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Optimize

Aside from simply using the Photoshop (or similar product) File Save As option, to save the image as a jpg (or gif, if a simple chart or drawing), better yet,
File/save for web... to optimize the file; that is, to get the right blend of file size and quality for your web page, and the best possible download time.

Choosing Save for Web in Photoshop

In Photoshop, Image Ready is started if you choose to save as a web page. I prefer to choose the up display, where I can try different scenarios on three images aside from the original, to preview quality and file size.

Image Ready in 4 up mode

Select one of the 'test' images, and make sure JPEG is selected in the upper right hand. Then choose High.
Select another of the 'test' images, and make sure JPEG is selected in the upper right hand. Then choose Medium.
Select the last 'test' images, and make sure JPEG is selected in the upper right hand. Then choose Low.

Below each image will be the file size if that option is selected, and the approximate download time.

You may also shrink an image, by selecting the 'test' image, then choose Image Size on the tab to the right.

Image Ready Image Size tab

You loose quality if you try to make the image larger, but you can see the impact on file size if you make the image smaller... again, you are looking for the best quality balanced with the smallest file size.

When finished, select the file you wish to save, the click the [Save] button; choose a new file name (so as not to replace the original) and you are ready to use Less Thanimg src= to bring in the new file to your web page.

To GIMP Optimization