Web Resizing Software of Choice?

Ted C. · #1 11-18-2006, 08:35 AM

After using "Resize for Web" in PSE2/3 for years I've decided to look for a better software solution. I've seen some incredible web images posted at half the size and 2X (or better) the quality that I've posted with PSE3, so I know that there are better solutions available. I'm currently trying FastStone Photo Resizer and it seems to be a definate improvement over PSE's "Resize for Web" solution. What choice/choices are you using for your web postings? TIA!

First Light · #2 11-18-2006, 09:26 AM

Hi Ted,

I seldom use a feature like that but prefer to adjust the size and compression (if jpeg) of the image manually. I use Photoshop CS2 (PS CS2) rather than Elements and am not familiar with the differences. But with PS CS2, the jpeg dialog box estimates the download time and previews the effect of the compression in the main window when you adjust the compression level. It produces excellent results.

PS CS2 also includes a separate program called ImageReady CS2 which is dedicated to image prep for the web. It has a lot of features that are helpful for website designers. But I've seldom used it so I'm not very familiar with its feature---but I know web designers who love it.

deevee · #3 11-18-2006, 09:42 AM

Faststone is a great program for quick viewing/editing/resizing/emailing; i use it in place of win explorer and for quickies. As to serious and accurate resizing i use PS CS2; lots of sites require a certain file size, so to max the quality and also meet the requirement, CS2 'save as' feature does the job very well ...Cheers

tspore · #4 11-18-2006, 10:16 AM

I have used everything, from Image processor (my favorite, for batches of files,) to quickie photo album. Many are good, but I must say that often I prefer to just upload my images to a smugmug gallery, and let it resize for me.
Its quality isn't bad.

Bill_Turner · #5 11-18-2006, 11:29 AM

Ted,
I've been a FastStone supporter from its beginning and agree with you 100%.
My experience with "Resize for Web" has been less than satisfying. IMO, good choice!

BL3 · #6 11-18-2006, 12:17 PM

Ted: I'm a PSE5 user, and one of my favorite features is the capacity to post a picture directly from either the Organizer or the Editor to my Smugmug account. But if I don't specify the file size and compression by saving the picture before sending it to Smugmug, a highly compressed image will appear in Smugmug. So, I usually save each image at 900 pixels on the long side, with enough compression to result in a 200KB size. Doing so produces a nice image here, if linked from Smugmug. I can duplicate these settings in either "Save for Web" or "Save As", it just depends on which screen is desired. On a final note, whenever I downsize an image in Elements, I select "Bicubic Sharper" and this usually serves as all the sharpening needed for web images (Bicubic Sharper is not available in Save for Web).

Rocky

E B · #7 11-18-2006, 01:26 PM

For downsizing for web posting I use PhotoCleaner:

http://www.photocleaner.com/

Of course, it does other things as well.

bilzmale · #8 11-19-2006, 04:13 PM

For batch or single resizing I use Digital Photo Resizer http://www.icegiant.com/

It also has a watermark facility and costs $10.

Bill

Pontiac005 · #9 11-20-2006, 04:42 AM

I use Infranview. It allows me to batch resize, sharpen and enhance photos all at one time. Its freeware too!

bilzmale · #10 11-20-2006, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pontiac005

I use Infranview. It allows me to batch resize, sharpen and enhance photos all at one time. Its freeware too!

And it has just been updated to V 3.99. http://www.irfanview.com/

shrinkpictures · #11 11-21-2006, 04:43 AM

When I can process the final image from the Raw File, I resize it with RSP.

When I need to do further work on an image, I will resort to other methods of resizing and producing the final image.

I use a lot of different software, and I might use the Gimp, or even resort to picassa.