A wholly operational and user-friendly website is the basic need of any business nowadays to manage its online content. This is where WordPress comes in the big picture. WordPress web development is a known, effective and efficient content management system that manages content online.
Therefore, to create a compelling and feature-rich website, a process is known as PSD to WordPress conversion is uttermost important. And, if you are looking to convert from PSD to WordPress theme, we will discuss the things you need to know while converting from PSD to WordPress website. This conversion also lends a hand in creating dynamic and bespoke content.
But, before you commence and start using this conversion, here are some essential yet decisive things to keep in mind.
What Is Actually PSD?
PSD file is a layered image file used in Adobe Photoshop. PSD actually stands for PhotoShop Document, which is the default format that Photoshop uses to save data. It is a proprietary file that allows the user to work with the image’s separate layer even after the file has been saved.
After an image is complete, PhotoShop allows the user to flatten the layers and then convert the flat image into respective.JPG, GIF, TIFF or some other non-proprietary format that can be shared. But it’s important to always save the file with .PSD extension and don’t overwrite it during conversion.
As you know, WordPress powers 30% of the internet. And, still, if you are sitting on the fence of switching to WordPress, we recommend you to reconsider your decision.
Anyhow, let’s get to the nutshell. Converting PSD to WordPress can be a tricky thing if you are not aware of what you are doing. That is where our article get’s handy. So, let’s start!
PSD To WordPress Conversion
Wait, before stepping ahead, there is a question to ask yourself – Are you looking to hire WordPress developers or a WordPress development company to partner with you in the conversion project?
WordPrax takes immense pride to have handpicked WordPress experts who are well-versed with the conversion process and complete it with lightning-fast speed. Let’s have a look at the entire process.
#1. PSD Analysis
The first and foremost step in converting a PSD file to WordPress is “Analyzing”. You have to analyze the data file precisely that will help you to comprehend any potential challenges or complications in the conversion process.
Moreover, you have to be quite clear about what you want to do, for instance, splitting into HTML, putting CSS code, headers, footers, images, titles and lot more.
#2. Break The PSD To HTML
Before you step ahead to develop the WordPress theme from the PSD design, it’s recommended to code it into HTML. It includes breaking the PSD design into logical content blocks (e.g. header, branding, footer, navigation, body content, and other numerous features). It attentively codes this into a pixel-perfect standard of HTML code.
This several HTML version of the design is predicted to implement minimum visible layout and front-facing features of the plan.
Once you are done with the standard, cross-browser supports and standards-compatible HTML is coded and tested. The next comes, to convert from PSD to WordPress theme, which is much more fun! Alongside, it’s mandatory to keep an eye on this stage to make design work perfectly with all the modern web browser. This will immensely save your lot of time and hassle while you keep on building the actual WordPress theme.
As already advised to code into HTML before you build the WP theme from the PSD design. It is easy and accessible to code the blocks into pixel-perfect standard HTML codes.
A Healthy Tip: Use a modern web browser while designing; this is directly proportional to saving your time while you go and build the original WP theme.
#3. Slicing Of The PSD File
This step is “The Breakdown Of The Code”.
This step includes slicing the PSD file into many delicate layers with the help of a trusted image cutting tool like Photoshop. Further, this will allow you to put or remove text boxes, links, and buttons. These files are sliced PSD files and are saved as GIF, JPEG, or BItmap or any other format.
#4. Develop Index.html & Style.css
Now the next comes creating index.html and style.css, stepping ahead from programming to designing world. From the earlier created PSD design, you will be able to create a static HTML and CSS template.
This will help you to name your file index.html or style.css for future use. On the same note making this a walk on the cake for you, there is much software available like Dreamweaver, Fireworks that will let you accomplish this task very easily.
#5. Code The Design
The next step comes from coding.
Coding the design into HTML, XHTML, or CSS. This step consists of merging the image file into several scripting languages. As the PSD file are not compatible with the modern internet browser and search engines. Therefore, it’s crucial to integrate these designs with specific codes.
Generally, Adobe Dreamweavers and Fireworks are the top choices of web developers. So, make sure to hire WordPress developers that are well-versed and experienced with the same.
#6. Index.html To WordPress Theme
This step is about creating the WordPress theme for uploading into the WordPress software. This is an added functionality to the WordPress theme converted from PSD file, using a plugin.
Similarly, if the WordPress theme structure is available, you have to break the single HTML code into numerous files rooted in the specific theme. Further, you have to break the index.html into the corresponding PHP file for an index, sidebar, header, footer, and all the rest.
#7. Add Lots Of Effects
Now, you are done with the above step, and you are braced to add effects like mouse rollover, click, hover, etc. These added features will make your site look more interactive, smarter and functional.
Even, this will make it a lot easier for your clients to access their required information quickly.
#8. PSD Integration
This is the real challenge “PSD Integration”.
This step includes the sliced PSD file of your project to be coded into HTML/CSS whichever makes your design live on the globally ruling 3w’s – World Wide Web. Don’t forget, PSD files are not compatible to run on the 3w’s without being converted into the compatible format.
#9. WordPress Integration
Adding, if you want to create a great WordPress template, this sometimes turn a daunting task. Once you have done the conversion and coded PSD design to HTML, the next is the integration of HTML/CSS with WordPress.
So, to accomplish this step accurately and precisely, all you need is the right WordPress development services, which will result in impeccably designed WordPress templates.
#10. Plus WordPress Tags
Congratulations, you are just an inch away from the completion.
Now you just have to import the excellent features and functionalities provided by WordPress into your theme files with WordPress tags. Adding these tags will help you create a WordPress theme.
#11. Add Numerous Functionalities
Following the steps, will help you successfully create your own WordPress customization themes from the PSD file. And, as you know, there is always a scope of improvement.
So, you can add some more functionalities and explore the magic of WordPress themes.
#12. Time To Merge PHP Tags
A WordPress developed site has distinctive PHP tags such as footer, header, PHP sidebar, Comments pop-up, page.php and many more to the list. Among all these, Index.html and style.css are the important ones.
Don’t forget to add the function tags to keep your website going for a longer time.
#13. Test The Templates
As by now you have completed all the tasks, you need to be sure of the templates you have designed are perfectly and precisely accessing on all the major browsers like Mozilla, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and many more to the list. So, if you are thinking to make your WordPress template cross-browser compatible, you need to be sure the proper testing of the web templates is done.
In The End.
Let’s Have A Quick Revision…
PSD conversion to WordPress plays a pivotal role in creating and curating an impressive and alluring WordPress based site. And, we at Wordprax understand finding the right WordPress development service provider is a breath of fresh air nowadays.
Thus, our experts have tried to give you the ground for laying a firm foundation when you convert any PSD to WordPress theme. And, if you still found yourself surrounded by dark clouds, have a look at our portfolio created by our bunch of sleepless coders to deliver something “Awesome.”.
For Further Assistance, Feel Free To Contact At +1.585.416.0088 At Discuss Your Project With Experts.
