Your command center to manage instances, permissions and billing.
Instances
An Instance is a virtual server that stores data and runs your application code.
Marketplace
Hosts applications, tools, and various files that you can download and install into an Instance.
Partners
Partners are experts in designing, building, and maintaining apps on Insites.
Support
Contact Insites Support for bugs, feature requests, and software development help.
Instantly available virtual server with built-in features for your entire team.
CRM
CRM helps manage relationships with customers, suppliers, and third parties efficiently.
Assets
Insites enables you to upload and manage files such as images, and documents using Assets.
CMS
Manage your application content with ease via no-code builders.
Forms
Creating forms for users to input data into the system.
Pipelines
Your instance includes 'Pipelines' to manage opportunities by creating relevant stages.
Permissions
Manage user permissions and security for your application.
Data
Insites lets users view, create, and manage databases and content via the Instance Admin.
Ecommerce
The Insites Ecommerce module provides complete management of ecommerce activities.
Locator
The Locator lets you integrate your instance with Google Maps and customize it as you wish.
Events
Insites Events lets you manage schedules, tickets, and sponsorship on your instance.
API
Integrate with any tool or platform with bespoke Endpoints.
AI alpha
Take advantage of the latest AI technology with your data.
A cohesive set of guidelines, patterns, and assets for a consistent, user-centered design.
Design System Overview
The Insites design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards.
Component Hierarchy
Learn how to customize components and how to structure your designs so they inherit attributes.
Font Icons
A full suite of font icons to use across your project within menus, buttons and quick links.
Color Styles
Figma color styles represent variables for Insites components, enabling quick customization.
Build blazing-fast, consistent user interfaces with our web component library.
General
A wide variety or general use components such as buttons, carousel, gallery, headings, and loaders.
Layout
Useful layout components such as an accordion, backdrop, drawer, headers, modals, and more.
Data Entry
Collect data with components that include card select, checkbox, inputs, sliders, and editors.
Data Display
Create engaging interfaces with components such as Kanban boards, charts, tables, and timelines.
Tutorials, references, and examples on how to build modern web applications on Insites.
Development
Covers key topics for setting up and maintaining web applications on Insites.
Modules
Modules enable code reuse and sharing while protecting creators' intellectual property.
Pages and Layouts
Learn how to implement pages and rendering content on your Instance.
Databases and Users
Discover how to create custom data models, import/export data and manage users.
The Insites CLI Tool helps you deploy configuration
files and assets to your Insites Instance.
Get Started
Guides you through the requirements and steps to install and start using the Insites CLI Tool.
Commands and Options
Learn the commands and options for managing configurations in the Insites CLI.
Graphical User Interface
Discover how using the GUI can enhance your workflow by simplifying complex processes.
Code Linting
Automatically check your codebase for programmatic and stylistic errors when deploying.
GraphQL
A data query and manipulation language that allows you to specify the data you require.
Liquid
Liquid is a template language for creating dynamic pages, content and configurations.
API Docs
Learn about the functionalities and structure of the inbuilt API Endpoints of your instance.
Web Applications
Discover how to create your web application with step by step guides and helpful examples.
Your command center to manage instances, permissions and billing.
Instances
An Instance is a virtual server that stores data and runs your application code.
Marketplace
Hosts applications, tools, and various files that you can download and install into an Instance.
Partners
Partners are experts in designing, building, and maintaining apps on Insites.
Support
Contact Insites Support for bugs, feature requests, and software development help.
Instantly available virtual server with built-in
features for your entire team.
CRM
CRM helps manage relationships with customers, suppliers, and third parties efficiently.
Assets
Insites enables you to upload and manage files such as images, and documents using Assets.
CMS
Manage your application content with ease via no-code builders.
Forms
Creating forms for users to input data into the system.
Pipelines
Your instance includes 'Pipelines' to manage opportunities by creating relevant stages.
Permissions
Manage user permissions and security for your application.
Data
Insites lets users view, create, and manage databases and content via the Instance Admin.
Ecommerce
The Insites Ecommerce module provides complete management of ecommerce activities.
Locator
The Locator lets you integrate your instance with Google Maps and customize it as you wish.
Events
Insites Events lets you manage schedules, tickets, and sponsorship on your instance.
