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Table Of Contents
Using one file that contains a collection of images
When a template that contains lots of images is merged with a large record set, the many file
requests may slow down the process of output generation. The solution is simple: combine the
images into a single image file and display the part that holds the image. This reduces the
number of file requests and can improve the output speed significantly.
For an explanation of how to do this, see "Optimizing a template" on page814.
Styling an image
Images can be resized using the handles on the sides and the corners. They can be styled
using the Format > Image menu item or through the CSS files; see "Styling templates with
CSS files" on page467.
A number of issues related to image styling are discussed in a separate topic: Styling an image.
Just like many other elements, images can be given borders and rounded corners, they can
have inner and outer margins and they can be rotated. How to do this is described in general
formatting topics, such as "Border" on page488 and "Spacing" on page497. All general
formatting topics are listed under "Styling and formatting" on page465.
Setting an alternate text
Once an image has been inserted in the content of a template, it can have an alternate text. The
alternate text will be shown in emails and on web pages at the position of the image while the
image is loading and when the image is not found. On web pages, alternate texts are also used
for accessibility.
To set an alternative text, click the image and enter the alternate text in the Alternate text field
on the Attributes pane at the top right.
Using a CSS gradient to create an image
CSS gradients are a new type of image added in the CSS3 Image Module. CSS gradients let
you display smooth transitions between two or more specified colors, while repeating gradients
let you display patterns. This way, using images for these effects can be avoided, thereby
reducing download time and bandwidth usage. In addition, objects with gradients look better
when zoomed in a browser, and you can adjust your layout with much more flexibility.
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