Task 1 How to Preview Files in Browsers and Platforms

Image files can look different on Macs than they do on PCs and from browser to browser. Uncalibrated PC monitors have a higher gamma setting than uncalibrated Mac monitors, so image midtones can appear darker when displayed on PCs. (see the Hint following this section). Differences in browser types tend to show themselves when you're building tables or working with other layout issues. When preparing files for the Web, it is imperative that you check each file on all platforms and in as many browsers as possible.

1. Open the File in ImageReady

Open the image file in ImageReady. Although you can do this in Photoshop, ImageReady offers a few general advantages for web optimization, such as GIF animation and Java rollovers.

2. Preview for Windows

If you're on a Mac and want to see what the file might look like on a Windows machine, select View, Preview, Standard Windows Color. This command adjusts the image's appearance to approximate the 2.2 gamma setting typical for uncalibrated PCs. In Photoshop, select View, Proof Setup, Windows RGB.

3. Preview for Mac

If you're on a PC and want to see what the file might look like on a Macintosh, select View, Preview, Standard Macintosh Color. This command adjusts the image's appearance to approximate the 1.8 gamma setting typical for uncalibrated Macs. In Photoshop, select View, Proof Setup, Macintosh RGB.

4. Preview As JPEG

After you set the preview to Mac or PC, you should determine the best compression format for your image. To test the results of JPEG compression, select Window, Optimize to open the Optimize palette. Select JPEG from the Format drop-down list and click the Optimized preview tab.

5. Preview As GIF

To test the results of GIF compression, select Window, Optimize to open the Optimize palette. Select GIF from the Format drop-down list. Look at the status line at the bottom of the image area: With the Optimize tab selected, the file's original size appears, followed by the size the file will be if saved as a GIF. For details on GIF optimization, see Task 2, "How to Build GIF Files for the Web."

6. Preview in Browsers

To preview a file or table in a browser, click the Browser Preview button in the toolbox. The specified browser launches and loads the current file. Here the image is shown in the Internet Explorer browser. To select an alternative browser, click and hold the tool button and select from other browser options. You can also select File, Preview In, <Browser Name> to select a browser.

How-To Hints

Setting Browser Preferences

To load a browser so that it appears in the toolbox pop-out menu or the File, Preview In submenu, you first must specify the available options. Select File, Preview In, Edit Browser List; in the dialog box that opens, click Add and navigate to the desired browser application. Click OK, and that browser will appear as a browser option in these menus and in the toolbox.

Calibrating Your Monitor

Without some sort of monitor calibration, your monitor will not display color accurately. The Windows version of Photoshop ships with a utility called Adobe Gamma to help calibrate your monitor, whereas the Macintosh comes with a system utility called Display Calibrator Assistant. See the respective help files for how to use them. Although these applications are better than not calibrating at all, they still rely on subjective opinion. Low-cost (around $100) hardware calibrators are available that remove all guesswork.