Pixel shims are kind of a "cheat". They are a way of making space on a page by putting something "invisible" on the page.

Here's the idea.
Images take up space on a page,
so we'll just insert an image that is just a big chunk of white space.
.....but images also require download time
.......hmmmmm.......

Here's where the pixel shim comes in.

• You create a file that is only one pixel (1x1).
• Have the color of the pixel be transparent so you can use it anywhere and it will blend into the background.
• Then you position your shim with the <IMG> like any image, but....
• Use the height and width attributes of the <IMG> tag to make it as big as the space you need, for example height="50" width="300".

The Pixel Shim will stretch to take up the space you need and help you control your layout.

1pxl.gif -- To get a transparent, one pixel graphic that you can use as a pixel shim, do the following. In Windows, right click on the 1pxl.gif link, or in Macintosh, click on the link and keep the mouse button down. You'll get a pop-up menu. Choose to "save this link" to save a copy of the 1pxl.gif file on your local computer.