Chapter 19. Creating Web Graphics

IN THIS CHAPTER

  • Using the Pixel Preview view

  • Learning Web-safe colors

  • Using the Save for Web & Devices interface

  • Understanding the Web formats and vector graphics for the Web

  • Applying SVG effects

  • Image slicing

  • Using CSS layers

  • Creating interactive Web images

  • Using data-driven graphics variables

In concept, designing for the Web and designing for print are very similar, but in practice, they both offer special tests to the patience of an Illustrator user. In this chapter, I discuss challenges that the designer faces when attempting to present ideas graphically that appeal to the eye and get the right point across. Web design encompasses more than just converting your picas to pixels.

Designing for the Web versus Designing for Print

A Web designer faces specific issues that a print designer never even thinks about. Consider these:

  • A print designer chooses the specific color inks and paper with which to print, giving the designer complete control over how a reader sees it. A Web designer has no way of knowing what kind of monitor a reader is using to view his or her Web site — a strong yellow color on one screen may look orange or green on another monitor. Monitors also display at different resolutions (older machines may be set to 1024 × 768, while newer ones may be 1600 × 1080 or higher), meaning Web designers must make their Web sites work for all of them.

  • A Web designer is always at the mercy of the Web browser. In our ever-changing world, you can't know what ...

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