Let's talk for a minute about background graphics. If you are using a background image, make sure that it remains a ''background''. What I mean is that the design, pattern or color should not dominate.

A visitor to your website should never notice the background first. When a background becomes more of a foreground element itself, the effect has failed.

Web-Safe Colors - If you want the vast majority of visitors to see your web pages as they appear to you, you will have to limit your graphics and text colors to what is called the safety palette or web-safe palette.

Image tags

For every image tag you have on your web pages, make sure to include the height and width attributes. This is important because as your page loads, if there are no measurements listed for the images, the rest of the page will not load until the image has been completely downloaded. If you have the size attributes, the browser knows how much space to allow and loads the rest of the page as the image is downloading.

Be sure and include the ''alt'' attribute in every image tag for those who either cannot or choose not to view graphics as they browse. The alt tag will present a name box telling the visitor about the graphic so make sure it is descriptive. Make the "alt" tag part of the content of your website. Also, search engines will be able to better index your page content when the "alt" tags are used.

Webpage graphics programs

You will need a source for graphics or be able to create your own. The flexibility of knowing how to design your own graphics is the best way to go. Great programs for creating graphics, retouching photographs, designing text and building animated gifs are, PaintShopPro or Photoshop. You can also find links to some free graphics programs in the Webmaster Toolbox.

Graphics resources

If you need a source for ready-made graphics, there are many sources online. There are websites that offer paid memberships for their graphics and there are also hundreds of sites offering free graphics. Be sure, however, to read and comply with the rules of use for any graphics you use.

Your choice of graphics should compliment the theme of your site. Remember that a theme can be as simple as color choice or a logo design and there are many examples of this on the website coolhomepages. Check out the website designs that fit your needs and learn from them.

Optimizing graphics

When creating or selecting graphics, keep in mind that you want your pages to load quickly . Web users will not wait to see what's on your website if it takes over 30-45 seconds to load and display the first page. If you have large graphics, spread them out over several pages rather than putting them all on one page or better still optimize them with your graphics program.

Failure to optimize your graphics will lead to excessively long loading times and this will cause you to lose visitors. Using small icons and pictures works well on the Internet. Large images are really not necessary. Limit the physical size of complex images and optimize the file size as well. This is best accomplished through the use of a good graphics program.

Note: make sure you include the ''alt'' attribute with every graphic so that those viewing without graphic display will know what is in that spot.

See: WYSIWYG Web Design Software - Which One is Best?

Designing Web Pages

Designing Web Pages

Designing good webpages begins with good webpage layout. So what do you want on this most important first screen?

Professional Webpage Layout

Examining the methods of professional webpage layout. The individual pages in your website must have a layout that allows the visitor to find out as much as possible about your webpage at a glance.

All About Design Principles and Elements

Basic website design elements to consider. A truly shocking number of web designers are unfamiliar with the basic principles and elements of design.

Designing your Homepage

Believe me, you want your visitors to stay as long as possible. This is the only way your site is going to succeed. Your site must be interesting, persuading, and easy to navigate.

The Best Page Layout and Design for Content Websites

To understand which layouts work you only need to look at the industry gorillas. These are the online content publishers who have been around for years, and who have tested just about every layout combination.

Writing for the Web

Writing for the Web is very different from traditional writing. The way website visitors read Web copy is unique and you must adjust your writing style to be effective.

An Easy Way to Choose Attractive Color Combinations

Lots of people struggle to come up with attractive color combinations when designing logos, banners or web sites. So, here's an easy technique that only takes a few minutes.

Professional Graphics

Graphic design is an intimidating subject for many Internet entrepreneurs. However, most of us must learn some basic design techniques to avoid the high costs of hiring a professional graphics designer.

9 Ways to Make Your Web Site Look Great

Learn how to design a website that gets attention every time. Avoid the mistakes most people making when creating their first web site. Take home some tricks that even the most advanced designers will enjoy.

Selection of Web Templates

An important part of website designing is selection of web templates. Here are a few points which will help you select the best web template for your website.

Creating a Basic Web Design Template

A "template" is simply a design format which you can apply to all (or most) of the pages in your web site.