This is a bit OT so move this if you like but I have a problem with gradient backgrounds. I don't get them smooth at all. They are all fine in Photoshop but when I export them to web the gradient is jagged. What settings/method do you people use when you save the background gradient to jpg?

Split ya off

You have to be careful that you have the angle to point directly horizontal or vertical. When making gradients, I always have very thin images 1-5 px max and save them as high quality jpeg images with optimise selected and quality greater than 60.

The images are never more than 1kb so the higher quality doesn't cost bandwidth.

The gradient is directly vertical and I've saved them using as high quality as I can get, still jagged.

How big is the image? Are you saving it at a different size when you save it? This would cause it to go jagged -- as happens when bitmaps are shrunk.

Also, what method do you use to apply the gradient?

I'll have to try some things when I get back home to see if I can solve it. I'm not changing the size and I'm using the gradient tool to apply it. I'll get back to this if I can't solve it.

When you say jagged, you do you mean the gradient (dark to light) is jagged or where the gradients meet (when being repeated with CSS). Could you post the gradient image?

I mean the gradient. I'll post the image later today if I don't manage to get it right.

The only thing I can think of is that your gradient slice has picked up another graphical element, try disabling other layers when making the slice. Or the gradient you have made isn't straight. To get it straight hold shift when dragging the gradient.

I've done the gradient using shift so it should be straight. I'll try few things today to fix it but if I can't, I'll let you know.

Have you a link to your site?

No link, I'll post the image if I don't manage to fix it.

I just made a nice gradient header. The gradient goes horizontal. My image is 1x108 and I saved it as .png. I read .png is the best for backgrounds. The quality is better then .gif or jpeg.

I made the gradient in a bigger image, once I had it the way I like it. I copied the layer style and paste it in my 1x108 image.

I had started another thread for background stripes, you should check it. A lot of great tips.

i agree with the hole "png is better for backgrounds" thing i allways use pngs for gradient backgrounds cos with jpgs sometimes the colours "block up" so i get like fat strips of one solid colour and it doesnt fade properly try it and see what u come out with

PNG - is the best format for sharing web graphics in general, but mostly used for backgrounds.
Depending on the colors used and how the gradient clashes, the scheme might not be able to be exported. I herd of 2 attempts with gradients have been straight then appear jagged. Another thing is depending if there is an overlay or if you do any extra effects, it may conflict when saving/exporting.

I though I was the only one with such a experience!