- Joined
- Apr 13, 2008
- Messages
- 91
- Reaction score
- 1
Introduction:
I think I have stressed this enough, but most server's websites are, poop. I'm not going to single any out, but It's true. For those servers that do make an effort to design their own website, good job. But, for those people that just leech pages, buu!
Throughout this guide I will be telling you some photoshop techniques I use for some basic websites.
Contents:
Tools:
Photoshop Cs3
1. File Formats:
Hrm, file formats. These are probably thought of the least when it comes to designs. The file format DOES have a part in the design of your website.
PSD - Just use this as your "basic-photoshop-file-work-in-progress-format" or BPFWIPF.
PNG - You will use these when you have transparencies, or even just for the best format. Sure, they use alot of space, but it's quality that you are aiming for.
JPEG - This is probably the most used format there is. It uses the least amount of space, but it gives you one of the worst pictures, unless it's set to max quality on photoshop, by which takes up more space then the PNG format.
GIF - Just used for animations, don't use it for anything but animations.
BMP - Really, really, really, small pictures with a minimal amount of colors.
In the end, use PNG all around, please.
2. Layers:
Always, make a new layer. Even if it's just for a small button. I don't care, make a new layer. Later you can always merge two layers that are supposed to go together.
I love this effect, with a passion. It surprises me how people don't really know how to use it to get the desired effect. Here's a quick tutorial on a nice effect blur:
Not everything needs a pattern. I mean, seriously. Don't go all patterny. But, when you do decide to for say: a background, only do ones at an angle, or vertical. Never, ever use a horizontal pattern. Unless, you want your layout to look like a fatty that needs to go on a Jenny Craig diet.
5. Gradients:
Gradients, they are your friend! I use them quite a bit when I design a layout, or something like that. Always use easy colors that fade easily, I mean, don't use orange, to green or something. Use something like: Blue, to navy blue. Something in the same range. To make a straight line gradient do this:
More coming soon. I really can't think of anything else to add at the time being. If you have any questions, or if you want to know how to do something, don't be afraid to ask me.
I think I have stressed this enough, but most server's websites are, poop. I'm not going to single any out, but It's true. For those servers that do make an effort to design their own website, good job. But, for those people that just leech pages, buu!
Throughout this guide I will be telling you some photoshop techniques I use for some basic websites.
Contents:
- File Formats
- Layers
- Blur
- Patterns
- Gradients
Tools:
Photoshop Cs3
1. File Formats:
Hrm, file formats. These are probably thought of the least when it comes to designs. The file format DOES have a part in the design of your website.
PSD - Just use this as your "basic-photoshop-file-work-in-progress-format" or BPFWIPF.
PNG - You will use these when you have transparencies, or even just for the best format. Sure, they use alot of space, but it's quality that you are aiming for.
JPEG - This is probably the most used format there is. It uses the least amount of space, but it gives you one of the worst pictures, unless it's set to max quality on photoshop, by which takes up more space then the PNG format.
GIF - Just used for animations, don't use it for anything but animations.
BMP - Really, really, really, small pictures with a minimal amount of colors.
In the end, use PNG all around, please.
2. Layers:
Always, make a new layer. Even if it's just for a small button. I don't care, make a new layer. Later you can always merge two layers that are supposed to go together.
3. Blur:
I love this effect, with a passion. It surprises me how people don't really know how to use it to get the desired effect. Here's a quick tutorial on a nice effect blur:
4. Patterns:
Not everything needs a pattern. I mean, seriously. Don't go all patterny. But, when you do decide to for say: a background, only do ones at an angle, or vertical. Never, ever use a horizontal pattern. Unless, you want your layout to look like a fatty that needs to go on a Jenny Craig diet.
5. Gradients:
Gradients, they are your friend! I use them quite a bit when I design a layout, or something like that. Always use easy colors that fade easily, I mean, don't use orange, to green or something. Use something like: Blue, to navy blue. Something in the same range. To make a straight line gradient do this:
See? That was easy!
More coming soon. I really can't think of anything else to add at the time being. If you have any questions, or if you want to know how to do something, don't be afraid to ask me.
Last edited:
!
