PNG Compression

Several new features have been added to Smart Saver's PNG compression options:

Dither Slider and Web Snap Slider: These options work with 8-bit PNGs just as they do with GIF images. Of course, there is no lossy option included with the PNG Optimizer, since PNG is, by definition, a lossless file format.

Method: Method was referred to as "Engine" in Smart Saver Pro 2.0, and was only available for GIF optimization. In Smart Saver Pro 3.0, the method / engine option is now available for both GIF and 8-bit PNG imaging. This option allows you to tell Smart Saver which color selection method (median cut or minimum variance) you would like it to use when creating an Optimized Palette.

For most images, I recommend starting with the Minimum Variance engine and then checking your file size. If the file size is too large, try switching to the Median Cut engine and examine the image quality and file size again. Median Cut will usually be the method that creates the smallest file size, but may also result in noticeable loss of color. Minimum Variance will usually produce the best color reproduction, but it tends to also increase file size a bit. One of the things I like most about Smart Saver Pro is that it gives the user these type of options. Instead of just handing you a few default settings to choose from, Smart Saver Pro allows you complete control over the optimization process.

Interface / General Program Enhancements

Smart Saver Pro 3.0 has many enhancements that you'll find quite useful regardless of whether you use Smart Saver for Optimization, Slicing, Mapping, JavaScript Rollovers, or a combination of these tasks.

Windows "Right-Click" Access: One of the first things I noticed in Smart Saver Pro 3.0 is that you can now access it from any My Computer or Explorer window that contains graphics files. This saves you the step of having to first open Smart Saver before being able to edit an image in it. It also makes it much easier to access Smart Saver's batch processing features.