At the beginning of the manual we outlined the various graphic file formats that web browsers can display. You might recall that each have certain strengths and weaknesses.  If you select your Optimization Panel and {Click} on the Export File Format drop down menu you will see the range of options that are available to you.

(Figure 14.1)

We’ll explore the various functions of the Optimization Panel as we go along. A quick review of the graphic file formats would serve to clarify the various functions of the panel.

GIF files (Graphic Interchange Format) are 8 bit graphics and, as such, have an available palette of 256 colors. However, if your image only has 3 colors than your GIF’s palette will also contain only three colors. In other words, a GIF’s palette has space for 256 colors but it will only use as many as are required.  This is one of the reasons why the format is able to create graphics that are very small in terms of file size. The limited palette makes GIF especially useful when exporting logos, illustrations, and drawings with solid colors. This format is also somewhat versatile in that it can incorporate animation, transparency and interlacing.  

Fireworks allows you to create GIF files that utilize any number of standard palettes. If you select GIF from the Export File Format drop down menu and {Click} on the "Indexed Palette" drop down menu directly below it, you will see a listing of the various palettes available to you. 

(Figure 14.2)