API
Integrate with any tool or platform with bespoke Endpoints.
AI alpha
Take advantage of the latest AI technology with your data.
A cohesive set of guidelines, patterns, and assets for a consistent, user-centered design.
Design System Overview
The Insites design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards.
Component Hierarchy
Learn how to customize components and how to structure your designs so they inherit attributes.
Font Icons
A full suite of font icons to use across your project within menus, buttons and quick links.
Color Styles
Figma color styles represent variables for Insites components, enabling quick customization.
Build blazing-fast, consistent user interfaces with our web component library.
General
A wide variety or general use components such as buttons, carousel, gallery, headings, and loaders.
Layout
Useful layout components such as an accordion, backdrop, drawer, headers, modals, and more.
Data Entry
Collect data with components that include card select, checkbox, inputs, sliders, and editors.
Data Display
Create engaging interfaces with components such as Kanban boards, charts, tables, and timelines.
Tutorials, references, and examples on how to build modern web applications on Insites.
Development
Covers key topics for setting up and maintaining web applications on Insites.
Modules
Modules enable code reuse and sharing while protecting creators' intellectual property.
Pages and Layouts
Learn how to implement pages and rendering content on your Instance.
Databases and Users
Discover how to create custom data models, import/export data and manage users.
The Insites CLI Tool helps you deploy configuration
files and assets to your Insites Instance.
Get Started
Guides you through the requirements and steps to install and start using the Insites CLI Tool.
Commands and Options
Learn the commands and options for managing configurations in the Insites CLI.
Graphical User Interface
Discover how using the GUI can enhance your workflow by simplifying complex processes.
Code Linting
Automatically check your codebase for programmatic and stylistic errors when deploying.
GraphQL
A data query and manipulation language that allows you to specify the data you require.
Liquid
Liquid is a template language for creating dynamic pages, content and configurations.
API Docs
Learn about the functionalities and structure of the inbuilt API Endpoints of your instance.
Web Applications
Discover how to create your web application with step by step guides and helpful examples.
Your command center to manage instances, permissions and billing.
Instances
An Instance is a virtual server that stores data and runs your application code.
Marketplace
Hosts applications, tools, and various files that you can download and install into an Instance.
Partners
Partners are experts in designing, building, and maintaining apps on Insites.
Support
Contact Insites Support for bugs, feature requests, and software development help.
Instantly available virtual server with built-in features for your entire team.
CRM
CRM helps manage relationships with customers, suppliers, and third parties efficiently.
Assets
Insites enables you to upload and manage files such as images, and documents using Assets.
CMS
Manage your application content with ease via no-code builders.
Forms
Creating forms for users to input data into the system.
Pipelines
Your instance includes 'Pipelines' to manage opportunities by creating relevant stages.
Permissions
Manage user permissions and security for your application.
Data
Insites lets users view, create, and manage databases and content via the Instance Admin.
Ecommerce
The Insites Ecommerce module provides complete management of ecommerce activities.
Locator
The Locator lets you integrate your instance with Google Maps and customize it as you wish.
Events
Insites Events lets you manage schedules, tickets, and sponsorship on your instance.
API
Integrate with any tool or platform with bespoke Endpoints.
AI alpha
Take advantage of the latest AI technology with your data.
A cohesive set of guidelines, patterns, and assets for a consistent, user-centered design.
Design System Overview
The Insites design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards.
Component Hierarchy
Learn how to customize components and how to structure your designs so they inherit attributes.
Font Icons
A full suite of font icons to use across your project within menus, buttons and quick links.
Color Styles
Figma color styles represent variables for Insites components, enabling quick customization.
Build blazing-fast, consistent user interfaces with our web component library.
General
A wide variety or general use components such as buttons, carousel, gallery, headings, and loaders.
Layout
Useful layout components such as an accordion, backdrop, drawer, headers, modals, and more.
Data Entry
Collect data with components that include card select, checkbox, inputs, sliders, and editors.
Data Display
Create engaging interfaces with components such as Kanban boards, charts, tables, and timelines.
Tutorials, references, and examples on how to build modern web applications on Insites.
Development
Covers key topics for setting up and maintaining web applications on Insites.
Modules
Modules enable code reuse and sharing while protecting creators' intellectual property.
