Floating Web Page Graphics

However, as the Internet has become more common in our lives, so too has the sophistication of how it looks and works. Web design has become a whole lot more complex than it ever used to be. Content has become that much more important. In addition, the “look” of a website has become more crucial to attracting the viewer. The layout of websites on the Internet incorporating floating web page graphics is something that has given the Internet a magazine-type appeal in recent times.

An Explanation of Floating Web Page Graphics

When graphics are present, there are several different ways they can be seen, which are directly related to the way they are inserted into the pages. One type of web graphic is called an “inline” graphic. Essentially, this type of graphic is one where the text wraps around a rectangular “border,” thus keeping the text away from the image on the page. It is wrapped in such a way as to appear “square” to the image, regardless of the shape of the actual image.

In contrast, a floating graphic is one where the text wraps around the shape of the image itself, including all curves and angles. This style of presentation makes the page appear more like a magazine article than a generic web page. It makes the text more dynamic, as well as giving the look of the website a better flow, with the text and the image becoming more cohesive, as opposed to an inline graphic where the image breaks up the text and tends to stand out.

Reasons for Including Floating Graphics

In terms of design and aesthetics, floating web page graphics offer dynamism to a page that wouldn’t exist with an inline graphic. If the content of a web page is of a serious tone, or contains informative content written in a “dry” manner, then an inline graphic might be the best option. Examples of such an inline graphic might include:

• Informational sidebar
• Testimonial
• Quotation
• List of things or resources related to the content topic

Floating web page graphics, on the other hand, are best for informative, yet light-hearted content. Types of websites that might gain some advantage by using floating graphics are:

• Websites aimed at teenagers
• Music websites
• Design websites
• Magazine websites

Generally, business-like websites with officious appearances will probably stick with inline graphics. However, those websites that want to portray a more contemporary “feel” might be best served with floating web page graphics on their websites.

Resources for Floating Graphics

Floating graphics are often made using transparent “GIF’s”. A “GIF” is a “Graphic Interface File.” It is a type of image used in web design. A transparent GIF is an image file where the background of the image is transparent, and therefore the edges of the image conform to the shape of the image itself, rather than having a rectangular background surrounding the image. It is also possible to place the image behind the text and use “wrap points” to edit the text around the shape of the image itself. This is a more complicated route, though. The most efficient method is to use a transparent GIF and let the text wrap naturally around the contours of the image with a tight wrap.

There are many resources available on the Internet where transparent GIF’s can be found and downloaded. Some examples are:

• Creating Online
• Clipart.com
• Feeble Minds

Any decent graphics software package, such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro will also have features that enable the creation of transparent GIF’s. Whichever option is chosen, utilizing transparent GIF’s to create floating web graphics is one way of making any website look a lot more dynamic and modern.