Large file...?

ShadeyPhoenix · 02-18-2007

Everytime I try to use a new avatar here, it always tells me the file is too big. My avatars seem so simple, I don't understand why it keeps telling me it's too big... they're all under 100x100 pixels, some even got down to 60x60! All I have is a background and some text! Does anyone know why it keeps saying that or how I can make an avatar that will work?

**tamlin** · 02-18-2007

The filesize limit for avatars is 24.4kb, so even if your image is less than 100 x 100 pixels you will still get the "file too big" error if it's larger than 24.4kb. If your image is within these parameters, though...well, I don't know what to tell you.

ShadeyPhoenix · 02-18-2007

I'm not sure how to check the size of my image...

-sigh- I'm not sure if it should fit or not, I mean, it seems like a simple enough image... there's two I've been trying to get to work... here they are:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...ikealawyer.jpg

&

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...h/carpalav.jpg

*notjustgraphics* · 02-18-2007

The first image is about 32K and the second is about 40KB.. so they are too large to be used as your avatar.

You can probably resave them as JPG's with a quality of around 60 or 70% to get the file size well under the limit... and you'll not notice much of a quality difference...

just save the original!

Mike.

shobson · 02-18-2007

To see what size they are if on a PC, open a My Computer window, browse to the folder you have the images in, and change the View to Details. The likealawyer.jpg is 33kb, and the carpalav.jpg is 41kb, so they are too big. If you open them in Photoshop and choose "Save for Web", you can adjust the settings (from Low to Maximum in CS) and the size will be displayed in the bottom left corner under the image window.

Stephanie

Dang, it takes me too long to write! Mike got the answer posted while I was typing.

ShadeyPhoenix · 02-18-2007

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what do you mean by 60 or 70%? Do you mean the resolution or the size? Or something else...?

And I have an iMac, not a PC... and for some reason in my Photoshop I can't choose 'Save for Web'. I can on my other computer, but it won't let me on this laptop (which unfortunately is the computer I use most often x.x). It also won't let me do a bunch of the Filter features... ><

shobson · 02-18-2007

Sorry ShadeyPhoenix, I can't help you there. I'm strictly PC. I'm sure one of the Apple people will be along to help you out.

ShadeyPhoenix · 02-18-2007

I hope so... and this isn't really related to my main question, but does anyone know if there's a way to change usernames/display names? -shot-

**tamlin** · 02-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadeyPhoenix

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what do you mean by 60 or 70%? Do you mean the resolution or the size? Or something else...?

If Save for Web... isn't available (although I don't know why it wouldn't be) just select File > Save As... and choose JPEG from the Format dropdown menu. Click Save and the JPEG Options dialog will appear (see attached screenshot). Move the Image Options slider around and check the filesize in the Size section. When you get it to the right size, hit OK to save.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadeyPhoenix

does anyone know if there's a way to change usernames/display names?

I know this is possible - at least, it used to be, because I know some of the longer-standing members here have changed their usernames in the past - but I can't find an option to do it. Maybe it's something that only Man1c M0g (our glorious leader) has access to. He doesn't visit here very often, but there's a legend that if you stare into a mirror and say his name five times, he'll appear.

Man1c M0g...Man1c M0g...Man1c M0g...Man1c M0g.....

**Man1c M0g** · 02-18-2007

*brrraaaaaaainnzzzzzz*
/me jumps out of the mirror and eats tamlin.

Seriously, though, just send me a PM if you want your username changed, and i'll get onto it right away.

rheanna · 02-18-2007

Give me a minute and I'll re - size it for you. ;o) only a 2 minute job geez.

rheanna · 02-18-2007

Here you go ;o) All you had to do was size it 100x 100 then change it to a gif format. not jpeg.. D/l those and see if that works. It should.

*notjustgraphics* · 02-19-2007

Yes, saving as a .GIF will consume less space because it is restricted to only 256 unique colors. In this case, it was more than enough, but typically, it will significantly lower the quality of photographic images or any art that displays a significant range of tones and shades.

When saving a .JPG in photoshop at maximum quality (ie 100% or 12) you are storing a considerable amount of data (colour information) that will seldome ever be used. (Unless you're printing).

Lowering the overall quality of the image to 60 or 70 % (or a number like 9 or 10) you will have an image that has considerably more detail than a .GIF can handle but still in a manageable file size.

Just some basic information for anyone else who crosses this post!

Mike.

stiney51 · 02-19-2007

Quote:

And I have an iMac, not a PC... and for some reason in my Photoshop I can't choose 'Save for Web'. I can on my other computer, but it won't let me on this laptop

Try using the keyboard shortcut for save for the web on a Mac:

Shift : Option : Apple : S

If this does not work, you may have a incomplete version of photoshop or you could be missing ImageReady (which usually comes with photoshop and handles most all of the web-based functionality you would need)

ShadeyPhoenix · 02-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by rheanna

Here you go ;o) All you had to do was size it 100x 100 then change it to a gif format. not jpeg.. D/l those and see if that works. It should.

Um, thanks, but it kind of stretched out the text...

Quote:

Yes, saving as a .GIF will consume less space because it is restricted to only 256 unique colors. In this case, it was more than enough, but typically, it will significantly lower the quality of photographic images or any art that displays a significant range of tones and shades.

It doesn't let me save as .GIF... just .JPG or .PSD...

Quote:

If this does not work, you may have a incomplete version of photoshop or you could be missing ImageReady (which usually comes with photoshop and handles most all of the web-based functionality you would need)

I do have ImageReady, but I think for some reason my version of Photoshop got messed up when it was being installed onto my computer, because on my other computer I think the same disc was used but it has all of the features... my Photoshop on this computer is missing a lot of filters and some other features.