Credits:
Eonlight Valley for using some of the words.

..:: Layouts ::..

\\ Layout Types //

There are divs, table, iframes, and pop ups. What's the difference? Different coding and the style.

You can use any image/art program to make layouts. I use the program Photoshop to make my own layouts. You can use paint too though. I highly recommend to use photoshop for making the layouts because it'll make it more attractive and more detailed.
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\\ Making the Layout //

So, First, open your Photoshop program. Make your height of around 500-700 pixels, and a width of however wide you want your layout to be. I suggest about 775 to 800 pixels. (If you're doing a stretching div layout, set it at 800px.) 800x800 might be too big but it's up to you to use it or not. Think wisely.

Now, you should have in mind what type of layout you want, and what colors you might want to use. Make a new layer. Leave your last layer/background layer completely blank and white. This layer will be a basic template to organize your banner and menus.

The original image with the width of 800px was downsized to save space.) Not too exciting still, is it? It's just plain colors though! So...let's spruce it up with some gradients. Gradients are the things that neatly fade from one color to another like gloss. If you want to put a gradient into a the menus/banner/etc., first make sure you are on the correct layer of the section, and then use the Magic Wand Tool and select the section. Keep it selected, make a gradient with the gradient tool, and draw it straightly across the section with the "marching ants", as some like to call them. (It's best not to make too much of a contrast between the colors you select for your gradient if you're using a color scheme with different shades of one color like I am in the example images.)


\\ Download + Applying //
You do want to add textures and brushes to the layout. You can download them from many graphic sites such as 'Celestial-Star' There affiliates also have great downloads. There's also many other things to download such as Renders etc.

When applying it, make sure you know where to put it or want to put it. The disclaimer? The banner? The sidebars?

When downloading, becareful sometimes because there can be a virus if you don't becareful. Usually not but ask your parents first if this is your first time downloading something.

\\ Disclaimer //
You need a disclaimer. If you don't, you'll need to make a page of it. But, you need one and it is the most important. How is it that important? Tells the people that you own the site and didn't hack it or steal it and says credits.

You might not think you need a disclaimer because nobody ever looks at it or is that important or makes your layout stands out, but, you just need it.

\\ Coding //
Coming Soon...