How to search images: example

Some easy steps that may help you searching the "appropriate" images on the web.

...to the topic

• Know what you are looking for. you looking for inspiration/ideas or are you looking for something specific.
  
• Translate what you are looking for into search criteria: (1) keywords for searching, (2) size of image required, (3) file format, (4) color and transparency, (5) possible others...
  
• Useful complements: specialized sites, snapshotting and clouding

google for keywords
I was asked to do a suggestion for a new ATN logo. It should be simplistic and catchy.
First reviewed the "graphic line of AW" (aw logo, typography, colors, etc.) and then started to look for ideas.

>google search "news logo"
>images


...and got some basic ideas.

refine search with further options



Size
Know the target size of image and earch wisely for it.

• Icon for CLN: exact 16x16 best
  
• General Image: 40x27, small images best
  
• Player Image: 100x100, small to medium images
  
• Forum images: don't make them 2 wide; I try to keep it down, using max 800 wide (or long) and trying between 400-600
  
• Maps: Look for high quality. I usually go to >lager than... and pick between 10-20 MP... sometimes even 40MP

Color
Intresting here is "transparency" (in combination with PNG format!)

Type
I don't use the google default "type" options. But:

• If you want map backgrounds then search for JPG or PNG (or, some specialized formats for image editing programs, this may even permit the option to have image with layers, excellent or further image workings; but very rare).
  
• If you want to hav an image with transparency, then search for PNG
  
• Animated images, search for GIF (and use additional search criteria: "animated")
  
• Use following "code" in search bar:

>filetype:png (the format you need)


or many times just
>png


Time
I only use if looking for images from very recent happenings, like in the last week or days.
Haven't seen any other advantage.


snapshotting and clouding
I use Lightshot as an excellent complement, for screen-shooting and saving locall or uploading images to web. Search images in google and SS them (or parts of them) via Lightshot. Image format is automatically PNG.
For locally ellaborated images I use TinyPic to upload them... but there are others.


Related topic: http://atwar-game.com/forum/topic.php?topic_id=7997
Cheers.