Web Design basics

Web Design basics
summary:
What should I use to design a website (no coding)?
If using Indesign how do I tell a programmer how to convert my images to code?

Hi,

I have designed a couple of 2-3 page websites before and they both were done in Dreamweaver. I was able to do that since they were not real websites and I had plenty of time to try things out.

I am currently working on a proposal for a redesign of a website. I am able to create all my elements in Indesign. I have some concerns that I already know I should be aware of.

1- Things need to be measured in pixels.
2- Only use web safe fonts ( maybe even web safe colors)

3- Is leading and line spacing measured the same way? Does 24pt leading equal 24 line space?
What other things should I be aware of and need to know?
How does a Web Designer design?
1- What program does one use?
2- How does one show the information to a programmer?
3- etc....?
Whats the difference between mocking up in Illustrator, Photoshop, or Indesign?

I find layout design a lot simpler and easier to do in Indesign. I am new to this and I may be completely wrong. I dont see how designing in either of the 3 programs will make a difference.

Illustrator and Photoshop are image editors of sorts. Illustrator is vector based and Photoshop is pixel based, however they are both used heavily to create professional graphics. If you're looking for something simpler to design websites (and communicate your ideas to a programmer, Dreamweaver is great because you can design and then switch to code view to provide your code/ additional files. For simpler means, try Microsoft Expression Web, but there are many more programs out there. Adobe is first in it's class though for professionalism and interoperability with other Adobe products. They set the standard continually.

r3plicat3 said:

Illustrator and Photoshop are image editors of sorts. Illustrator is vector based and Photoshop is pixel based, however they are both used heavily to create professional graphics. If you're looking for something simpler to design websites (and communicate your ideas to a programmer, Dreamweaver is great because you can design and then switch to code view to provide your code/ additional files. For simpler means, try Microsoft Expression Web, but there are many more programs out there. Adobe is first in it's class though for professionalism and interoperability with other Adobe products. They set the standard continually.

So then the best would be illustrator and indesign for the layout and composition of the website. Use photoshop for any images you need to make. I think Im going to put everything together in Indesign, which has pixels as measurements. I will then test things in dreamweaver and either write everything out for the programmer or hand of the basic html file and css. Most probably will give notes because its a redesign of a wesbite.

Anyone can correct me if this is the wrong way to go about this