How To Get The Most From Your PSD-to-HTML/CSS Provider

August 11th 2009

PSD-to-HTML services are quite easy to deal with: you send or upload image files on a provider website, select conversion and layout options, pay through an online payment system (PayPal, Google Checkout, etc), and get a resulting markup coded. But in order to make the most of it and avoid unnecessary troubles it is better to follow some simple rules.

Properly prepare designs for uploading
1. If you have several files to convert, archive them and give that archive an understandable name, for example, “AnnSmith23June2009.zip” (i.e. “YourNameDate.zip” or “ProjectNameDate.zip”). It can be convenient for you as well, especially in case you need to check your previous orders.
2. If there are files additional to your main .psd image (e.g., custom fonts), don’t forget to send or upload them too.
3. Make sure you send or upload right files. PSD-to-HTML services are very fast, and by the moment you notice the problem with your files your markup may be ready. As a result, it could cost you some money to correct a mistake.

Design slicing, xHTML/CSS conversion requirements
1. Try to explain as accurate as possible what you want to get. Usually an order form on PSD-to-HTML websites has special subsections and items to help you with this task.
2. Nevertheless, if your requirements cannot be described in this way or you don’t have time to use it, don’t hesitate to write down your requirements in a field named like “Notes” or use other communication channels convenient for you: live chat or email.
3. If you are confused with something (”Is that option included? What is the delivery time?” etc), ASK! Sometimes even friends and relatives see things differently. So it is better to ask and to be sure that you and your provider get everything right and in the same manner.

Communication
1. DOUBLE check your email address that you state in the order form of the PSD-to-HTML service.
2. Make sure that your anti-spam filters and email servers are not too overzealous and allow the provider’s emails reach you.
3. It depends on the PSD-to-HTML company but usually they send you an order confirmation (as well as your login and password to access a client zone on their website). If you don’t receive such an email during several minutes, contact them through the order form or live chat — the reason may be a misprint in your email address.
4. Just in case give the provider’s team an alternative communication channel (mobile telephone number, instant messenger ID (Skype, MSN, ICQ), etc).
5. If time is crucial for you, specify the provider’s time zone.

If there are any doubts
1. If it is your first PSD-to-HTML project or you select a company for long-term cooperation, start from a relatively small pilot project to test the waters.
2. Check the provider’s Returns Policy, e.g., whether they offer a money-back guarantee.
3. If it is important for you, don’t hesitate to ask for NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
4. Specify whether they offer after-sale support and what it means. If the provider is confident of their work, usually the technical support is free.

Change management
1. A small addition to .psd designs may lead to large modifications in xHTML/CSS code. If the process of PSD-to-HTML conversion is in progress or finished and you change your design, be objective while estimating changes to be made in the markup.
2. Small changes are usually free.
3. But if changes are large then it is like an additional page in your order and should be paid accordingly (note: usually prices on secondary pages are up to 50% discounted).
4. If you are not sure, talk to the provider — together you will find a reasonable and mutually beneficial solution faster.

Project completion
1. Check the finished xHTML/CSS markup how it corresponds to your design and conversion requirements. If you have some remarks, ask to fix them.
2. Change access rights to your servers (passwords, logins) if you gave it to the provider’s team.
3. If you think the provider has deserved your testimonial, give it. You will support a qualified and diligent PSD-to-xHTML/CSS company in the market and help other users to get to know them.

PSD-to-HTML services are just a tool to slice and convert designs into website markups, Wordpress themes or Drupal templates. The better you know how to work with them the more you get.

About The Author
Natalia Savchenko is the CEO of HTMLcut.com, a PSD to HTML/CSS slicing and PSD to XHTML conversion company.

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The Benefits of Acquiring Website Designing Skills

February 19th 2009

With ecommerce and the use of websites to further the success of even traditional brick and mortar establishments becoming such a popular and powerful option for so many, we are also seeing a boom in the business of web design. The number of companies and establishments that can benefit from having a well-designed, user-friendly, attractive website at their disposal is growing by leaps and bounds, and as a result, so are the number of opportunities available for qualified web designers. More and more people are considering making web design their choice as to a career as a result.

