Thumbnail images are small graphics created from larger images, used on web pages for quick access to content. They are often clickable, allowing users to view larger images if desired. HTML editors make creating thumbnails simple and they save time for users, especially those with slower internet connections. They are commonly used on retail, auction, art, and news websites.
A thumbnail image is a small graphic file. These images are created from standard size images and are used in web pages. The small size allows web surfers quick access to web page content. Dial-up users would find retail shopping nearly impossible were it not for the use of thumbnail images, and navigating pages with multiple images would simply take too long.
In many cases, thumbnail images are clickable, causing a larger image to be loaded at the user’s discretion. This makes web pages easy to use, saving the surfer from having to download large image files that he or she doesn’t need or want to see. With a page of smaller images, the user can only click on those images of interest.
Web pages are written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Web browsers translate this text-based HTML code into the graphical display seen as web pages. In most cases, creating a thumbnail image with an HTML editor is no more complicated than choosing to insert an image file into a web page, then click a few dialogs to create the small image from the original.
The thumbnail image can also be resized within the editor and have custom “hover text” assigned to it. If so, a small text box will appear when a surfer hovers the mouse pointer over the image. The hover text might describe the thumbnail or it might say “Click me to enlarge.” A webmaster could also choose to assign fun captions to the thumbnails using the hover option.
When images are created using an HTML editor, the software will create the smallest file from the largest file, using the same file format. For example, if the original file is a .jpg file, the thumbnail will be a much smaller .jpg file. If the original is a .gif file, the thumbnail will also be a .gif file. The HTML editor will insert the newly created small image into the web page and give the user the option to link to the larger original image. This will make the thumbnail clickable.
While many Internet surfers are switching from slower dial-up accounts to faster Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Cable Internet Service Providers (ISP), thumbnails still save surfers valuable time. They also allow webmasters to fit more content into a web page while minimizing the need to scroll. Online retail storefronts and auction sites make frequent use of thumbnail images to showcase their products. Art galleries, personal photo galleries, news centers and community centers also use these small images.
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