"Frequently Asked Questions" - FREE WEB THEME:
Note: These FAQs are apply ONLY for the FREE WEB THEMES (not purchased Pro Templates). We no longer offer any support for these free downloadable web themes
- What kind of skills do I need to get the best from a Free Web Theme?
- I can download each theme in ZIP format, what exactly is in the ZIP?
- Do you supply free HTML page templates of your themes?
- What software do I need to adapt a theme so I can use my logo or buttons?
- Can I use your free web themes for a business or profit making site?
- If I use a theme from FWT do I have to credit your work?
- Can you design my web site for me?
Q.1 What kind of skills do I need to get the best from a Free Web Theme?
FWT is aimed at the DIYer and professional web designer looking for fresh ideas. So you'll already know your way around a graphics tool and an HTML page tool to some degree. The themes we design are meant as an ideas 'sounding board', which you hopefully will be inspired to adapt or create your own from scratch. They are not 'out-of-the-box' page templates, because we know that you'll want to add your own logo, button labels or colours. SO please, please experiment!
Q.2 I can download each theme in ZIP format, what exactly is in the ZIP?
The download section of this site offers a ZIP file that contains the master graphics file in PhotoShop format (.psd). This master file contains the buttons, navigation bar, headers, bullets, etc for you to manipulate.
You'll need something like Win-Zip or equivalent to extract the file to your hard drive. We recommend you use PhotoShop 5+, PaintShop Pro 6+ or Fireworks 3+ to adapt the master to your preferences. You can then change the button labels, layout, add your logo or even change the whole colour scheme.
Depending on your machine and graphics software, you may get 'warnings' about incompatible fonts or support for the different effects we use. This is normal because we may have used a font you don't have installed or your software does not have the correct 'filter' effect. Anyway, you should experiment with your software so the theme becomes individualised.
Q.3 Do you supply free HTML page templates of your themes?
We do not supply HTML web page templates for free, only the master graphics file, Through experience we have found that you'll want to add your own logo, button labels or colours which is why you need the graphics master file... In this case we believe one size does not fit all! Anyway once the graphics are done, if you use a tool like Dreamweaver putting the pages together is not too difficult.
We can, if your drop us an e-mail in the first instance, negotiate a fee to transform your chosen theme into a professional web site, taking all the hassle away from you. Prices are reasonable and adjusted to individual needs... and we'll probably do it faster than you so don't be afraid, just ask. After all we do have to make a living you know! (...And you've seen the quality of the work here).
Q.4 What software do I need to adapt a theme so I can use my logo or buttons?
We recommend you ideally use the software we do (PhotoShop 5+) BUT PaintShop Pro 6+ or Fireworks 3+ can handle the master files reasonably well. Most web and graphics designers use Photoshop but can be a bit pricey for the domestic user. Paint Shop Pro 7 form jasc.com and Fireworks MX from macromedia.com are available as trial downloads. You can then change the button labels, layout, add your logo or even change the whole colour scheme.
For good tutorials on Photoshop, try www.computerarts.co.uk, www.adobe.com
or www.eyeball.com
Once you've adapted the graphics and made your buttons, you'll need to import them into a HTML web page tool. We mainly use Macromedia Dreamweaver for this as you can see the page as you design it or write HTML directly if needs be. Other tools you could use are Go-Live, FrontPage (not the best though) or a myriad of free advanced text editors. Please don't use Word or office software to make your pages... learn to code HTML it's not that difficult!
You'll then need to file transfer your web pages to your host server (free space or your own domain). Ask your host (or check their web site) on how best to do this.
Q.5 Can I use your free web themes for a business or profit making site?
No. These free web layouts are for personal use only. Please see the Terms of Use for full details. If you intend to use any material from this site for a commercial or profitable reason then you MUST seek permission. We may charge a license fee where necessary.
Q.6 If I use a theme from FWT do I have to credit your work?
Absolutely. You should add a hyperlink or preferable a FWT badge that links to www.freewebthemes.co.uk on a prominent page of your site (see the Terms of Use for full details).
It's the least you can do for the free work you get from us. Some of these themes take days to perfect, create the site pages and upload to the site. It helps promote our work, which in turn encourages us to maintain or add new material for you.... the perfect 'win, win situation'.
Q.7 Can you design my web site for me?
Of course, we are professional web designers and charge very reasonably prices. Quotes will be dealt with on an individual basis. So e-mail us first with as much detail of your requirements as possible so you get a realistic quote. We can create a site from scratch, do a makeover or adapt a theme from this site.
We'll make your site stand out from the crowd, after all you've seen the quality of the work here so you will not be disappointed.
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