Internet
Marketing Tools
Part Five Icon Basics
By Shelly Lowery
An icon is a
graphic image that represents an available function on a computer's
graphical user interface. They look like a standard image file, however,
to create an icon, you must have a special software program capable of
creating and saving an image in ICO format.
The size of an icon will vary depending on the application it is
associated with. Some will require a 16x16 pixel image and others may
require a 32x32 pixel image. In addition, the number of required colors
may be 16 or 256.
Favicon
If you're using Internet Explorer 5 or above, you've probably noticed
that some sites you've placed within your "Favorite Places" have an icon
that displays beside the link. This icon is known as a "Favicon."
Displaying a Favicon with a website can not only make it stand out among
the sites listed, but it can also build brand awareness.
A Favicon should represent your website and provide viewers with an
instant recognition of your website. This can be accomplished by using a
specific symbol or logo that defines what your website is all about.
Creating Your Icon
You can easily create a custom icon for your website that will display
within your visitors' "Favorite Places."
Your first step will be to download an icon creation program. I
recommend using a great shareware program called Icon Easel. You can
download it at the following web address:
http://www.easyapps.com
To create an icon with Icon Easel, you simply open the program and
select your icon size and color preference from the dropdown menu to
begin. Your icon will automatically be created in the preferences you
specify. Internet Explorer requires that your icon is 16x16 pixels. If
it isn't, it will be ignored.
You're now ready to begin the actual design process. The large window
that contains all the squares is your icon canvas. Each square
represents a pixel and can be edited to suit your needs. Use the tools
on the left-hand side of your screen to edit these pixels and design
your icon.
Using an Image
If you have an image that you would like to use as an icon, you can do
so in a couple of different ways. You can either copy your image and
paste it onto your icon canvas, or you can paste your image from a file.
If you're not confident in your abilities to design your own icon, using
a pre-designed image will be your best option.
Creating a Transparent Background
When designing your icon, unless your icon covers the entire canvas,
you'll want to make the background transparent. This will allow the
canvas of your icon to be transparent and enable the background to show
through.
Your first step will be to click on the "Screen" button on the
right-hand side of your screen. This will display the transparency lines
within your left color window. To add transparency to a pixel, click on
the "Flood Fill" tool (tipping paint can) on the left-hand side of your
screen and fill in the pixels you'd like to make transparent.
When you're finish with your icon, simply save your file as favicon.ico
and upload it to your server where you store your HTML files.
Associating Your Icon
Each time your visitor adds your site to their "Favorite Places,"
Internet Explorer automatically searches for your favicon.ico file and
displays it next to your site's link. You can also associate the icon
with your web page by saving the icon with a different file name other
than favicon.ico and adding the following code within your HTML between
the <HEAD> and </HEAD> tags.
<LINK REL="SHORTCUT ICON" HREF= "http://www.domain.com/icon.ico">
The URL should lead to your icon file.
Ebook Icons
In addition to creating an icon for your website, many HTML ebook
compilers will enable you to display your own product icon. This icon
will be displayed on your clients' desktop. When clicked on, it will
open your ebook.
Before creating an icon to be used with your ebook, make sure you review
your compilation software to make sure that you can include your own
icon and to get their specifications.
Creating and displaying your own icon is not as difficult as you may
think. If you follow the simple instructions above, you can create your
own icons in a matter of minutes.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web
Design Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your
Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book.
http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a
complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed
ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
There is no cost to get started as an affiliate. Sign up for free today and see for yourself.
Act Now - Click Here To Get Started!
Learn more about this free to join Internet home business
FREE
"Secrets of Internet Millionaires".
Thousands are cashing in on the Internet. So can YOU!
Our free package shows you how and includes: FREE book,
FREE audio cassette, FREE CD-ROM, 6 FREE Special Reports, and much
MORE.
Total value is over $585. No obligation so order today by
CLICKING HERE.
Get Paid For Your Opinion
Wow! Participate in online surveys from the comfort of your
own home and get paid.
Earn between $10.00 to $125.00 per hour!
Earn Money Online - Click Here
There is no cost to get started as an affiliate. Sign up for free today and see for yourself.
Act Now - Click Here To Get Started!
Learn more about this free to join Internet home business
FREE "Secrets of Internet
Millionaires".
Thousands are cashing in on the Internet. So can YOU!
Our free package shows you how and includes: FREE book,
FREE audio cassette, FREE CD-ROM, 6 FREE Special Reports,
and much MORE.
Total value is over $585. No obligation so order today by
CLICKING
HERE.
Get Paid For Your Opinion
Wow! Participate in online
surveys from the comfort of your own home and get paid.
Earn between $10.00 to $125.00 per hour!
Earn Money Online - Click Here
Internet Home Based Business Opportunity
- The Network Marketing Company
- How Do I Create Income?
- Why I Recommended This Program?
- Testimonials
- Join The Revolution!
- Why Start An Internet Home Business? Hint: Anybody Can Do It.
- Internet Home Business-Training
- Internet Home Business--Not for Free
- Health & Wellness Store
- Facts On Home Based Business
-
Wellness/Nutrition
Very Good Home Business Opportunities
Highly Recommended Resources
Get Paid For Your Opinion
Wow! Participate in online
surveys from the comfort of your own home and get paid.
Earn between $10.00 to $125.00 per hour!
Earn Money Online - Click Here
===============================
What Is Network (MLM) Marketing - Is It Legal?
Network Marketing - Home Business Opportunity
Why Start An Internet Home Business?
Internet Home Business Articles
Work At Home Business
Articles
Work
At Home
Home Business
Make Money Online
Internet
home business Resources
Internet
Home Business - Various
====================
Expending Your Knowledge, Skills and Have Fun
Business to Business
Computing and Internet
Marketing and Advertisement
Money and Employment
Home and Family
Sports and Recreation
Health and Fitness
Fun and Entertainment
Society and Culture