I use VSDv6 for the following web site:

http://www.dakotapugs.com/RHF/

I am finding that my images load slowly in many cases, particularly the background images of the parchment that are used on all pages. I am sure that they (as well as other images) are too large and need to be reduced, but I am not sure of the best way to do that. Can I use PhotoShop to go into the root directory and reduce the DPI or format all of the site images for the web, or is there a better way? The way VSD creates multiple copies of the same image would make that to be a time consuming process. What would be the best way to do this?

Also, since I use the same background image for all of my pages, is there a way to reference that one image so that VSD could use that single file instead of it having to create so many duplicates?

Thanks,

Todd

I would start checking the byte sizes on your images. The main image on your site IMG_1.jpg, is 381k, which is quite large.

The way VSD is designed, it has to make a copy of the image for each page because it doesn't keep track of images globally. This way if you delete an image on Page1, it will not cause any problems with Page4 .

Hi Todd,
I'd use Photoshop - open the images in PS then use the Save for Web function. You'll see your image side by side with the web version so you can decide just how much you want to compress it. Use the quality slider to get your image size down while keeping an eye on it - go as low as you can without it becoming pixelated.
After you have your background set on your home/index page (and any other graphics that will be on all pages), and then create a new page, go to Settings for New Pages and use the copy page to open your new page with everything in place.

I like to use Microsoft Photo Manager to compress pictures for my sites. Easy and works well. If you have any MS Office programs on your computer you should have it.

Paintbrush:

Thank you for the tip. I am still unsure as to go about doing this. I have an older version of Photoshop (version 8), and don't see the Quality Slider you are speaking about. What is the recommended file size for web images?

Also, please explain the Settings for New Pages portion of your message. All of my pages are already built, and I don't want to copy one page and overwrite all that I have done. I just want the graphics to be a smaller size on all my pages. I thought I would backup my site locally, adjust all image sizes accordingly (once I figure out a good way to to that) then remove the published web site from my server to eliminate the oversized images and unused files, and then upload and re-sync the site from scratch. Does that make sense?

Thanks,

Todd

Todd try clicking on "File" then in that menu click on "Save for web". This will open the picture in a dual window to compare the original and the new pic with the adjustments made. The right hand side has all the adjustments. At the top you can do PNG,GIF,JPG. I usally enter a % in for the size change. Play around with the settings to get comfortable with the GUI.

I'm using Elements 8.0

Thought I would but in a bit with this
http://www.myofficialnewbie.com/DL/PS.html
just an example

Todd, If you follow Eric's instructions (and watch Bruzer's video), you'll be able to get those file sizes down quite a bit.
For the site in general - You could get rid of all the graphic elements and images from the site and the files folder (leave the text and menus in place). Then using Photoshop, do the Save for Web with all your images. Also, I'd make one background image for the pages. Make a copy of your teal gradient background, crop it to your page size then layer the parchments over it and add the drop-shadows. Flatten the layers and save for web. In Bruzer's video, notice at the top of the Photoshop screen you can choose 2-up to see your original image side by side with the web version. Adjust the quality to get your file size down while making sure the image stays sharp.
Now for the Settings... You already have your teal background (what shows beyond the page in the browser). Now go to the Page Properties and click on image for your Page background then browse to the image with the parchments. So now you have one optimized image set in place underneath the menu and text. Next insert whatever images go on that page and repeat for each page in the site.

If you would be willing to start with blank pages (create an extra blank page and move all your text onto it so you can cut/paste it back later), you could set up the index page with all elements except the main photograph then go to Settings > Standard Settings for New Pages. Choose the index page to be copied to all pages. Then you just have to add your photos and text to each page.

I think it took me longer to type this out than it would to actually do this

Wow. I am really lost here, and apparently way over my head. I don't even know what some of these terms mean, and my Photo Shop looks nothing like Bruzer's video. I think I will just see if I can find someone who knows what they are doing to optimize it for me once the site is complete and ready to go live. I'd gladly pay for that service rather than risk losing what I have already done.

That being said, I do understand the Save for Web feature, and can do that with future images and projects before building a page or site. That makes sense. I am just extremely frustrated with this right now. Probably more so with myself than anything. I just don't get it.

Thank you for all of your help and tips. If anyone is willing or knows someone who would be willing to optimize this site for me, please drop me a line with your rate quote.

Thank you again,

Todd Dougherty
todd.dougherty@gmail.com

Nice site! It loads nicely for me on cable.

One thing. You are using a flash menu with no alternative navigation for those without flash and screen readers. Perhaps a site map in the footer would benefit those visitors.