How to Create a Website Template
Although there are hundreds of websites that provide templates for websites, some individuals need more flexibility and creativity. That's possible by learning how to create a website template on your own. A program like Photoshop is perfectly suited for creating a website template.
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Instructions
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1
Open a new file in Photoshop by selecting "File" and "New" on the toolbar. When the page opens, choose the file size. Although page sizes can vary, it is best to create a smaller page to be sure that everybody's computer screen will be able to see it. Set the page to a width of 750 pixels and a length of 450 pixels.
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2
Color the background of the page black. This can be done by choosing the foreground color to be black in the colors palette. Then select the paint bucket tool and click on the canvas. This will turn the background of the page black.
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3
Click on the "Add Layer" icon in the "Layers" palette to create a new layer. If this palette is not yet open, it can be opened by going to the tool bar and selecting "Windows" and "Layers." Title this layer "Copyright." Create a banner on the bottom of the page by opening the drawing a picture box about 20 pixels high and 750 pixels wide. Make the banner a different color by selecting a color on the colors palette.
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4
Draw a text box inside of the picture box. Inside of the text box, enter the text: "Copyright © 2009 (or current year) www.yourwebsitename.com. All Rights Reserved."
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Add a new layer by following the same process outlined at the beginning of step 3. Make the page a shade of gray by creating the color #808080 in the colors palette.
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6
Choose the horizontal type tool and center the box on the top of the page. Then fill the box with the title of the website.
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Create image boxes throughout the page. It is best to create about six to eight small rectangular boxes along the left side of the page. Click on each box individually and select Ctrl+D to place a photo inside of each box. If each page of the Website will follow the same template with the same photos, then it may be best to go ahead and place these photos. On the other hand, if these photos will change on each page, it may be better to simply create the website template boxes without placing the photos.
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Place text boxes and larger image boxes on the main part of the page where you will want to place text and photos or graphics. It is best to make web pages that are image-driven with text to supplement the images. Creating several medium-sized images with captions underneath them is a good option. This can be easily done by using the picture tool to draw the picture boxes and then using the text box tool to draw the text boxes underneath. Type the captions for each image into the text boxes under the photos.
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Tips & Warnings
Place borders around the boxes to improve the aesthetics of the page. The picture boxes can stand out even more if shading is placed around the box. The shading can be added by clicking on the box and then choosing image>options>shading on the toolbar.
Keep the pages simple. Adding too many images or too much text to a page simply makes the page difficult to read and less attractive to users.
