Ok so I've been a web designer / developer for many years now and since I started this as a profession, not once have I ever created a page layout in Photoshop or other graphic editor. My process is to code the layout first, then create images for what areas I need them for and where I can't get the design elements using CSS... Typically I sketch a layout out on paper. Then I code that layout with no images or color scheme ( using grayscale for placeholder ) Then I select my color scheme and create the images for where images are called for. In talking with a few fellow designer / developers last night, I felt almost shunned like an outcast because they never heard of anyone doing things that way... I think this is better in the long run and for immediate changes or corrections. Say you want to change an image detail or something small... No need to "slice" it.. I create a separate PSD for each image in the size it is used, etc... Since everything is coded already, client requested changes are made in real time with no need to wait... So, what's your process? Cheers!~ ( this should prove interesting... lol )
I personally code my layouts first using Dreamweaver. I don't create layouts in Photoshop, but that's what majority of designers do and I think their approach is better.
I don't use Photoshop for layout either. I work everything up in VS and then create any graphics I want for the site/page in Photoshop and maybe some in CorelDraw. I like to work with a liquid or semi liquid design so I'm not sure how Photoshop is going to work for that. Frankly I always thought Photoshop and other such mediums would probably create a bunch of code that I would have to later go back and clean up or otherwise straighten out. I don't actually know this because I've never used anything like Photoshop for design.
@ronc0011 I'm not talking about using the slicing tool or output code from any software... I'm talking about designing an entire page/template in Photoshop with a full screen output... I would NEVER EVER in my life use anything but my code done by hand for any scripting, markup, css or otherwise... NEVER! @mexabet You think the photoshop way is better?... why?
Most of the time I work up a design just using div tags with background colors so I can see where everything sits and fits and then start fleshing out any graphics. On occasion I will work up a page layout in CorelDraw but by and large I don't do that anymore because in the end the page layout has to work within pre defined parameters i.e. computer monitor. I have kind of steered away from designs that are graphics heavy with lots of elaborate artwork. I started looking at pages done by major industry companies. You know, the guys who are multinational. And trying to see what sets them apart from the mom and pop bait shop sites.