In this article, we will delve into the process of utilizing the Optimize tools housed in the Asset Editor. These tools are vital for executing image optimizations on the images stored in the Asset Library, a central repository for all your digital assets.
When editing an image within the Asset Editor, you'll find the Optimize section. Within the Optimize section, there are two main inputs that allow you to transform your image: Format and Quality.
There are three main file-types that you can choose to save your image as within the Optimize tools: JPEG, PNG, and WebP. Each of these file-types has its own unique advantages, which we will discuss below.
JPEG is a widely used format recognized for its capability to display millions of colors, making it an excellent choice for complex images, such as photographs. JPEGs utilize a method known as lossy compression, which reduces file size by eliminating some of the image data. As a result, you can achieve a small file size, ideal for web usage, but the trade-off is that some image quality might be lost, particularly at lower quality settings.
PNG is another popular image format. One of PNG's most significant advantages is its support for transparency, making it ideal for graphics, logos, and images that require a transparent background. PNG files use lossless compression, meaning they do not lose any image data and thus maintain a high level of quality. However, this results in larger file sizes compared to JPEG.
WebP is a modern image format that provides superior lossless and lossy compression. Developed by Google, WebP images are often smaller in file size than their JPEG and PNG counterparts, while maintaining a comparable level of quality. This makes WebP a great choice for web images, as smaller file sizes can lead to faster page load times and better overall performance for your interactive ads. Note that WebP is not universally supported, particularly on older browsers, so consider your audience's likely technology when deciding whether to use this format.
Image Quality is a parameter that defines the visual fidelity of an image. When we refer to 'Quality' in the context of image editing, we are primarily talking about the level of detail an image retains, which directly affects its sharpness, clarity, and the vividness of its colors.
When you adjust the Quality setting of an image, you are manipulating the level of compression applied to the image file. High-quality settings use less compression, which retains more image detail but also results in larger file sizes. Conversely, lower quality settings use more compression, which can lead to smaller file sizes but can also introduce artifacts and blur into the image, reducing its sharpness and potentially changing the appearance of its colors.
Modifying the Quality of an image doesn't alter its size in terms of its width and height.
After the optimization process, when you're ready to save the image, you will have the opportunity to designate a new name for your file under the 'File Information' > 'Save a Copy' section. It's crucial to note that every edit you make will always generate a new version of the image, preserving the original file intact. This practice ensures you always have an untouched version of your asset to revert to, should you need it.
To recap, this article covered the process of optimizing images using the Optimize tools in the Asset Editor. We learned that these tools allow you to adjust the Quality and Format, or 'file-type', of an image, helping you to produce optimized versions of an image. Understanding these concepts and tools empowers you to effectively optimize your images and improve the performance of your interactive ads.
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