Did you notice how quickly this large graphic loaded? Note the need to keep the background light so that it doesn't conflict with the text. A large graphic background can be quite effective on the first page of a site, also called the Home Page or Index Page, particularly for a complex site with many sub-sections. This creates a "splash page" effect, rather like the cover of a magazine or book, which allows a visitor to choose which area he wants to see first. But in many cases, it's better to simply keep the background a solid color and use a large graphic placed in a table layout for a more controlled effect.

Lynda Weinman uses the large background graphic most effectively on her professional site.

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