Determining optimal background image size

[kcrossley]

Hello,

I'm designing a database that will include a custom JPEG background. This particular database will be used on an iMac that has an 800 x 600 screen resolution. The Status Area will usually be off.

I've tried to size the placed background in Photoshop but can't get the dimension correct. I know that the image can be scaled once it's placed in FileMaker but I need the scaling to be proportional and I'm having fit problems. Wide enough on the side, not deep enough.

Is there any optimal background size for a FileMaker Pro database on an 800 x 600 monitor with Status Area off? Also, can I set the window so that it's not modifiable by the user?

Thanks,

Kelly

[Tokyo-B]

I design custom interfaces for FMP db's. I use Photoshop mostly. For getting the bst screen resolution, there is a very good little utility that will give you a red border outline of the various sizes to design for. It is a Mac ustility but now I use Win2k for both mac and Win design.

Another way, is to take a full screen capture of the desktop/whole screen and use that as a guide. This will work on both plaforms.

Hope this helps a little...

Cheers,

Bill

[Tokyo-B]

Ooops! Forgot...

Try to use GIF, not JPGs for reducing file size and making sure that the colours stand a better chance of displaying on all platforms and those machines will less colour.

Do NOT scale in FMP, use a graphics program (Photoshop being my preferred choice), to reduce or scale the grahic proportionatly.