Tag: Natural Question

How To Get The Most Out Of PSD-to-HTML Slicing Services

In web development projects when it comes to turn .psd, .ai, etc designs into xHTML/CSS code, a common option will be to use PSD-to-HTML slicing services. And a natural question raising here is: How to get the most out of them?

PSD-to-HTML services are quite easy to deal with: you send or upload image files on a provider website, select conversion and layout options, pay through an online payment system (PayPal, Google Checkout, etc), and get a resulting markup coded. But in order to make the most of it and avoid unnecessary troubles it is better to follow some simple rules.

Properly prepare designs for uploading
1. If you have several files to convert, archive them and give that archive an understandable name, for example, “AnnSmith23June2009.zip” (i.e. “YourNameDate.zip” or “ProjectNameDate.zip”). It can be convenient for you as well, especially in case you need to check your previous orders.
2. If there are files additional to your main .psd image (e.g., custom fonts), don’t forget to send or upload them too.
3. Make sure you send or upload right files. PSD-to-HTML services are very fast, and by the moment you notice the problem with your files your markup may be ready. As a result, it could cost you some money to correct a mistake.

Design slicing, xHTML/CSS conversion requirements
1. Try to explain as accurate as possible what you want to get. Usually an order form on PSD-to-HTML websites has special subsections and items to help you with this task.
2. Nevertheless, if your requirements cannot be described in this way or you don’t have time to use it, don’t hesitate to write down your requirements in a field named like “Notes” or use other communication channels convenient for you: live chat or email.
3. If you are confused with something (“Is that option included? What is the delivery time?” etc), ASK! Sometimes even friends and relatives see things differently. So it is better to ask and to be sure that you and your provider get everything right and in the same manner. 

Communication
1. DOUBLE check your email address which you mention in the order form.  
2. Make sure that your anti-spam filters and email servers are not too overzealous and allow the provider’s emails reach you.
3. It depends on the provider but usually they send you an order confirmation (as well as your login and password to access a client zone on their website). If you don’t receive such an email during several minutes, contact the provider through the order form or live chat — the reason may be a misprint in your email address.
4. Just in case give the provider’s team an alternative communication channel (mobile telephone number, instant messenger (Skype, MSN, ICQ), etc).
5. If time is crucial for you, specify the PSD-to-xHTML/CSS provider’s time zone.

If there are any doubts
1. If it is your first PSD-to-HTML project or you select a provider for long-term cooperation, start from a relatively small pilot project to test the waters.
2. Check the provider’s Returns Policy, e.g., whether they provide a money-back guarantee.
3. If it is important for you, don’t hesitate to ask for NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
4. Specify whether they offer after-sale support and what it means. If the provider is confident of their work, usually the technical support is free.

Change management
1. A small addition to .psd designs may lead to large modifications in xHTML/CSS code. If the process of PSD-to-HTML conversion is in progress or finished and you change your design, be objective while estimating changes to be made in the markup.
2. Small changes are usually free.
3. But if changes are large then it is like an additional page in your order and should be paid accordingly (note: usually prices on secondary pages are up to 50% discounted).
4. If you are not sure, talk to the provider — together you will find a reasonable and mutually beneficial solution faster.

Project completion
1. Check the finished xHTML/CSS markup how it corresponds to your design and conversion requirements. If there are some remarks or defects, ask the provider to fix them.
2. Change access rights to your servers (passwords, logins) if you gave it to the provider’s team.
3. If you think the provider has deserved your testimonial, give it. You will support a qualified and diligent PSD-to-xHTML/CSS provider in the market and help other users to get to know them.

PSD-to-HTML services are just a tool to slice and convert designs into website markups, WordPress themes or Drupal templates. The better you know how to work with them the more you get.