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Interlacing is a method used to display images on a computer monitor. When transparent or interlaced GIF’s are used, less flickering of the images occurs as opposed to non-interlaced images. They appear smoother and blend in well with the developers’ background. Interlacing GIF images are commonly used for larger dimension images, as these are displayed “blurry” at first to the user.

Software Programs
In order to create transparent or interlaced GIF images, the developer will need the proper software.

  • Adobe Photoshop: Learn how to use Abode Photoshop tools with this simple tutorial.

  • Ulead GIF Animator: Complex software that assists you in creating complex GIFs quickly.

  • Microangelo: Creates transparent/interlaced GIF’s as well as animated images.

  • Jasc – Animation Shop: Extensive graphics editor used to created PSP file format and GIF images.

Find a High Resolution Image
Developers create their own or purchase high resolution images to use on web pages.

  • Fotolia: Buy stock photos for $0.75 each or subscribe to pay $0.07 each.

  • iStockphoto: Find professional images starting at $1 each.

  • BigStockPhoto: Over 4,340,000 images available, as low as $0.90 each.

  • FotoSearch: Search over 6.1 million stock photos and footage for digital illustrations and artwork.

  • DreamsTime: Purchase credits for downloading high-resolution stock photos as low as $0.20 each.

Add Transparency to Image
Open up your image in your chosen software program and use the zoom-in view to show any discolored pixels. Select the ‘eraser’ tool to remove the extra pixels around the edges of your photos while still in ‘zoom’. Use the ‘magic wand’ tool to remove all the white space surrounding your image. Drag the layer onto the new layer icon to create a copy. Click ‘background layer’ and ‘select all’ and ‘delete’ to view the transparent areas. Click CTRL + Click on your new layer to get back your selection.

  • Ion Web Design and Graphics: A step by step guide for creating a transparent GIF file using Microsoft Image Composer.

  • HTML Tutorials: Guide to creating a transparent GIF image using Paint Shop Pro.

  • Standford Edu: Creating a blank GIF image which can be visible in a graphics software program.

  • Xoops: Popular forms of website building and a look at each format.

  • Graphics Tutorial: Creating, converting, cropping and scaling your transparent GIF image.

  • Geom: Manipulating graphic images and when it’s necessary to change size, color palette or other various attributes.

  • IconBazaar: Creating transparent GIF images using LView Pro for Windows 95/98.

  • MardiWeb: General graphic tips to create transparent text, button and various other GIFs.

  • Kahl: Image tips while working with transparent and interlacing GIF image formats.

Click on ‘channels’ and create a new channel. Fill in the image with white and click CTRL + D to deselect. Return to ‘layers palette’ and activate your image layer. Click Image > Mode > Indexed Color and then “OK”. Then click on File > Export > GIF89a. You should see a grey area around your GIF image. Press “OK”.

  • ACS: Steps on how to create a transparent graphic image by removing background colors.

  • Media College: Tips on using transparency and interlacing GIF images to dress up your web pages.

  • Sitepoint: Differences between GIF, JPG and PNG file formats.

  • WebStyleGuide: Tips on improving GIF compression and how to use interlacing for large GIF illustrations and photographs.

  • WebDevelopersNotes: Advantages and disadvantages of using interlacing features with GIF images.

  • HTML Goodies: Explains pixels for the web, 44 different graphic formats and GIF image formats.

  • JegsWork: Explains how interlaced GIF’s go through several passes and how it differs from other formats.

  • Grafx-Design: Creating transparent GIF’s with Adobe Photoshop.

  • HTML Source: Transparent GIF, Graphic Interchange Format, examples and tips.

  • ShareWareConnection: GIF image converters and construction software programs.

  • WebWoman: Creating interlacing images using Photoshop

  • Docstore: Guide to transparent images, colors, maps and indexes.

  • BroadViewDemo: Demonstration site explaining conversion of interlaced GIFs.

  • WDVL: Basic guide to image formats and overview of interlaced GIF images.

  • Metamorphozis: How to prepare your transparent GIF for your website.

  • Extropia: An introduction to web design and various image formats.

Transparent or interlaced GIF images allow the developer to specific a single color that will then become transparent. This feature allows the background to show through and create the illusion of a blended piece of artwork.

Please feel free to print out any of these resources at home. Before you do, please be sure to stock up on high quality remanufactured inkjet and toner cartridges.

This was written by Printerinks.com, your home for printer inks and laser toner.