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The Open Source Web Design Toolbox: 100 Web Design Template Sources, Tools and Resources

Wed, 3 Jul 2008 07:26:32 GMT

posted by tycity

The open source model has, over the last 20 years, proven that collaborative development is one of the best ways to incorporate the newest ideas and latest concepts into design.

In fact, the open source model, which began with programmers, has been so successful that it is currently being applied in government, media, education and private business. But despite these new applications, the unique combination of the open source model with the universalism of web design remains one of the ideal applications of open source. This pervasiveness of the open source spirit in web design now means that you can use open source software to design both graphics and your CSS and HTML, and you can also use the dozens of reliable open source code resources or thousands of web design templates to base your own designs on. In this article we highlight 100 open source web design templates, resources, and tools.

The Best Directories of Free Open Source Web Design Templates

There are tons of free design template directories on the net, but sorting through all of them can be a very tedious process. Instead, we suggest that you start with these four, which we consider to be the best free open source design template directories online.

OSWD: Over 2,000 of the best freebie web design templates. Also allows for search capability by color, contrast, validation, and other categories.
OpenWebDesign:A large and active community of individuals who share free web design templates. Includes regular design contests and a sub-category of most popular designs to speed up your search.
Open Designs: Headed by a non-profit board, the open design community has almost 600 designs which have been vetted and moderated by the community’s volunteer board. Also includes a relatively active forum where designers can share tips and resources.
CSS Tinderbox: CSS Tinderbox prevents you from having to “reinvent the wheel” by providing very basic, yet solid, CSS/XHTML design templates from which you can build off of.

Open Source Web Design Programs

Why pay for software if you can find it free? Usually, the answer is that the free stuff just plain isn’t any good. You won’t find that to be the case with the open source web design software programs in this section, however, which are all the best of the best.

Nvu: An open-source web authoring system to rival FrontPage and Dreamweaver. (Linux, Windows, and Mac)
Cssed: A CSS editor featuring auto completion, syntax highlighting and validation. (C, C++) (Linux)
Quanta Plus: A top-notch HTML editor and web development for the K Desktop Environment.
Bluefish: An HTML editor for programmers written using GTK, designed to save the experienced webmaster some keystrokes. (C) (GNU/Linux, Unix)
GIMPShop: The open source replacement for Photoshop. (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Inkscape: The vector graphics application which may spell the end for Adobe Illustrator.

Complete Web Design Templates

If you want to get off the ground with your website quickly, then you may want a complete template that requires minimal tweaking. In this section we highlight some of the best complete template resources on the web. These templates include not only the CSS, but also the (X)HTML and in some cases the graphic files to get your site up as fast as possible.

TemplateNavigator: The largest catalogue of free website and flash templates, along with quality preview shots.
TemplateBox: Over 300 freebie website, logo, banner, and flash templates to complement their collection of paid offerings.
Template Monster: A small but very high-quality set of web, flash, and blog templates.
Art for the Web: 75 freebie templates. Pretty good place to look if you’re looking for something slightly out of the ordinary.
Free CSS Templates: A 206 template strong resource which is frequently updated with new submissions.
Effex-Media: Free website templates designed by designers, this massive list is categorized by website type and includes user reviews of many of the templates.
DotcomWebDesign: Hundreds of free templates, some of which are really top-notch. However, the categorization is a little arbitrary so be ready to spend some time manually searching.
Themebot Design Templates: This site has some design templates, but not very many. There is a good amount of free themes.
Groovy Lizard: Personal page templates (commercial use must buy a license)
Interspire: Freebie web, Frontpage and Dreamweaver templates
Joyful Heart Designs: Personal page templates generally with floral designs.
OpenSourceTemplates: Free CSS and xhtml open source website templates and Web 2.0 designs.
Ricky’s Web Templates: 50+ freebie templates, graphics, and buttons.
Free CSS Templates: A dozen full-featured fully functional CSS based templates.
FreekTemplates.com: A collection of business, cars and bikes, and hosting templates.
Template Perfection: 200+ freebie templates with quite a few non-english oriented templates.
TemplateWorkz: 48 freebie web templates, along with some basic logo and newsletter templates.
Zymic: 80 freebie templates (HTML Pages + CSS + Images + PSD Files + Blank Images Files).
OpenSourceTemplates: A community-driven CSS and xhtml open source template design showcase.
Freelayouts: HTML and Flash templates.
FreeCSSTemplates.org: Over 100 freebie CSS templates.
Free Layouts: Complete list of hundreds of HTML, flash, and CSS templates.
Free Templates Online: Dozens of easily customizable templates categorized by theme.
Free Website Templates: A large collection of templates that don’t require a reciprocal link.
Six-Shooter Media: Free CSS and xhtml open source templates.
Free Flash Template: Web templates and intros with tons of special features.
Layouts4Free.com: Free web layouts with search capability.
Solucija: Free XHTML / CSS website templates already setup and sorted by commercial use.
MasterTemplates: Professionally designed free website layouts along with PowerPoint templates.
TemplateWorld: Free, tableless, W3C-compliant web design layouts designed by Template World designers.
Painted Pixels: Free web page templates, buttons, and background tiles for non-commercial use.
CSSFill: A selection of CSS / XHTML based layouts and templates by Michael Strand.
ThemesBase: Templates organized by popular content management, blogging and forum systems.
Arcsin Design Templates: 22 Freebie XTML and CSS Templates
Snakeye Web Templates: 20 templates with a focus on Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
Steve’s Templates: Dozens of templates, free with link back.
GordonMac.com: Free CSS templates along with some freebie PHP scripts.
Web Design Helper: Full page templates including the graphics and code.
Webmaster Resources: 25 free web templates.

