Articles on PSD-to-HTML services

3 Options of PSD-to-HTML conversionHow To Convert PSD To HTML - The Best Option

"I speak HTML, CSS, and Javascript." Resumes containing such phrases are not rare in the Internet. But what to do if your "native" language is colors and lines? In other words, if you are a designer and need to translate your works (e.g., *.psd designs) into HTML/CSS code?

There are three main options to solve this problem:

  • Code It Yourself,
  • Use automated tools, and
  • Hire a provider of PSD-to-HTML conversion services.

And here comes another question: Which option is the best?

In fact, there is no all-purpose choice to suit every situation. Really, people and circumstances are different.

Should designers code?

PSD to HTML Scissors - Should designers code? Some of my friends-designers agree with marketing guru Tom Peters: nowadays design is one of the most essential competitive differences that can set products (and websites) apart from other commoditized rivals. A designer is becoming a central figure in website success. And she/he should be completely concentrated on design because very few people can be a universal genius like Leonardo da Vinci.

Others say that web designers should know not only the color theory or graphic techniques but also design slicing, HTML coding, content writing, SEO, and marketing. Only in this case designers will create something really effective in the present-day Internet.

For me every website element should be well-designed: website concept, its structure, graphics, layout, markup, and content. The deeper designers know respective phases and website development operations the better, because she/he can see and control the process in whole. But it doesn't mean that designers should do all the work themselves.

Which of the PSD-to-HTML options is the best when...

... HTML/CSS is easy for you or when it looks like mumbo-jumbo? When there is a long line of clients or only few orders? When you design an experimental site for yourself or an important custom work? When there is a large budget or tough times?

These situations obviously require different solutions.

So what is the recipe?

To be effective, we should be flexible. It is difficult to be a universal genius but it is possible to have a universal (or almost universal) knowledge base and manage the process.

1. Collect information: Tutorials, reviews of automated conversion tools, and lists of PSD-to-HTML providers.

To keep track of new developments, Google Alert can be of very useful assistance or just regularly visit such sites as noupe.com, designm.ag, tripwiremagazine.com, csstea.com, just to name a few.

Speaking of tutorials, gather not only the newest techniques and CSS tricks but older materials too, because they may contain gold nuggets of information.

2. Try them and make your own lists. Select tutorials, automated tools, and providers that are the most useful, efficient, and comfortable for you. It takes time but it pays off. Moreover, one day you can publish your own lists entitled "Practical Collection of PSD-to-HTML Tutorials" or "My Favorite Design-to-HTML Services."

Select several (2 or 3) providers because of:

  • Risk management considerations: if you urgently need to convert your design and the primary provider is overloaded, you will have a reserve option.
  • Providers can have strengths in different fields, for example, one is more proficient in WordPress development, others -- in Drupal or Joomla implementation.
  • Services and your requirements to them (as well as functionality of automated tools or perceived importance of tutorials) change over time.

Check out selected providers yourself. It is not out of place because what was the best for someone might be not so good for you.

3. Evaluate project circumstances: scope of work, urgency, project requirements (including W3C standards compliance, browser compatibility, semantic coding), project importance, budget, your level of HTML/CSS knowledge, and so on. Then take your lists and choose an option or their combination that is the most effective for you in this concrete situation.

Each of these options -- Do it yourself, Use automated tools or Service providers -- can be a good solution to convert PSD into HTML. But no less important is that there are different alternatives available for choice. Really, to be flexible and succeed -- that is the best option.

May 15, 2009

About The Author

Natalia Savchenko is a proficient web designer at HTMLcut.com, the leading PSD to HTML provider.

Follow us on Twitter

All copyrights and trademarks mentioned in this article are owned by their respective owners.

This article may be distributed without limitation provided the content stays intact, and the information about the author (the resource box) is attached and NOT changed, including all links.

All images in this article are copyrighted.


Read also other articles:

1. PSD-to-HTML conversion services - A new fad or a new market need?
2. 20+ Benefits of PSD-to-HTML/CSS conversion services
3. How to get the most out of PSD-to-HTML/CSS slicing services
4. Introduction to PSD to XHTML Services: Consumer Guide (e-book)
5. PSD to HTML/CSS conversion market - A year later

... or just try our PSD-to-HTML services

What are people saying?

Prev Next

It's my third order this month - two psd to xhtml/css conversions and now a WP theme. I'm definitely impressed. You guys rock!

Doug Green, USA

PERFECT! If I have anything else come up I'll be sure to send it your way again.

Mark Schneider

Excellent, thank you very much for the speedy service. Much appreciated.

Ashley

You offer a great service – saved me a fair bit of time not having to do the HTML cutting myself. I plan to use you again for certain.

Jean St-Amand

Really great! The code is clear, transparent - I'd say elegant. And it's delivered on time. Thank you!

Greg Hammer, Australia

Wow, they're fantastic. Thanks a lot! You're the best ;)

Matthew

Wow, super fast service and everything looks great. I'll be using your service again!

Aaron

I have to tell you how happy I am to have found your service! You've made my business just that much better!

Wilma Weisz

Je conseille à tous de travailler avec HTMLCut. Rapide, techniquement parfait, et très réactif à toutes mes demandes. J’ai fait appel à eux plusieurs fois en juin 2009, la première fois pour une page de test, puis rassuré, pour plusieurs pages successives. Rien à redire, n’hésitez pas…

Olivier Caussin

Thank you! I just opened up the provided file and it looks great! Very impressed.

Justin Reves

Thank you for the fast delivery of xhtml + css to NP3Design.com HTMLCut manage to understand all the specs I’ve given them. I am really thrilled over the work that HTMLCut delivered. I will use HTMLCut again!

Nils Pedersen

I think the work was excellent and we will be using you again for future projects. Thank you for rushing the project and working with our crazy deadline.

Benjamin Wilson

Contact Us

Your Time: 20:58 [+8 GMT]

Our Time: 15:58 [+2 GMT]Sun

Our working hours (Monday to Friday):

  • 8:00 - 17:00 UTC
Any questions? Concerns?

W3C validator

Validator HTML 5 Validator CSS 3

Order Now

Order Now

Privacy Policy

Contact Us

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments on our PSD to HTML services, please don't hesitate to send them to us. We will be happy to help you as well as make our service more useful and convenient. Thank you in advance for your interest and support!

Your Time: 20:58 [UTC +8]

Our Time: 15:58 [UTC +2]Sun

Our working hours (Monday to Friday):

  • 9:00 - 18:00 UTC
  • 4:00 am - 1:00 pm EST

Privacy Policy

  • Phone: 215.917.0026
  • US Office: Virtuace, Inc. 97 Jakes Way Feasterville, PA 19053, USA