Image Problems

I had 2 questions,

first I use a module that creates png images to a temp directory, no  
problems there, it save the image at 500x300

the problem comes in when I try to open said image and place it into  
the PDF document when its placed using 500x300 it actually display in  
the pdf at 100% as 600x 400 or something to that order, any Ideas why?


the second Question is there any way to make a box in API2 with  
gradient colors?

-Ben