E Cards

E-Cards are electronic cards usually comprised of short animations containing a message.
They are free to create and normally small in file size due to the use of the GIF format which makes them easy to distribute via Email.

Unlike conventional cards, the electronic card is completely digital and relies on a computer or device to display the animated sequence contained within. Because of this, such cards are free to create and many sites offer tools which allow for easy creation and distribution of such content with the ability to send cards instantly to anyone via an email account.

One problem that arises with use of such a format is the fact that a device must be running in order to display electronic cards so that they cannot be simply displayed like a paper card and may not be considered quite so personal due to the lack of physical content.

E-Cards can use animated content in either GIF or SWF file formats, with the later allowing for user interaction such as buttons, although the most popular simple cards will most likely use a GIF file due to reduced size and widespread compatibility across platforms.  Shock-wave flash files will allow for the integration of sound opposed to the image only limitation with GIF files which allows for more complicated designs to be used if desired including music or voice overs to animated scenes and personal messages.

An email attachment is a file embedded within an Email message and is often symbolized with a paperclip. Such files are limited to a few megabytes in size (Typically) and are often restricted to exclude .exe or binary files form being transferred due to security constraints. As E-Cards are animated sequences and are not commonly used to carry malicious information GIF and .SWF files can typically;y be attached to EMAIL messages and transferred.

http://www.jacquielawson.com/cards/birthday

The above site allows users to select pre-made E-CARDS and send them via email although no editing options are provided on the site. The cards available include interactive element such as mouse click inputs in order to make the final card more involving for the end user. Cards can be sent directly from the website providing that the user has an account.