How to Learn Web Design for Free
It's always best to learn web design at a series of accredited classes, but if you have the time and patience, you can learn how to design websites for free using a variety of online resources. In order to do this, you should have a general understanding of how sites are put together and a knack for being self-taught. Many people have learned how to do web design through online research and observing friends who do web pages.
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Instructions
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Start with a general overview of web design, including the concept of the Internet. In essence, the Internet is just a group of computers that communicate with each from all over the world. When you design websites, you are creating a resource that can be accessed by other computers. Learn more about the Internet at a website like CenterSpan (direct link under "Resources") or ThinkQuest.org.
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Get an idea of how websites are put together. A website is a like a folder of files that are arranged and displayed onscreen according to your commands. You can get a better understanding of this concept by checking out the online Knowledgebase at HooverWebDesign.com.
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Learn the different languages associated with web design. Most people use HTML (hypertext markup language) to design site. Others use more complex computer languages and scrips like Javascript, ASP, Flash and PHP to design web pages. Decide which language you want to use to design your sites and learn about how to write code at a site like W3Schools.com or DeveloperTutorials.com.
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Study up on colors, pictures, themes, style sheets and other tools that make a web site look professional. You can find information about these concepts at sites like WebsiteTips.com under "Color" or by using the Color Schemer at the Web Design for Developers site (see "Resources" for a direct link as well as a link to a full HTML color chart with corresponding codes).
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Do research on website navigation. This is a key concept that many new web designers overlook. When you design a website, you have to assure that it is easy for visitors to access what they need in a clear, simple and easily navigable format. Learn more about website navigation at sites like YourHTMLSource.com under "Accessibility" or the Web Developer's Virtual Library at WDVL.internet.com (click "Navigation").
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Tips & Warnings
Check your local library to see if there are any free or cheap web design classes being held. If you know a friend who does web design, watch him work and ask questions. The best way to become a great web designer is to jump right in, get a web hosting account and start working on a site as you learn. Keep improving, changing, and updating the site until you get the concept down.