CSS Layouts

If you’re looking for the freedom to create something entirely original but just want some of the basic layout taken care of, this section is for you. The templates below are pure CSS, leaving you a clean slate from which you can add the design, graphics, and text as you see fit.

Layout Gala: 40 CSS tri-color layouts to help you pick a format.
AndreasVilkund.com: Free Templates by designer Andreas Viklund.
CSS Template Directory: A collection of CSS formatted page templates, developed and distributed by different designers.
BenMeadowcroft.com: Top-notch web design templates by Ben Meadowcroft, mixed in with a few spoof pages and experimentation.
Mollio: A set of basic CSS templates that that also have some sample basic content to speed things along.
Real World Style: CSS layouts organized by format type.
Little Boxes: CSS template arrangements with quickly accessible code.
The Layout Reservoir: Simple, straightforward, and manipulable 2 and 3 column layouts.
Protagonist Web Resources: A list of 43 tableless layouts to go along with the other protagonist resources.
Glish: CSS Layout Techniques by Eric Costello which have been stripped down to the bare essentials.
FU2K: CSS layouts designed for Netscape 4 compatibility.
Position is Everything: Tableless design resource with CSS bug workarounds.
ThreeColumnLayouts: The ultimate 3 column layout resource list.
ssi-developer: Two column CSS template samples with recommendations.
MIS Web Design: Fancy Paragraphs with CSS.
Ruthsarian Layouts: Freebie-CSS layouts ranging from basic to complex arrangements.
A List Apart: CSS: Practical CSS Layout Tips, Tricks and Techniques
Code-Sucks.com: Creating 1, 2, 3, and 4 column layouts.
Particle Tree: Dynamic resolution dependent layouts.
Project Seven: Fluid CSS Layouts
MyCelly: A collection of 16 basic layout templates.
Ideas: 12 free CSS templates.
CSS Library: Dynamic drive’s tableless CSS layouts.
IntensiveStation: A collection of all new basic CSS templates.
IronMyers: A collection of layouts with full Grade-A browser support for IE6, IE7, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and more.
The CSS Playground: Cutting edge CSS demos by Stu Nicholls’
Wordpress Theme Viewer: Collection of searchable themes organized by columns, colors, rounded corners, and other categories.
Fluid 2-Column Template: A fully usable “fluid” template, meaning that the design expands and contracts with the window size.
Avinash 2.0: 12 Free CSS Templates

Automated CSS Tools and Generators

This set of resources isn’t for those that want to create something entirely unique. But if you aren’t a strong coder and just want to get the job done, these automated CSS code tools will let you create CSS at the push of a button.

CSS Creator: Select the form colors, number of columns, html version, and press a button. Presto, a CSS template for your page.
Inknoise: The layout-o-matic: fill out the form and out pops your CSS.
Strange Banana: Simply refresh the template generator until you get the style you like, then save the page which has your CSS embedded in the header.
Nidahas: A CSS-based form template.
Maketemplate: A PHP - HTML - CSS template generator for two column layouts.
IBDjohn: CSS template generator for three column layouts.
TemplatR: Another easy CSS template generator.
PsycHo: Your own psychogenesis, your own web design template.
Firdamatic: Tableless 2 or 3 column layout generator.
Wordpress Theme Generator: Online generator creates custom unique Wordpress themes.

