Before we get into the journey of how to convert a PSD file to HTML, let me tell you why the need for a PSD to HTML conversion. The main reason is to get an online presence that is worth being noted. A well coded HTML website gets you the desired traffic so that your online presence is felt across the globe. Moreover, the final results can be floated across all possible platforms and browsers, increasing its viral reach. As the codes are all W3C compliant your website gets the chance to being noticed by the Google crawlers.
Now the PSD to HTML journey has two paths – one that is manually coded and one that makes use of the PSD to HTML converter. The latter is far easier and encourages results that are obtained within minutes, whereas the former requires a lot of time and energy to arrive at the results but you could assure quality results at the end of the day. When you choose the manual method of converting PSD files to HTML you need to keep certain things in mind so as to avoid errors. Today I will introduce you to the 8 steps that are necessary to followedwhen you choose the manual coding path.
Steps for PSD to HTML Conversion
1. Start with a plan
All great work begins with an idea that when executed well brings out the best of both worlds. Know what you want and how your website should look on the online platform. This will help you in avoiding confusions at a later stage. It is best to start with a wireframe where your thoughts and ideas get a platform to be seen and felt. This is the best stage to bring any changes in the web design concept.
2. Get acquainted with the set of tools that Photoshop and HTML has to offer
Th world of technology does not remain stagnant as it moves continuously to bring in dynamism to the concept of technical inventions. This conversion process requires you to know the basic tools and concepts that enhance the front-end development process that includes PSD and HTML along with many such front-end development tools. Apart from knowing the ins and outs of the PSD and HTML, you should also be aware of the ins and outs of a web page. Also, keep in mind the growing popularity of responsive web designs as the world out there has taken to smartphones and many other devices to access the net.
3. Make sure that the PSD designs do not leave out the important criteria
When you decide to go for a PSD to HTML conversion process it becomes necessary to be well versed with the basics of both PSD as well as HTML. The layer structure, the cut-copy image features and much more that add to the functionalities of a PSD file should be well attended so that you can refrain yourself from creating a fragile base. Make yourseld aware about each and every feature and funtion of Photoshop so that you do not lag behind in creating a good design.
4. Get ready for the conversion process
After you are done with the designing aspect the next step that you need to follow is to construct a directory file that accommodates images directory for images and jsdirectory for Javascript. When you have all the things well arranged the conversion process becomes more organized and simple to carry on.
5. Slice it up
Slicing your images are yet another important step that cannot be given a miss. Slice up the images that collectively form a great design. The prominent elements of the design are sliced to make the conversion process easy.
6. Start with what you already know
Before you start with the conversion process study the different components of the image in detail so you know how to go about with the process. Widget, service, media, client, header, footer are some of the components of a web design that should be identified to initiate the conversion process. Remain attentive when you are naming the id or class because these are the names that you will be using to markup HTML.
7. Go step by step
‘Slow and steady wins the race’. Prioritize your work and accordingly make your move. Focus on each and every section separately to make the conversion process authentic. The components that have been successfully segregated should be attended to one after the other starting from the easy ones. Be careful when you are consolidating PSD file to a pixel perfect HTML code for a fully functional website.
8. Check how it works
Once you are done with the conversion process, you need to check it in all possible browser for its functionality. Look out for errors and rectify them as soon as possible. As the codes are all hand-coded it becomes easy to detect errors and rectify them. Had it been an online PSD to HTML converter it would have been as difficult as finding a needle in the hay. This is where manual coding bags the advantage.
Final Note:
PSD to HTML is a process that needs to be intricately designed and well coded so that you arrive at results that are worth cherishing. It all starts with an idea that ends with a fully functional website. Whether it’s your first conversion process or you are through with a handful of experience it is always beneficial to follow a definite process to arrive at the final results.