NationStates Jolt Archive

I find it very unpleasant that the file size limit is only 10k. I have a nice flag design, but it turns out to be too large. :headbang:

The 107x71 size limit also has me confused. when i make the flag that size on my computer, it turns out way smaller than what i see on the website (shrinking it to this size also destroys the quality :( .)

could you clarify why the size is so different and also consider improving the size limit?

step 1: save in PNG, it is usually a much higher resolution, much smaller file size format. Ignore the 'must be in JPG' thing, it is lying. that is the biggest one.

step 2: ignore the 107x71 size limit. it is a lie.

step 3: when shrinking the flag be sure you shrink it proportionally. This is actually fairly easy if you have a program that does it for you (most do) and if yours doesn't then use a 1:2 ratio and even numbers that are fairly easy to calculate.

step 4: realize the only thing is that your flag has to be under 10 kb, no other restrictions really apply. (accept of course to what is actually on your flag, ie no offensive content.) (note that I have only tried png and JPG uploads)

What file type are you saving it as?

It sounds like the resolution on your flag may be too high. Resolution is basically how many pixels the image stuffs into a square area; for print it's quite high, and for web quite low (72 ppi). The higher the resolution, the higher the file size, and the smaller the thing will appear at the same number of pixels (so a flag at 300 ppi, 100 pixels across, would appear over four times smaller than one at 72 ppi, 100 pixels across).

If you're using Photoshop, you can adjust the resolution in Image > Image Size. Make sure it's 72 ppi.

After that, if you're using Photoshop, try "save to web" rather than plain old "save" (it's right next to "save" in the File menu). If your flag has a lot of detail (graduated tone, photographic bits) try saving it as .jpg; if it has a lot of flat colour (like most traditional flags) try saving it as .gif.

~ Tsar ze Ah-teest.

thank you for your help. its amazing how using "save to web" can make a file of the same (insert curse word here) type smaller.:rolleyes: