Background Effects

I work in MS Visual InterDev and I am wondering what the best way is to create background effects that won't involve a long load time. Something simple like a solid color with a gradient effect for instance. I do have Macromedia MX as well.

Thanks!

You can use tables for this. Simply create your content in the table then choose bg and select the image you would like to use. (this is in DWMX).

To use a large background area it would be best to crop/chop the image to a size where when it tiles it it will give you the effect you want.
This should reduce your load time as you will technically only be using the small cropped image over and over again instead of a larger image to fill the space.

Hope this helps.

what also help if you slice the image and save it 60% jpeg

I absolutly hate tiled background when their not used right so make sure you offset your image by going to FILTERS>>OTHER>>OFFSET.. to make sure it looks alright when tiled.

If you want a gradient why not tile a really long 1pxX1280 image? you can do this going up and down or if you'd like going across. Since it'c only 1px wide or high it doesn't take up much space and youcan save it nicely to get a crisp gradient.

This has all been real helpful! Thanks so much!!!