitors with flashy interfaces and stunning graphics and animation, remember that first impressions only count once, and your website graphics are going to show your visitor what your website is all about. |
