designing a website

[mr. Strawberry]

hi there

ok so i am ready to design the site but what i was wondering is
what is the best size header and size bar measurement in pixals
and
what is better fireworks or photoshop

[jonbanjo]

You have no control over the monitor size or resolution a visitor uses. You would be better using percentages which scale than a fixed pixel width.

[PeteA]

You have no control over the monitor size or resolution a visitor uses. You would be better using percentages which scale than a fixed pixel width.

See I disagree, I prefer using a fixed pixel width.

Most websites now are designed for 1024 width. Take away the scroll bar and the sides of the browser and your left with about 960 wide.

Personally the reason I design for fixed width is because it makes it easier to design the content.

IF you do want to do dynamic width website, what you can do is have a minimum width to your website so that the horizontal scroll bar appears. Although you have to be careful with your content.

[edit]

I prefer using photoshop over fireworks. Fireworks is easier to use, Photoshop has more functions and abilities.

[midnightray]

As Pete said design for a fixed width and assume a size based upon the lowest resolution a visitor might have. No one really designs for 800x600 so go for 1024x768.

Centre the design into the middle of the page is also becoming a standard, so people with higher resolutions just have space either side of your design.

Oh and Photoshop, found Fireworks to be annoying.

[jonbanjo]

Personally the reason I design for fixed width is because it makes it easier to design the content

It has always been easier to design for a fixed width and I'd guess others like me (in my case, having played about with fixed program layouts with things like Delphi and coming on to playing with the layouts in JBuilder) found it a bit strange doing things the other way.

Web wise, fixed widths used to lead to those unreadable for many sites with labels like "best viewed in 1020x768" sites that those that couldn't be bothered produced.

That said, perhaps I'm way out of date and given that 1024x768 will fit in most kit these days, the old issues are gone.

But I still support (and feel quite sure I will have users needing) 800x600 for information for traditional folk song.

[jonbanjo]

Offered as a point of interest. Some sites do produce 2 versions, eg.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/low

[mr. Strawberry]

ok i will design the header tonight at both them sizes and post them on here to see what you guys think.
ok thanks i will take a look at that when i get home

[PeteA]

They way you layout your code is important as well as some websites down offer a "low" version of the website so they disable styles. Which for some website really messes it up.

[mr. Strawberry]

ok in terms of headers should i use a pic of the CM storm scout or the GD65 or both

[PeteA]

Depends what your site revolves around. Personally I like to keep headers as simple as possible and let the content do the talking.

[mr. Strawberry]

well it will be a review site of components

[PeteA]

Then I wouldn't have any pictures in the title. Or if you want a picture have something that's non de-script.

Generally these days banners for sites like the one you suggested have a logo and then the rest is a search bar and menu. Generally there's no point in wasting space. Take a look at IGN, Toms Hardware, and the such like.

[jonbanjo]

well it will be a review site of components

In that case, I don't think you'd be hitting my sort of 800x600, etc. concern.

[mr. Strawberry]

i might have one viewer with a really old monitor needing an upgrade

[Naphta]

i might have one viewer with a really old monitor needing an upgrade
Design it using percentages and variable backgrounds. e.g. solid colours or dynamic pictures.

[mr. Strawberry]

ok here is my unfinished one
2 things to note
1. please point out any spelling errors
2. i will not be using the CM storm scout as i am currently designing my own version i just placed that there so you know what will be there (i u get what i mean)

[Naphta]

Providing an elite insight to components*

[chrisjb]

Nice....:)

[mr. Strawberry]

Providing an elite insight to components*
i was thinking it never looked right thank you for the help :thumbs:
+1 for the help :D


Nice....:)
i know not bad for a 16 year old :D:trophy::banana::rocker:

[jonbanjo]

Providing an elite insight to components*

To or into?

[mr. Strawberry]

i think "into" will make more sense

[Naphta]

Into, sorry :P

[mr. Strawberry]

that is ok i was thinking into when i was typeing but never put it down

[aaron333]

Insight*....

[mr. Strawberry]

already been pointed out mate :D
on a seperate note does any one know if the is a glass/reflection effect on fireworks

[mr. Strawberry]

ok second go at it and i have included my own costum image and i air brushed the red

[Naphta]

Coming from someone who is 16, and used to do imaging and will be harsh.

The render is a little lackluster, the background should be a gradient at the very least, the text needs serious work.

http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?t=10939 is all I could find back then.

[mr. Strawberry]

ok will take a look at that tomorrow after work also after a quick look i see you used photoshop and i won't have a copy of that till monday when my school give me a copy

[Recoil]

If you plan on using an image from a game. Go over to www.planetrenders.net to get some good renders of game characters etc.

R

[mr. Strawberry]

ok got my copy of photoshop now and will start playing with all the features after school :D

[Naphta]

ok got my copy of photoshop now and will start playing with all the features after school :D
Tutorials brushes etc are needed :) What copy you get?

Deviantart for brushes
Dafont for fonts

[mr. Strawberry]

i'm not sure yet i think it is CS4 or something along them lines

[Naphta]

i'm not sure yet i think it is CS4 or something along them lines
Excellent, thats the most recent copy meaning you dont need to search for more specific tutorials.

[mr. Strawberry]

ok a bit of an update for you is that i have just finished installing photoshop and will start redisigning the header

[mr. Strawberry]

ok the first one was done on fireworks and the second was done on photoshop which one is better

[mr. Strawberry]

BUMP
still looking on your views here

[Martini1991]

Take a look at designs, the way they teach photoshop is stupid.
I mean I got a B in graphics, but I think it's horrendous lol.
Albiet, prefer the second one.
Try to get some blur/fade in going on.

[mr. Strawberry]

ok will do that later

[PeterStoba]

Both look like they were done on paint to be honest. You're not going to be taken seriously with a name or a website like that...