Before creating new images check that the image does not already exist in the database. Often, images promoting global products will already be in the database e.g. global-common-160x80-zerocarboncity-logo.

Images file sizes

It is important to keep your image file sizes as low as possible without compromising on quality; smaller images dramatically decrease download time when users access your webpages.

If you are creating a new image and uploading it into Obtree you need to consider how you save your image as this will reflect on your image file size. All your images should be saved as either: GIF or JPG. Your choice of format should depend on the kind of image you're using.

GIFs work best for drawings and graphics that use just a handful of colors, such as 'line art', logos, images with text in them
JPEGs are typically used for scanned or digital photographs that need a large number of colors.
For examples of GIFs and JPGs see below.

Maximum file sizes for image

	Size: 160 x 80 Description: Event/Offer image File type: GIF Max file size: 3kb			Size: 160 x 80 Description: Event/Offer image File type: JPG Max file size: 5kb
	Size: 240 x 80 Description: Promotional banner File type: GIF Max file size: 3kb			Size: 240 x 80 Description: Promotional banner File type: JPG Max file size: 8kb

	Size: 492 x 80 Description: Promotional banner File type: GIF Max file size: 8kb
	Size: 492 x 80 Description: Promotional banner File type: JPG Max file size: 12kb

Saving optimized images

It is important to save optimized images as this keeps image file sizes low; reducing your webpage download time. There are a number of ways to optimize images using different programs. One way of optimizing images and saving them for the web is by using PhotoShop. The easiest way to minimize image file size is to choose Save for Web in Photoshop, which allows you to optimize your image before saving it. Find out how to Save for web in Photoshop here.

Uploading new images specifically for the new homepage template

If you create an image that you would like to share with other webmasters around the world please send it to web2004@britishcouncil.org and the inbox team will upload it for you.

If the image is country specific use this naming convention: country-homepage-widthxheight-description-of-image and place it in country common group, subtype homepage images.