Web and social media graphics are important assets for your business. Almost everything needs an image these days to be seen and engaged with on the web. The following are our best practice tips to help you better understand and use web-based graphics:
1 | Social Media Sizing
It’s important to keep up with social media sizing standards. It changes constantly with the ever-evolving social media platforms. Sites such as Hootsuite and Canva, provide social media sizing guides that can get you started in the right direction. Social media sizes are also something that can be easily found in a Google Search!
2 | Leaving Margin Space in Your Graphics
Another tip for creating any social media or web graphic is to leave an appropriate amount of margin space on the sides. As a rule, you don’t want the most important information of your graphic to feel like it’s being pushed off to the side. Instead, try to make it the object that your eye looks at first. You want your design to be readable as well as good-looking. Remember that you’re dealing with the art of communication through visual assets.
3 | PNG vs JPG
What are a PNG and a JPG? These are two image file sizes that you use mostly on the web. They each have pros and cons but we’re going to cover their basic uses. The general idea is to use a PNG for social media (profile covers, images, etc.) and anytime you need a transparent background. This is because a PNG will give you better visual quality and because you’re using the social media’s system you won’t have to worry about load speeds. Speaking of load time and optimization, you’ll want to use a JPG for your website (images, featured images, etc.). This is because they’re smaller in size (as a file) and will allow your website to run faster. Which search engines and people adore!
4 | When in Doubt Size it Down
Try to size image files large to small and not small to large! Sizing up a small, low-resolution file will give you a bad result almost all of the time. This is because you’re basically taking a magnifying glass to an already blurry, pixelated image. Working with a high-resolution image will give you freedom with sizing and quality. But remember, in technical terms, that when working with web images you’ll want your final resolution set to 72ppi in an RBG color mode (if you’re working in a program such as Photoshop). If you use a program like Canva then you don’t have to worry about it.
4 | Simplifying it All with Canva
If this all seems overwhelming so far Canva will be a great tool for you to use. Canva is great for people looking for a simple way to get social media/web images out there. It’s quick, simple, and easy. They provide you with templates that can give you a running start and makes it easy for teams to share images. Canva can be one of your best assets if you let it.
It’s Important to Know When You Need Help
Canva can really help you out and get you off your feet. It can do some basic print quality files with a few tricks. But it can only get you so far. When you find yourself needing a design that is out of the range of what Canva can do, then hiring a designer or firm will be the better option.
Remember to have fun and get your design on!