Sorry ahead of time, this question will probably sound dumb to those who can answer it


Im still new to making websites, I only have one up and running right now that I run for a friend. I know very little html but im great with frontpage . Ive been able to figure alot of things out on my own, and Ive been trying to figure this out on my own (I hate having to ask, it seems so much better when I figure it out on my own) but I just cant figure it out...

I see with alot of templates and nicely designed sites, that there are alot of images that are just there for looks, and make the site look way better.

For example a site like
http://www.ogaming.com/

The buttons themselves, or the tables on the left and right for polls and menus, have images at the top, and a background that matches (or its just one background image). Also, the whole page there looks like its split up into a bunch of small frames, each with backgrounds that all follow a specific theme.

What im wondering is where do these images come from? Does each web designer have to draw these or make them in photoshop on their own? or does everyone just get them from free sites and modify them (I would assume theres some kind of rules against that)?

Ive been using temples for the couple of sites ive been trying to make, and they look amazing, but the more I can do on my own the better im gonna feel when I finnally do finish one of these sites.

Thanks for any help

In good design, it makes sense to use original graphics when creating a 'look' for a website. Consider learning Photoshop and other graphics software.

Also, take note that not all of what you find on the 'net in terms of templates, graphics, buttons, etc. is really "free" and there are definitely rules about that (Copyrighted vs. royalty-free, etc.). When using non-original artwork or images make sure you aren't breaking the law, especially if you're using it for a commercial website. And if you modify an image you don't have the right to use, make sure what you come out with is so far from the original that it won't be a problem .

Photoshop is a nice piece of software to use when coming to designing websites. There are ways to design, but that is a whole other topic.

If you cannot afford Photoshop, I highly suggest looking for a piece of software called GIMP. It is free (open-source) and can do just about everything that Photoshop can do; all with out having to shell out hundreds of dollars.

When you create a design is such programs, you can cut them up into slices. This allows you to plug them into the appropriate places in your HTML tables or by using CSS. You are basically just creating a skin for your website with strategic placement of things.

Now, if I understood your question properly... I hope that I have helped you with your question(s).

Image composer which came as a second cd with FrontPage will allow you to create most anything you will need. You just have to take the time to learn how.

Thank you that was a big help, I think I understand it now. I have photoshop but im not too great with using it yet. Ill keep playing with it, and see about getting image composer also.

Originally Posted by Wonkalow

Thank you that was a big help, I think I understand it now. I have photoshop but im not too great with using it yet. Ill keep playing with it, and see about getting image composer also.

Well I have been trying to master image composer for about 5 years now.

I learn something new everytime I have to do a new trick.

Will be glad to try and help you any way I can.