Pages and Layouts
Learn how to implement pages and rendering content on your Instance.
Databases and Users
Discover how to create custom data models, import/export data and manage users.
The Insites CLI Tool helps you deploy configuration
files and assets to your Insites Instance.
Get Started
Guides you through the requirements and steps to install and start using the Insites CLI Tool.
Commands and Options
Learn the commands and options for managing configurations in the Insites CLI.
Graphical User Interface
Discover how using the GUI can enhance your workflow by simplifying complex processes.
Code Linting
Automatically check your codebase for programmatic and stylistic errors when deploying.
GraphQL
A data query and manipulation language that allows you to specify the data you require.
Liquid
Liquid is a template language for creating dynamic pages, content and configurations.
API Docs
Learn about the functionalities and structure of the inbuilt API Endpoints of your instance.
Web Applications
Discover how to create your web application with step by step guides and helpful examples.
Your command center to manage instances, permissions and billing.
Instances
An Instance is a virtual server that stores data and runs your application code.
Marketplace
Hosts applications, tools, and various files that you can download and install into an Instance.
Partners
Partners are experts in designing, building, and maintaining apps on Insites.
Support
Contact Insites Support for bugs, feature requests, and software development help.
Instantly available virtual server with built-in
features for your entire team.
CRM
CRM helps manage relationships with customers, suppliers, and third parties efficiently.
Assets
Insites enables you to upload and manage files such as images, and documents using Assets.
CMS
Manage your application content with ease via no-code builders.
Forms
Creating forms for users to input data into the system.
Pipelines
Your instance includes 'Pipelines' to manage opportunities by creating relevant stages.
Permissions
Manage user permissions and security for your application.
Data
Insites lets users view, create, and manage databases and content via the Instance Admin.
Ecommerce
The Insites Ecommerce module provides complete management of ecommerce activities.
Locator
The Locator lets you integrate your instance with Google Maps and customize it as you wish.
Events
Insites Events lets you manage schedules, tickets, and sponsorship on your instance.
API
Integrate with any tool or platform with bespoke Endpoints.
AI alpha
Take advantage of the latest AI technology with your data.
A cohesive set of guidelines, patterns, and assets for a consistent, user-centered design.
Design System Overview
The Insites design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards.
Component Hierarchy
Learn how to customize components and how to structure your designs so they inherit attributes.
Font Icons
A full suite of font icons to use across your project within menus, buttons and quick links.
Color Styles
Figma color styles represent variables for Insites components, enabling quick customization.
Build blazing-fast, consistent user interfaces with our web component library.
General
A wide variety or general use components such as buttons, carousel, gallery, headings, and loaders.
Layout
Useful layout components such as an accordion, backdrop, drawer, headers, modals, and more.
Data Entry
Collect data with components that include card select, checkbox, inputs, sliders, and editors.
Data Display
Create engaging interfaces with components such as Kanban boards, charts, tables, and timelines.
Tutorials, references, and examples on how to build modern web applications on Insites.
Development
Covers key topics for setting up and maintaining web applications on Insites.
Modules
Modules enable code reuse and sharing while protecting creators' intellectual property.
Pages and Layouts
Learn how to implement pages and rendering content on your Instance.
Databases and Users
Discover how to create custom data models, import/export data and manage users.
The Insites CLI Tool helps you deploy configuration
files and assets to your Insites Instance.
Get Started
Guides you through the requirements and steps to install and start using the Insites CLI Tool.
Commands and Options
Learn the commands and options for managing configurations in the Insites CLI.
Graphical User Interface
Discover how using the GUI can enhance your workflow by simplifying complex processes.
Code Linting
Automatically check your codebase for programmatic and stylistic errors when deploying.
GraphQL
A data query and manipulation language that allows you to specify the data you require.
Liquid
Liquid is a template language for creating dynamic pages, content and configurations.
API Docs
Learn about the functionalities and structure of the inbuilt API Endpoints of your instance.
Web Applications
Discover how to create your web application with step by step guides and helpful examples.
This article focuses on optimizing bitmaps for web properties and offers an overview of the steps involved in preparing images. Although it doesn't go into exhaustive details, it aims to share valuable experience and provide resource links to help you make the most of this knowledge.
