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Old school code layout
I've received several PM's in regards to my profile lately - both art and CSS related questions.

Now here's how my layout is broken down.

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Some of the questions are as follows (with my answers):

How long did it take me to learn CSS ?
About a week. I've had prior HTML experience which helped a bit.

What did you use to create your layout ?
Adobe Photoshop and a Text Editor ("TextEdit" for mac)

How did you align your layout ?"
In Photoshop, there are basic tools you use:

1. Ruler tool: Command-R for mac. Control-R for PC.
- Right click and select "pixels". This will help you with aligning your picture in the right spot. Pay attention to the guide on the left and the top of your selected area. These are the numbers you input into your profile code for positioning.

Ex. #about
{background: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/shway/sugardrop3.jpg)
bottom no-repeat; border: none; width: 230px; height: 540px; color: #000000; overflow: none; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 468px; left: -75px;}

2. Guides: "View>Guides"
- This helps you isolate different elements and organize our layout.

3. "View>Snap" & "View>Snap To>Guides/Document Bounds"
- This allows any pasted object to stay aligned to any specified area. Combine this with #4.
When you make a selection with your marquee tool (letter m), it will snap into place.

What happened to your Gaia header ?
I simply hid it from view using CSS.


Even though most people tend to be reclusive about their layout styles, it's really not that hard to learn profile coding (a.k.a. "CSS" wink . There are various CSS threads located in the "Gaia Community>Profile Discussion."

Now you'll notice on the right that I've used a ton of layers. Using several layers helps organize your artwork (provided you labeled them with a name). Always remember to keep your original file in .tiff or .psd format. Saving your original file as a .jpg will only make you miserable in the end. Ever see those grainy pics of Kakashi in the anime forum ? That's because a .jpg formatted picture tosses out some data evey time you save over it.

Can you cure a .jpg file by turning into a .tiff format ? No. It doesn't work that way.

The key is to be patient. Understand the programs you use and learn the basics.

I hope that this has helped some of you (to some extent)
wink





 
 
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