How to Create a Blog Header Using a Graphics Program

Changing the design of your blog can be a complicated and frustrating experience, especially for a novice. Once you pick your template, one of the first design changes you will want to make is to your header. However, many of the tutorials available are geared toward individuals with some experience with web design and HTML. When I was a complete novice, I could not understand the tutorials and it took hours to learn how to change the header of my blog. I am still a novice, but am going to provide a simple tutorial on how to change your blog header using a graphics editing program.

Before you begin, there are several downloads needed. You need a download of your blog template, a file extractor to unzip files (7zip or winrar), and a graphics editing program. Depending on your system, a file extractor may be installed but if you do not have one, free and paid versions available online. Graphics editing programs vary as well, and you can use any program available online or in store. Adobe Photoshop is a great option, but can be confusing (and expensive) for a beginner. However, they do have 30 day free trial program that is available for download. Another great option is Paint.net, which resembles a basic version of Adobe. This download is completely free, and will not overwhelm a novice user.

After downloading your blog template, install it on your host program. Some hosts make this easy by having a point and click system. If it is not a point and click system, this may take some time because installation processes vary, some programs require an upload to the FTP (file transfer protocol) server in zipped format, and others require unzipped format. However, your goal is to have a functioning template in your FTP (file transfer protocol) files. If you are having difficulty with this process, contact your host if you can not find a tutorial. They will be able to explain the process, or can install the template for you.

If you have not already unzipped the template, it is time to do so. You will need the extracted files to alter your header image. After the template is unzipped open the template files and locate the header image. This file is usually stored under an image file or similar title. Unfortunately, some template headers are in HTML format and involves a completely different editing process. If this is the case, you may want to switch templates unless you are willing to tackle HTML editing (which will not be covered in this tutorial.)

Once you know where the header image is located, open it in your graphics editing program. If you are using Adobe or Paint.net you want to create a new layer and fill it with the color you want to use. The easiest option will be white, but you can try others if you are up for a challenge. Now design your header graphic. It can be as simple as typed text or as complicated as you want to make it.

After you have finished your design save it as a .PNG file, with the option to save it for the web (if available.) Do not change the original file name of the header; it will make the next step easier. Once this is completed, it is time to access your template files on the host server.

Open your FTP files, and locate the header image in the files. It will be found in the same path taken to find the image when opening it in the graphics editing program. Once you find the file, upload your new header image that has the same name as the original header. A pop-up will usually appear at this point, telling you the file already exists and if you want to overwrite the existing file. Click yes when you are given this option. You may need to save your changes when you close your FTP files depending on the host, and do so if needed.

Finally, go to your blog. If you have followed the steps you new header will be in place! Sometimes things will not go as expected, and you will need to alter the header size in the HTML file, but that is not likely. If you do not like your header (which may be the case, it happened to me a few times because it did not "fit" the look of my blog) just repeat the steps until your header is the way you want. It may take some time, but you will get the header that you want for your blog, all it takes is a bit of work!