An effective array of website designing skills covers many areas and web designers wind up wearing quite a few different hats at different times. They often find that an artistic eye is not all it takes to be a successful web designer. It’s also important to be an effective communicator, a good listener, an effective marketer, and an organized, prudent businessperson. (This last is especially important for those who choose to be freelance web designers.)  There are quite a few talented web designers out there that are self taught in all these and other areas. However, it is important not to underestimate the benefits attached formal schooling in regards to website designing skills, even if you are a talented and experienced designer already.

Formalized training in regards to website designing skills will ensure that you have a complete body of necessary skills at your disposal. While many self-taught designers have no problem creating beautiful websites that catch the eye and dazzle the visitor, they often miss the boat when it comes to the fundamentals of how to make that same website easy to navigate, visible to search engines or potential visitors, and completely functional in all the ways it needs to be. Proper training not only helps fill in these gaps in regards to your body of knowledge, but taking the time to acquire proper credentials can also increase your business and reputation by showing potential clients that you take your work and your education seriously.

Even seasoned web designers and designers who originally learned their trade through formal schooling can benefit from signing up for a refresher course on website designing skills. Current technology and industry-standard techniques are ever changing and making room in your schedule for further schooling can help you bring your current website designing skills up to date. This can be a big help especially if you work under contract for an outside employer and are looking to earn a promotion or qualify for a bump in salary.

While all of these benefits sound great to you and like something you would like to incorporate into your life, you may also be thinking that you don’t have the time or the extra funds to return to school to brush up on your website designing skills. However, it’s important to remember that times have changed in regards to school, too. There are many alternatives available to sit-down classroom situations in this modern age. For instance, remote learning is becoming a more and more popular option, as it is not only affordable, but also allows the busy people of today to complete course material at their own pace and on a schedule that fits in with their existing responsibilities.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be glad that you took the time to invest in your website designing skills in this way. A proper education and industry-recognized credentials open many doors when it comes to the world of professional web design, giving you an edge over the competition and paving the way for a bright future as a result.

James Copper is a writer for http://www.careerlaunch.co.uk/ciw.html where you can find information on CIW Courses

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Website Design Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

February 19th 2009

There are many reasons you may want to consider building a website. Most businesses now have websites online for their customers. You can use a website to market potential customers or to provide current costumers with ongoing information about your service or products. Most people love the idea of having a website, but are simply scared of the website design process. However, website design doesn’t have to be scary and it can actually be a lot of fun. There is simply a limitless possibility of what you can do today. As a business, you can list all of your services and information about your company. Your website is actually like an online storefront for your company.

When you are developing your website design, you have to consider that it is the face of your company. In the same way you want your office to look clean and professional, you should feel the same way about your website. Customers will judge how good a company you are by the website design you use. If you use a jumbled and messy website design, customers will quickly become frustrated and move on to someone else. You need to make sure your layout is user friendly and allows customers or visitors to move easily from one area to the next.

Another major aspect of your website design is the originality factor. You don’t want a cookie cutter website that looks just like everyone else’s. You should make sure your logo and slogan are used in your website, and that any photos you use are original for your site. You will find that many website companies now allow you to use templates to create your website design and these can be great to quickly get online. However, you will find that your creativity is severely limited and you may not be able to create what you want. The best thing to do is build a website completely from scratch and lay it out the way you feel is best.

If you are unfamiliar with building websites, you may want to go with a professional website design company. Many companies will even design your logo for you and help you come up with a tag line. These companies also have sophisticated programs that can make your web pages look completely unique when compared to other sites online. They can even include custom boxes about your products or videos made for your company. These companies often offer packages to build and maintain your website for a certain amount of time. You can have your site built and then make changes as needed throughout the term of the contract. This is often the best way to go since your products or services may change throughout the year.

In order to be successful online, you need to have a unique, user friendly, website. Having your site custom built is the best way to guarantee both aspects. The best part is that you get complete control over what is done and you say when things should be changed. With a professional company, they will allow you full input into the creative process.

For Great Web Site Quotes advice and recommendation’s visit us at http://www.completewebsolutions.co.uk

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