GIF format is good at compressing images with a small number of colors with no gradations. In actual fact, most web graphics are saved in GIF by contrast when applied to JPEG, it usually results in images which are larger than their GIF counterparts and may appear corrupted.

Each image format has its own advantage. GIF may win out with non-dithering, fewer color images while JPEG is excellent for dithered continuous tone images. An example to this is a photograph with several colors, shadows and even gradations. All these colors and shades call for JPEG format.

JPEGs disadvantage is that it throws away parts of an image to save space. Apparently you just can’t discard any piece of information so what JPEG does is divide image into squares. GIF is short of colors, that’s a blatant fact. Another disadvantage is that, Unisys discovered that it owned several patents to key parts of GIF compression technology and has started demanding fees from every company which uses GIF code. This is reason why progress was muffled. Now that you already know difference, you can now pick what’s good for you.

•Your illustrations should attract attention. Your illustrations should be able to attract your visitors' attention and make them want to read and click on to further pages. A very good illustration also adds perspective and character to your words. So make your illustrations speak for your web site.

•Illustrations are there to compliment, not control. Illustrations are made to compliment your web page and not to overpower other elements. They should be able to attract attention but not so much that visitors become distracted from content. Allow for some breathing space. Provide white spaces in between images. Also, don't overcrowd your page with too many illustrations. Place them strategically in whole web site.

•Provide relevant illustrations to web page content. Your illustrations are worthless if they don't convey message you want to send out. In addition to confusing your audience, they also take up too much time to download. They need to compliment your content. One look at your illustrations and visitors should be able to have an impression of what they are about to read.

•Save illustrations in proper file format. Save your illustrations in their proper file format, such as .gif and .jpeg. If you used mostly solid colors and lines, save your illustration as GIF files for it to look sharp. On other hand, save illustrations as JPEG files if you used gradients or blends.

•Provide protection for your illustrations. Copying and downloading of images and illustrations are very common. Hence, it is important for you to protect your illustrations from unauthorized use. You could provide a copyright symbol with name of your company or organization to your illustrations. If you want additional security, you could also subscribe to a digital watermarking service that allows visitors to see your name as author and copyright holder of illustration. This kind of service also provides tracking of other sites in web that displays your illustrations without permission.