New rule suggestion- maximum image file size

[usedHONDA]

It's been something bugging me for a while. There are images that don't use Alpha values that are perfect candidates to be a JPEG, yet are saved as a PNG and end up over 3 times larger, thus it takes over three times longer to load the image.

For example, this image is a JPEG saved at ~93 quality:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/ ... a/cool.jpg

That file is 97.3 KB.

Here's the PNG version:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/ ... cool-1.png

The lossless version is 400 KB. Big difference in loading time, eh? This is example only uses one hue [and a nice one, too], yet the image looks exactly the same. If anything, the compression makes it look better (less-organized pixels).

Here's another example:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/ ... /sas-1.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/ ... da/sas.png

24kb vs 470kb: Which one works better?

Now that I've made my point, I'd like to suggest a rule be added that recommends the user to only post a PNG when absolutely needed (i.e. when there are no alpha values are evolved and if there's no clearly visible difference when compressed). Also suggest the user to compress their PNGs with an external program if JPEG isn't an acceptable alternative.

[BuzzKill]

Even though I see you point and somewhat agree, this sounds like unnecessary policing and/or discrimination.

People have their own preferences as to what format they use for saving images.

Also, I think the main reason most people post images [here] in the PNG format is directly related to Paint.NET using .png as it's default when saving images.

[david.atwell]

Even though I see you point and somewhat agree, this sounds like unnecessary policing and/or discrimination.

People have their own preferences as to what format they use for saving images.

Also, I think the main reason most people post images [here] in the PNG format is directly related to Paint.NET using .png as it's default when saving images.

That, plus it looks prettier :-)

[Sozo]

Even though I see you point and somewhat agree, this sounds like unnecessary policing and/or discrimination.

People have their own preferences as to what format they use for saving images.

Also, I think the main reason most people post images [here] in the PNG format is directly related to Paint.NET using .png as it's default when saving images.

Nah, '.pdn' is.

[usedHONDA]

^Really large PNG file, 12 seconds to load with my 760kbps connection (no offense, janettsue).

[Myrddin]

Also suggest the user to compress their PNGs with an external program if JPEG isn't an acceptable alternative.

Perhaps that be an internal, automated process when saving in .png format...

I actually prefer optipng now, it does a slightly better job. Plus its license is more open, maybe I can integrate it somehow ... * gets ideas *

Yes? No? Maybe?

The rest is, as BuzzKill commented, personal preference and it should stay as such. After all we do have a perfectly good drop down for the selection of other file formats.

[pyrochild]

Even though I see you point and somewhat agree, this sounds like unnecessary policing and/or discrimination.

People have their own preferences as to what format they use for saving images.

Also, I think the main reason most people post images [here] in the PNG format is directly related to Paint.NET using .png as it's default when saving images.

Nah, '.pdn' is.

Only if it has more than one layer. Otherwise PNG is the default.

[Sozo]

Perhaps a new rule can be added that asks forum users to be conscientious of the size of their images, and those surfers without blazing fast internet... like my neighbor's wireless. :twisted: :wink:

[Rick Brewster]

So you're asking me to add a new rule that no one will read anyway, and that will add more stuff for the mods and admins to enforce = more work = less time for legitimately cool stuff. (Yes, I know you didn't mean it that way. I'm just trying to put things in to perspective.)

Anyway, it's too much work for too little gain. It's a self-correcting problem anyway, as the average Internet connection is only getting faster year over year.