I feel like a TOTAL idiot. I'm trying to use an image for my avatar. But, I cannot figure out how to get the file size small enough. No matter how I scale and resize it, I cannot get it to be 5KB. Help!!

Which program are you using to resize?

What was the message you got back from the site when you tried to upload it?

When right clicking on the avatar file ... then .. "Properties" ... what is the size noted. (Usually stated in KB's.)

It may ... may be that the original has too many 'colours' in it. And no resizing will bring down the original to the specified acceptable size for the site. If that is the case ... go here to find another suitable avatar that will tell everyone in a mere glimpse the who, what, where and more importantly ... the 'why' about you.

Enquiring minds want to know ... you know. ;o)

I was using Photoshop. But no matter what I did, I couldn't get it any smaller that 20KB. The avatars that other users have look great, and I just wanted to be able to use one of my own photos. I guess I'll look for something else. Thanks so much for your comment. :)

Ok, this might ... might work ... when saving the resize, make sure it's not in the .psd format.

Revert back to jpg. or .gif ... you may have to change the file extension yourself in the 'save box.'

Fingers crossed. This literally happened to me last night. Saving, or letting Photoshop add its' file extension, for some reason increased the size. Mine was the .gif you see that I am using.

Saved as a .psd ... no go ... changing the file extension myself back to the original .gif format ... green light, pass go ... and directly to amazing the members with your new shiny avatar. :o)

I saved it as a .gif and it worked! Thanks so much for all your help.

!! YaY !!

Payment for services rendered are acceptable in the following legal tender (in my corner of the universe):

Cookies ... just a few, no need to overcharge you on your first time. *slightly evil grin*

What also works for me sometimes is right clicking on your avatar image & choosing Microsoft Photo Editor from the drop down menu. Then click Image > Resize & then OK ... don't bother resizing it if your size is right.

For some reason Photo Editor will lower your kb size. I do it all the time after I resize something in PS. Like Les says though, make sure it's in the proper formatt & you're good to go !

Oh ... the only payment I need is the idle comment here & there how you LIKE my avatar changing ways :D

photoshop generally spits out a larger file ... I stick money into my disk drive to see if PS will return a larger denomination

early results have not been good

Or you could download avatar sizer this works too

In Photoshop CS, there is an option under the file menu, "Save for Web." With this handy tool you can select different formats, and see how large each is, up to four at a time.

Isn't there a tutorial for this as well?

-_-

I think Tim must have saved his last comment as a .tim file before posting.

Serious recompression issues with that format. :oP

Good tip Tim, I just wasn't sure if she was referring to an animated gif or not. I also like the aspect of being able to preview the image in your 'favourite' browser, as well. ;o)

What are you talking about? By default my images are previewed in Firefox ;øP

There must be a Gilmore Girls episode Tim is missing

I always resize and save as a GIF in Image Ready (Photoshop Sub Program)...always works for me!

I just find a small file (preferably GIF) which is funny, take my killer bear that i had for a few days :P