Blog Themes and Templates

Designing blogs has become so popular as a subset of web design that we thought they deserved their own separate section. In this section, we highlight some of the best open source weblog template sources.

SmashingMagazine: 83 Beautiful Wordpress Themes You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
Kaushal Sheth: Elegant WordPress themes.
ErraticWisdom: Textpattern templates
Scribez: 10 Best Wordpress Templates.
pinkdesign: Free diary / blog templates
Textgarden.org: The official site for themes designed for Textpattern.
Blogger Templates: A collection of Blogger templates on a wide variety of themes.
Blogfashions: A collection of free Movable Type compatible blog templates.
FinalSense: High-quality templates for Blogger.
WP Themes: WordPress themes all designed by Sadish Bala.
Drupal Theme Garden: Showcase of themes available for Drupal 4.7x and Drupal 5.x.
Weblog Design: A small number of high-quality weblog templates.

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New kid on the block.

Wed, 6 Nov 2008 21:35:53 GMT

posted by mStudios

Flickr

Alabama Web Design

Tue, 15 Oct 2008 22:32:34 GMT

posted by alabamawebdesign

Reno Web Design - Top Things to Consider When Selecting a Professional RenoWeb Design Firm

One of the most effective growth strategies for any business is reaching new customers. And what is the highly recommended way to market your enterprise and reach these new customers? Creating a web site, naturally. Once you know the kind of web site your business needs, you’ll have to select a web design firm. There are some key factors that you must consider when selecting a professional Reno web design firm.

First-rate Customer Service

There is a old marketing sayingthat states that, “The customer always comes first”. This couldn’t be more accurate for web design. You are investing good money for a web site that will present your company to the world. You are relying on this web site to expand your business and increase your revenues. You ought to make sure the Reno web design firm you select provides top-quality customer service. They should be accessible to clients, to answer questions, clear up doubts, or simply just be there for you.

Consider, as well, the types of services provided. Designing a web site involves more than just delivering an attractive page. The firm you hire should be able to respect your marketing message, what you wish to achieve with your web site. They should understand your demographics and design the site accordingly. They should have experience keyword research. Why invest in a web site if there will be very little traffic? A serious Reno web design firm should be able to provide these services.

Competitive Prices

You could be tempted to hire the least expensive rate, but heed this warning: you get what you pay for. A professional Reno web design firm will offer competitive rates, but never the lowest prices. Top quality has its price, and if you’re relying on your new web site to grow your business, the investment will be well worth it.

Estimated Completion Time

Another essential factor to consider when choosing a professional Renoweb design firm is what their estimated delivery date could be. With the amount of individuals conducting business online, it is recommended that your web site is ready to be launched as soon as possible. If you establish a realistic deadline, a professional web design firm will be able to not only deliver on time, but also deliver a web page that is exactly what you ordered to accompany you on the road to success.

To sum up, there are a great many Reno web design firms to choose from, but if you take into account the points mentioned above, you’ll no doubt make the right choice.

www.TheOutSourcingCompany.com - Alabama Web Design

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Alabama Web Site Development

Thu, 17 Oct 2008 19:47:14 GMT

posted by alabamawebsitedevelo

Memphis Web Site Development- Essential Points to Take Into Consideration When Hiring a Professional MemphisWeb Site Development Service

One of the most effective growth strategies for any endeavor is reaching new customers. And what is the most popular way to market your business and reach these new customers? Creating a web site, naturally. Once you know the kind of web site will be most effective, you’ll have to seek a web design service. There are some important aspects that you’ll have to contemplate when hiring a professional Memphis web site development service.

Superior Customer Service

There is a old marketing proverbthat states that, “The customer always comes first”. This especially so for web site development. You are going to pay good money for a web site that will present your company to the world. You are relying on this web site to expand your business and increase your earnings. You ought to make sure the Memphis web site development service you hire provides first-rate customer service. They should be readily available to customers, to answer questions, clear up doubts, or simply just be there for you.

