The tag also supports many file types:

How I Used CFXImage
I recently completed an application that allows a Motorola Computer Group Embedded Connections Partner to upload a company logo and other company information (see Figure 1). Even though I provided guidelines for submission (including image size and type), I found that many users submitted incorrect image sizes and formats, creating an oversized and unattractive Web page.

After weeks of painstakingly fixing the images, I found a solution using CFXImage. CFXImage provides the functionality to resize and convert image formats as well as basically manipulate almost any image to your liking.

Implementing CFXImage into my code was as painless as installing the custom tag on a ColdFusion Server. I first call the custom tag to read all the file attributes of the uploaded file through the READ action:

<CFIF #UploadedFile# NEQ ''>

<CFX_Image FILE="#UploadedFile#" ACTION="READ">

Next, in Listing 1 I check if the image is already in GIF format. I also check if the image width is greater than 300 pixels. If both cases are true, the image is resized to a width of 300 pixels through the RESIZE action. If an image is the correct size and format, it's copied to the directory through the COPY action.

To produce a sharper 8-bit image, set the BITCOUNT to 24. This allows the image to be proportionately resized back to 8 bits before it's saved back to a GIF format. Using this method, an 8-bit image will have increased colors resulting in a sharper output around the edges. However, this method doesn't work well with transparent images.

Last, in Listing 2 a size check is performed on an image in the wrong format. The image is then converted into GIF format through the CONVERT action and resized through the RESIZE action if it's too large.

Notice how easy the syntax is to convert an image into another format. Basically, it's a matter of making the file extension in the OUTPUT path the desired format and specifying an image type. You can use several different formats, such as GIF, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and PNG.

That's it. The images on Motorola Computer Group's Partner Web pages are now automatically controlled upon upload. As a result, the pages download faster and look cleaner, which can mean increased traffic throughout the site. Customers can spend more time viewing images on your site rather than checking their e-mail while your graphics load. The difficult task of resizing and converting files is just the tip of the iceberg for CFXImage. I encourage you to explore the options in this custom tag and see what it has to offer your site.