One common issue in web development is dealing with heavy images that require significant downloading and rendering time. This results in increased data usage for mobile users and leads to longer waiting times, impeding users from quickly accessing the desired content on a webpage. On average, images account for around 60% of the total page weight, and as websites continue to expand, network speeds struggle to keep pace, particularly on mobile devices. Downloading and rendering images consume valuable time, while displaying large images on the screen further impacts memory usage.
Between 2011 and 2019, the median resource weight increased from ~100KB to ~400KB for desktop and ~50KB to ~350KB for mobile. While Image size has increased from ~250KB to ~900KB on desktop and ~100KB to ~850KB on mobile.
Source: MDN web docs - Lazy loading
When optimising images, your goal is to strike a balance between minimising file size and meeting user expectations. However, determining what users will accept is subjective, requiring you to make decisions based on trade-offs. It would help if you weighed the advantages of faster load times and reduced bandwidth costs against the desire for visually appealing images. To make informed choices, consider why users visit your website and prioritise or deprioritise image quality accordingly.
Users tend to tolerate more quality degradation for purely decorative images such as backgrounds since they are not crucial content. While visually pleasing images are beneficial, ensuring they do not hinder webpage performance is equally important. Assessing the risk-to-reward ratio is crucial, and decisions regarding image quality should be made on a case-by-case basis.
On the other hand, when it comes to product photos, personal photographs (e.g., for photographers), or significant images that play a pivotal role on a page, it may be prudent to maintain image quality closer to the original, even when using lossy compression. These images represent crucial content that showcases products, tells a story, or aids in sales, making it essential to preserve their visual integrity.
This article focuses on raster images. However, it's important to note that if you have the vector source of an image, it is recommended to use SVG. SVG can be an excellent format for non-photographic images with fewer colours.
Now, let's explore the remaining bitmap formats:
Please remember that user experience and compatibility should be key factors when selecting image formats for your web application.
It's important to note that multiple images require additional HTML and CSS code involvement. Learn how to implement multiple images based on screen size by referring to the resources provided for further reading at the end of this article.
In web development, many websites still rely on image formats invented over 20 years ago. However, this doesn't mean you can't make these images smaller. Algorithms such as
You can employ three different methods for compressing images, depending on specific project requirements, the frequency of compression, and the level of image quality desired:
Setting the progressive attribute to
For further information on progressive JPEGs, you can refer to the following resources:
To optimise webpage loading times and improve user experience, it is advisable to implement lazy loading for images that appear below the fold. This technique ensures that images are only loaded when they are about to come into view, conserving valuable network resources.
If you're uncertain which images are suitable for lazy loading, a general guideline is to consider images below a specific threshold. For instance, measuring 1280px from the top of the page can be a reliable indicator for determining which images can be safely lazy-loaded.
To further enhance the loading experience, you can utilise image placeholders during the loading phase. You can create a smoother loading transition by displaying placeholders and updating the image source to the actual source. While this technique is not primarily intended for performance improvement, it can contribute to a better user experience, particularly for Single Page Applications. A prominent example of this approach is observed on platforms like YouTube.
For more information on implementing lazy loading and exploring additional strategies, please refer to resources that provide insights on built-in lazy loading techniques.
As an example, download an example set of images (only JPEG) from a live webpage, save two copies, then run two tools on them -
The original set of images is exactly 7,514,494 bytes.
We then measure the time they took to compress the images and use relatively the same settings (quality 80).
Sharp result:
imageoptim result:
When utilising the
While sharp demonstrates faster performance, it should be noted that the resulting output images may be larger in size. On the other hand, Imageoptim excels in compressing images, but the compression process is comparatively slower, almost ten times as long. Based on our experience, we recommend using Imageoptim for one-time optimisation tasks, such as optimising header images, logos, or team photos. We suggest using sharp for images that require synchronous uploading and demand a quick response time.
It is important to acknowledge that no automated image compression method is perfect. However, modern compressors employ advanced metrics like DSSIM (Structural Similarity Index) to ensure compression is as transparent and visually pleasing as possible to human viewers. Automated compression techniques are preferred for scenarios involving frequent image compression (more than one image per week) or projects lacking a dedicated developer for manual compression.
To assist you in optimising image files, please refer to the following resources:
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