need a layout!

[Shawn]

Hey i was wondering if anyone could make me a layout? I would like frames, you don't have to though. I don't really care for the colors maybe black and some greys. Make this a contest! but no prize tho. hehe

P.S. This is also in the Tips and Tricks section. Don't ask me why tho :D

[Mr T.C.]

Getting a good layout is easy - steal one!

Just visit a site you like and do a screen grab. Here is Netscape.com as a large GIF file...

http://com32.com/shawn2.gif

I grabbed using the largest screen size I have. If the site re-sizes then grab in 800x600, scroll down to grab the bottom too, then stitch the two together.


Now simply use your graphics package 'lasso' to cut out the content. Use the color picker to grab the colors and fill. Have 'dither' or 'merge' turned off. In seconds you get the blank - like this...

http://com32.com/shawn3.gif

You might want to make alterations (re-size sections to make it your own). You cetainly want to end up with it on the largest screen res size - so it works for people viewing on large resolutions. Just paste it onto a 1280 x 1040 blank. Also, many basic packages will change the colors at the press of a button so you get something like this...

http://com32.com/shawn4.gif


Then simply cut the thing up and size your frames layout to suit.
Hope all is clear. I'm not around much to answer questions.

[Helen]

Steal :?: TC, shame on you :shocked:

(How come you didn't teach us this before? :lol: :cool: )

[fuhgedaboutit]

Yeah Helen, I'm with you. Imagine that...Stealing someone's hard work! lololololololololol (Inside joke. We're so hilarious.) :rotfl2:

[Flash ho]

Hi Andrew, I don't understand. Are you suggesting using the gif as a page layout to duplicate with layers or tables? Or are you suggesting using the gif as an image where you would paste your content? ( links, graphics, text ) ? If the later, you would be starting with a 93k image!!

Btw, I believe in the copyright laws! :!: If a "canned" image is required, look around for a free template, as you know there are tons.

[Shane]

...err me too, I think TC was taking the p***....

Jan's template looked cool (in the Tips & Tricks section) as do all of her templates.

Also worth a look, amongst others are friends, Elated. Free templates for non commercial use.(they call them kits or something, just to be different :shocked: s'ok they can take a joke)

http://www.elated.com/

[Mr T.C.]

Background Richard. As you guys know, a gif size is about colors used - not dimensions. Above was an example for someone who clearly cannot make a layout from scratch.

Here is one of mine (no stealing!). It's HUGE at 1260 x 1843. Complete background. A MASSIVE gif right? JUST 24.5 kb!...

http://com32.com/twirly.gif

Checkout the color table. I could design this background so the big display squares were repeated. For Frames, after cutting it up I could simply repeat this slice in my main Frame...
3.5kb...
http://com32.com/twirly2.gif

[Flash ho]

No offense Andrew, but 25k for a background IS Massive. The same thing could be done like Jan has done in her template at less than 5k. Or by using table BG's, which would be super tiny. My goal is to have a max page size of 75k ( in flash, that would be the site size, if no streaming)

But, like you said, if someone can't make one themselves, this would be one option.

Btw, I like that design. I stole it! Watch for it soon. j/k

I guess my point in all this is 2 or 3 images can be used to do this type of layout ( or use tables, would use less images), one for non rectangle shape and another rectangle shape, all resiized as needed.

Glad to see you over here!

[Helen]

:cool: There are a lot more goodies at
http://www.elated.com/ than just page kits, actually.

I always wonder why only personal sites get the free stuff!
Don't they know there are a lot of newbie biz sites that could use
some free graphics, templates, scripts, etc! :roll:

[Shane]

Yeah alot of stuff there Helen, they are a small company and charge for business sites, design is their business....their free stuff is their advertising budget :D

I'm sure they know biz sites/everyone wants free stuff but they got bills to pay too :D

Here's a free easy Javascript tool though, contains over 50 scripts easily adaptable for anyone, free for business or otherwise..go to the software link............

http://www.southeastsoft.cjb.net

On Edit:

Their own download site seems to be intermitant at best but its available from these mirror sites:

http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?10500000036190

or

http://www.simtel.net/pub/pd/59728.shtm

[Flash ho]

That is because the internet is full! Really! (inside joke)


http://theflashho.com/mtn_treetops_sm.jpg

[Helen]

Yeah, we've overpopulated the earth, now cyberspace... where do we go next?
:crazy: :rotfl2:

That looks like a neat wizzard for the Idea Bank... gotta learn how to use it next! :D

[Shane]

I was reading about South Korea :shocked: :shocked: the other day,

Good Points:
100% Broadband coverage backed by the Government their, home cinemas 1/4 the price of here (England). Everyone takes bribes. (especially the football team....on edit nope they bribe match officials, got it the wrong way round)
Houses are cheap.
Dogs don't bite you they run away.

Not sure if Good points:
Women do what they're told :shocked: ducks & hides :D :D :D
They eat dogs.
Houses are made of paper.
(& everyone smokes in bed)

[Flash ho]

No wonder the dogs run away, they are afaid of getting biten, then eaten. :chainsaw: