PSD to Wordpress Conversion

[Tracy Oliver]

As most of us know, WordPress refers to an open source blog publishing
application. Surprisingly, more sites are utilizing its ability to
function as a Content Management System for controlling and generally
managing their web content. It basically works on a template system,
and also has the ability to use add-on functions more commonly
referred to as widgets. These add-ons provide additional functionality
without having to edit any of the PHP or HTML coding. There are also
many themes, both free as well as commercial that are also available
which can be installed allowing the site owner to change the look and
feel of the site.
The question many people have asked is "What if I have a design,
either created by myself or by someone I have hired, that I want to
use on my site? How do I apply it?"
Most individuals who possess a basic knowledge of HTML and rudimentary
skills in designing and coding web layouts believe a PSD to WordPress
conversion is an easy task to do. This is not the case. Turning a
design into a WordPress theme is not as easy as a conventional PSD to
HTML conversion. It is a little more involved due to the fact that the
layout is handled mostly by CSS and not tables. Also the header, main
content and footer areas are not all contained in one file.
What does this mean to the individual with a unique design? It means
your options are very limited. One is to learn how to code a WordPress
theme yourself. Another option is to send your design to a friend or
relative who has done conversions in the past. Last but certainly not
least, is the hiring of a skilled coder or company that specializes in
PSD to WordPress conversions. Most individuals opt for the last choice
as these entities are experts at taking designs created in Photoshop,
Gimp or Adobe Illustrator and converting them into a functional
WordPress theme.
By having an expert do your conversion, you can rest assured that
every aspect of your design, including the header, content areas,
sidebars and even the footer will look exactly like the design you are
paying them to convert. The finished result will no doubt be a more
pleasant experience for your visitors. It is also worthy to note that
if the PSD to WordPress conversion is coded properly, the presentation
(graphics) will be separated from the content (information), making
your site more appealing to search engines.
When choosing a company or an individual that specializes in PSD to
WordPress conversions, make sure you ask any and all questions you may
have. Investigate what they offer. What's included? What's not? What
is free? What isn't? Charge for revisions? Asking these kinds of
questions will help you find the right company for your project.
With most PSD to WordPress conversion companies, you can get a number
of associated services included:
' Semantic HTML markup ' Valid W3C Compliant code ' Cross browser
compatibility ' Commented style sheets
And the list goes on. Keep in mind that some companies can and will
charge you for items other companies will give you for free.
Most conversion companies will ask you to upload a screenshot of your
design and also outline any and all details they need in order to give
you a proper quote for the work to be done. Once a price has been
agreed upon, you will have to email your design to the company so they
can begin the process. Once the PSD to WordPress conversion is
finished, the theme is normally uploaded to a demo server allowing you
the opportunity to see how your theme looks in a live environment.
This is also a chance for you to note any and all discrepancies you
may notice so they can be corrected as well make any requests for
changes..
Using a company that deals with PSD to WordPress conversions can be
extremely efficient and fast, saving you both time and money and
alleviating any headaches you may encounter. Probably the most
important benefit to yourself and visitors is a site that does not
look like a thousand other sites using the same free theme. Your site
will have its own unique, personalized theme.