Contemplate, as well, the types of services provided. Creating a web site involves more than just the graphics design. The service you select should be able to convey your marketing message, what you desire to achieve with your web site. They should understand your demographics and plan the site accordingly. They must know about keyword research. Why have a web site if very few people will see it? A top-notch Memphis web site development service should be able to deliver these services.

Competitive Prices

You may be tempted to select the least expensive rate, but be warned: you get what you pay for. A professional Memphis web site development service will offer competitive prices, but never rock-bottom prices. Quality has its price, and if you’re depending on your new web site to reach new markets, money you spend will be well worth it.

Estimated Completion Time

Another important point to think about when choosing a professional Memphisweb site development service is what their estimated completion time may be. With the amount of people conducting business online, you’ll want to make sure your web site is up and running as soon as possible. If you establish a feasible deadline, a professional web design service will be able to not only deliver on time, but also provide a web site that is exactly what you envisioned to accompany you to greater success.

In conclusion, there are a great many Memphis web site development companies to choose from, but if you consider the points mentioned above, you’ll no doubt choose the right one for you.

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Web Design Psychology

Thu, 12 Sep 2008 00:52:59 GMT

posted by jonmcnulty

Web design has come a long way over the past 5 years. With the emergence of new technologies, more bandwidth, and faster browsers, designers have had opportunities they have never had before. The emergence of new programming mediums such as video streaming, flash, silverlight, and CSS technologies have opened up new design initiatives across all web portals. With new opportunity come more choices and more possibilities to relay information to the end user. As a result of these new opportunities, web designers must decide the most efficient ways to engage the user and incorporate a meaningful design without overwhelming or taking away from the end user experience. It has become a balancing act to effectively and creatively communicate the meaning of the web site while maintaining purpose and direction.

Prior to beginning the new design of a website it is important to understand the fundamental basics behind human psychology while engaging in a media medium. An aesthetically pleasing experience is just the beginning of what is important to users. The users must be guided in a way that pulls their eyes and interest from one point to the next. By studying the basic fundamentals of eye flow in mainstream media, we can use the current data in conjunction with design to relay a message to the user. When a user initially opens a website, their eyes immediately look to the upper left corner, then across to the right, then at a 45 degree angle back to the left, and lastly across to the bottom right corner. As you can tell this creates an eye follow chart in the form of the letter “Z”. All of these eye actions are performed prior to a user scrolling down to view the remainder of the screen. A good designer will use these instinctive motions, displaying all of the more important information up top, and leave the less imperative information in the bottom portion of the browser window, also known as the “fold” point.

Once you have properly structured the content of your index, and possibly interior pages, your next goal is to properly create the atmosphere surrounding your brand, community, culture, overall attitude, and message you are trying to relay. This is very important as first impressions are everything and if the message you relay does not agree with the user, chances are they will leave and not return. The focus of a sites design is pleasing the user, so abiding to a design strategy that centers a model on the interests and character of the users is crucial. Knowing your audience, how technical they are, and how far you will need to go to keep them engaged can play a major role in the initial design of a website.

Keeping the users in mind a good web designer will extract the overall temperament of its users. Let’s look at a more famous example, MySpace vs. Facebook. Myspace clearly drives the younger of the two audiences. Their overall design is cluttered, riddles with flashing banner ads and interactive marketing campaigns. They allow users to customize their homepages, which plays to the desire of their users to differentiate themselves to all of their friends. Their design plays directly to their audience. MySpace’s users are usually teens, still discovering their own identity and looking to convey their new found individuality to the entire community. Their attention is grabbed much more efficiently through colorful, flashing, interactive ads that require little or no thinking, which is why their site is littered with them. Now, on the other hand, we have Facebook. An equally interactive website but it has a completely different design. The overall blueprint is a simple one, organization and simplicity is very present. The users of Facebook are older, more sophisticated and established. They are not looking to customize their pages with colors and wallpapers, but still want to share their pictures, experiences, and build a community. Advertising is completely integrated, with very few banner style ads being pushed to users. When you take a step back, both sites are highly successful and within a very similar industry, but both have spent countless hours learning their audience and planning accordingly. Make sure you recognize and understand your audience before engaging them.

There are many psychological aspects to creating a website and these are simply some of the larger and more important aspects. We have also posted on the psychological effects of color contained within websites. As technology continues to develop and more analytical data is gathered, there will be additional in depth studies into the minds of web users and what attracts or disengages them from particular designs.