Web Page Design Overview (Page 1 of 5 )
This introductory-level article provides checklists to help with planning a new website. Tips include the effect background colors can have on site visitors and page length considerations such as using shorter pages to break up text by topic or using longer page lengths for ease of printing.
Designing a web page is a creative process. The page gives you the opportunity to express yourself or convey information using an interesting array of options including text, graphics, photos, video, sound, and animation.
Like most creative endeavors, however, the process is not linear or step-by-step. Therefore, it's best to understand the elements necessary to create a page and then find the way that works best for you.
Your page will change many times as your idea evolves into the final product. To begin, don't be afraid to keep it simple. Create a page with just text and a graphic to get a feel for how it all works.
So how to start?
Pick a Starting Point
So where do you begin? It is best to begin by planning and exploring. See web options in action by browsing the web and looking at what others have done.
Once you have an idea for the page you would like to create, you can get down to work and begin to create the text file that will be the foundation for your page. The text file will contain the HTML codes that make it all happen.
Having a basic understanding of how the HTML codes work is very important. Even if you use a web editor to create your page, you will, at some point, need to correct the coding or go beyond the capabilities of the editor to customize your page. If you know how the codes work, the task won't seem so daunting.
Evaluate your Progress
Check the progress of your page as you go along by saving the file and then opening it in a web browser, such as Netscape. You don't have to be connected to the Internet to view your page.
Using Graphics
The most memorable elements of a web page are often the graphics. In order to use graphics on your page, you must consider how to acquire them and also understand the file formats and limitations dictated by the web.
There are a number of ways to acquire graphics for your page. You can create them yourself, scan them, or buy commercial clipart. You can also copy graphics from other web pages, but this should be done only if you have permission, since most graphics on the web are under copyright protection.
Consider following methods for creating and designing your web page:
• The Process of Creating a Web Page
• Designing Your Site
Next: The Process of Creating a Web Page >>
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