I get asked often how I created my custom header for both my ActiveRain Blog and also my Outside Blog. The process of creating one is actually pretty simple to do. Instead of doing a tutorial with screen shots, I thought it might be easier to see how I created my header & uploaded it in a video format. So, I made a generic header for my blogs today & taped it as I made them.
The entire process from beginning to end only took me about 5 minutes. I actually spent more time locating the photograph I wanted to use & enhancing that. So, if you are unsure about how to design your own header, watch these two videos below and you will be on your way to creating a great looking new header for your blog in no time!
This first video walks you through the process of actually designing the header. It shows you how to re-size, crop, and also add text to your photograph. I used a free online photo editing software called picnik.com to create mine. If you have photo editing software that you are familiar with, you can use that & have the same results by following the steps.
Now that we have created an awesome looking header, it is now time to insert it onto both our ActiveRain profile & also our Outside Blog. This video will walk you through uploading the picture to both places.
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Hey Jer - I might also add that having a different banner or header on each Blog is a cool idea and can be beneficial too... there's also a site called bannerfans.com that I'm sure you're aware of, that can also create some pretty nifty stuff if anyone is interested. Sorry, not trying to hi-jack ya here... it just happens!! lol~ Guess I better go make a banner change now since you're trying to make it look so easy! :-))
Jeremy, That is what I LOVE about AR....you can find so many people that are WILLING to share their knowledge! Thank you so much....I just started on my outside blog and trying to "figure" out about the header and there was your post! :-) Just noticed your "View my profile on facebook" now is this what is known as a "widget"? Can you tell I am so "untechnical"? LOL When will you be doing a tutorial on that one? Or have you already? Again, MANY THANKS!
Jeremy, the video format of the tutorial is an excellent way to do the training. Another piece you could add to the header building is including how to do the background. Good stuff. More tutorials I think should be in video format.
Jeremy, I think it is nice that you are teaching about headers. I do wish you'd do something about backgrounds. As I pulled up your blog, I had to stare at "black" for several seconds. On some of the blogs it can take 45 seconds for the background to go away. Then when I commented on this blog I saw "black" again. The others are the same and some take 45 seconds. That may not seem like a long time but it is when you're trying to hurry and read and comment on as many blogs as possible. Looks like a header could be enough and leave off the hanging background. Please don't tell me to go to Firefox. I've been there and don't like the browser.
Great video tutorial, and thanks for the unintentional introduction to screenr! I've been wondering how people have been recording their screens, so it's good to see that.
Jeremy, I had someone help me get the header sorted out when I first began. It's nice to know I could now do it myself, thanks to you. Thanks "oh, gerenous one".
Don- By extending the width on your header, it will keep it from loading properly onto your outside blog. On your outside blog, it will cut off the ends of the graphic.
Thank you Jeremy, Your tutorials look great! Do you know how can I add my Facebbok-Trulia-Zillow (and some other graphics) widgets on the right side of my Active Rain page just below my photo?
Thanks for the awesome information. The tutorials are just the ticket for learning new tricks. I can't wait to see all the new headers everyone is going to try out.
Hi Jeremy, Love your tutorials! I will bookmark this one also. One day, I want to put me a nice header on my site. Just don't have the time right now.. thanks again for sharing!
Thank you SO much Jeremy! I was wondering about that and just hadn't gotten around to asking about it yet. On AR it really is "ask and you shall receive"! It's like having an Active Rain Jeannie!!
So... now I'm wondering how to win the lotto???? Hmmm, I'll check tomorrow's posts ; )
Jeremy, once again you have provided us with some first-class instruction in how to do something that most of us (certainly, me) had no idea just how to do or even where to begin. Like anyone who is very good at what they do, you make it look soooo incredibly easy and fast. I'm a relative 'newbie' without a blog, but I will definitely save thes tips for when I start one up. Thanks, again.
Hello Jeremy, great use of Picnik -- I love that free program. Thanks for making it easier for us to do it. I look forward to your next installment! John
Thanks Jeremy :-) I have a question for you: the domiain names that have been a blog topic lately are for the Active Rain Blogs or the Outside Blogs? I just read someting and then confused myself and wasn't sure. Hope all is well. -Melissa
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Picnik is great. Some of the examples on frogs at Picnik look creepy! Thanks for the instructions as well.