Design Concept (continued)
by Maggi Norris
Where to Build
Finding the right server to upload your
work can be as important as the design. Some servers have high download speeds
that will make large pages load faster. Most have different capabilities in
handling file extensions. If disk space will be a factor, you will find servers
that offer anything from one page to unlimited space for prices ranging from free
to several thousand dollars a month.
There are even hosts now that offer free web space with no advertising. This is
worth considering because you will find the hosts that inject pop-up interstitial
ads on your site will create unintended drawbacks. If at all possible, I advise
finding a server that does not force you to have ads on your site.
It is very important to read the fine print of any host you may use. Some free
sites obtain the right to use any and all of your work when you
agree to their service, even though the copyright for that work belongs to you. They
have the right to use your property without any compensation to you. They have the
right to use the elements in any way they see fit. So be very careful what you
load to your site if you discover conditions for hosting.
The Design
You now have an idea what you want on your
site, where you want it to be, and how you want it to work. It is time to create the
actual design using all this information. A friend taught me an important shortcut
for getting the design right the first time.
The first thing I do is draw a crude
outline on paper. Then I use an imaging program to render that drawing on the
computer. I use the image to make the first of two templates that will help put
the final touches on a design.
In your imaging program construct a new file the size of an open browser window.
My browser uses the toolbar across the top and I view my computer at 800x600. So
I make my files 800 pixels wide by 450 high since that is the size I see in my
browser window. I use this new file to represent the area that will be my page
in a browser and it becomes my Image Template.
The Image Template
Make the background color of the template
the same color you want on your site. Place your images on the template the same
way you would want them on the page. Place your text and any other objects you
would want on the model. The result will be your main Image Template.
It should look like a screenshot of a web page. This image is an example of how I
worked out my latest design using this technique. You can use the template to build
the actual images that will go on your page. Simply crop them from the template.
Using your Image Template will help you see how to set the spacing on tables and
other HTML basics as you make your next template.
The HTML Template
After I finish the Image Template it's time
to create the HTML Template that will help me layout each page of the site. The
first thing I do is to put the colors, fonts, head tags, logo and tables in place.
Then I build the navigation system into the code. I name this page Template.html
and use it to create all the other pages.
After this, you can copy and paste the content from a text or document file into
the HTML Template and once you name it, you have a new page. Placement of images
and objects may require adjustments to the basic template, but most of the work
will already be done.
Have Fun
I hope this helps you create your own pages
and makes the job as easy as possible. No matter how you build your pages, remember
to have fun. It is important to like what you do; others will too.
Maggi Norris is the webmistress of 7 award winning sites, including her
own Ask Nem5 – Nemesis World
Index, where you can find original literature displayed with original graphics
and photography, web awards and more. Free resources for the new and advanced
webmaster include: email accounts, web and desktop graphics for personal sites,
several short tutorials, email greeting cards and an HTML help forum with a web
design software review.
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