Graphics can add interest and attractiveness to a web site, but each graphic increases the time a visitor must wait to load a page. Consult an expert to help you design attractive pages that meet the University's accessibility goals.

**Use alternate text for images and image maps. Alternate text appears when images are turned off. Example.

**Use WIDTH and HEIGHT tags when specifying graphic images. They are needed by devices that assist the disabled. They also allow people to see your text more quickly since the browser can compose the page without waiting for the entire graphic to load.

**Provide an HTML version of the links at the same level if you use image maps.

Comply with copyright law. Failing to do so puts you and the University at risk for legal action.

Consult UD Graphic Standards before choosing UD-related artwork.

**Follow the 800 x 600 resolution guide for the width of your graphics.

Use a consistent style of graphics from page to page. Repeating the same graphic devices (bullets, bars, buttons, icons) will allow subsequent pages to load faster as someone browses through your site.

Learn to scan and fine-tune your graphics.

Crop your images carefully to show essential information only.

Consider use of thumbnail images that link to a larger image.

Make a text-only version of a graphics-intensive page.

**Use buttons and HTML rather than image maps. 

Use animation sparingly; it is distracting. Use animation on top level pages only if you are an expert web designer.

Avoid "Under Construction" signs.