Web pages are created using a special code called Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). There are many software packages on the market that can help you create web pages by automatically writing the code for you "behind the scenes" while you decide how you want your web page to look.

In fact, the two major word processing software programs on the market (MicroSoft Word & Corel WordPerfect) will actually save your documents as web pages for you. Mozilla has an excellent FREE Web page creating software included with their Mozilla Suite package that is VERY easy to use. It can be downloaded here.

Once your page is created you will then need to upload all of the files (including graphics) to your directory on the DovePage server. You can do this by using the file manager after you have signed up.

A few design tips:

• You should use very light text and link colors if you choose a dark background, and very dark text and link colors if you use a light background. Check out this Color Chooser to play around with color combinations until you find one you like!
• You may want to use a web page template. FREE templates are avaialble here, here and here. This is an excellent way to get ahead in the process!
• Pictures and graphics used on a web page need to be in either .jpg or .gif format. Most image editing programs will allow you to convert any of your graphic files to these formats. Graphic files in any other format are not allowed on the DovePage server and will be deleted without warning. Great FREE photo editing programs called Picasa and Irfanview can be helpful when sizing and formatting your photos.
• Remember...less is often more. Have you ever seen a web page with so much "stuff" on it that you can't figure it out? Keep that in mind when designing your site. Simple and attractive is much better than busy and bright!
• Size is an issue. Keep in mind when you are creating your site that all of the included files can be no larger than 15 MB total. Again...less is often more.
• The file in your directory that you name "index.html" will automatically be shown as your home page when someone accesses your site.

Any questions about web design? Let us know. Professional assistance creating your website is also avaialble from Flat Rate Design & Hosting at a 50% discount from regular prices for this dovepage.com offer. This includes a tutorial about how to update your site yourself!