How to make website with HTML and CSS

How to Make Your Website Stand Out with HTML and CSS

Your website is more than just a digital storefront or a simple online brochure – it’s an extension of your brand or business. With the right combination of HTML and CSS, you can make a website that not only looks great, but also performs well and engages visitors. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to make a website using HTML and CSS, including the basics of each language, how to write clean code, and tips on design and layout.

Understanding HTML

HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language, is the backbone of every website. It’s a markup language that uses tags to define the structure and content of a web page. HTML code is read by web browsers, which translate the tags into the visual elements that users see.

Basic HTML Tags

Here are some basic HTML tags you’ll need to get started:

<html>: Defines the document type and sets the page layout.
<head>: Contains metadata about the page, such as the title, author, and character encoding.
<body>: The main content of the web page.
<header>: The top part of the page, typically containing the logo and navigation menu.
<nav>: The navigation menu.
<main>: The main content of the page.
<footer>: The bottom part of the page, typically containing copyright information and contact details.

Writing Clean HTML Code

When writing HTML, it’s important to keep your code clean and well-structured. This will make it easier to read, debug, and maintain. Here are some tips for writing clean HTML code:

Use a valid doctype

The HTML doctype defines the version and type of HTML you’re using. It should be the very first line of your HTML document. A valid doctype will ensure that your web page is displayed consistently across different browsers.

Indent your code

Proper indentation makes your code easier to read and understand. Use spaces or tabs to indent your code, and be consistent throughout your document.

Use semantic HTML

Semantic HTML uses descriptive tags to define the meaning and purpose of different parts of your web page. This improves accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO), and makes your code easier to understand. For example, instead of using a <div> tag for everything, use more descriptive tags like <article>, <section>, and <figure>.

Use comments

Comments are a great way to add notes to your code and explain what you’re doing. Use comments to add context to your code, explain what each section does, and remind yourself of any changes you need to make later.

Getting Started with CSS

CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is used to style and layout your HTML content. CSS allows you to add colors, fonts, images, and other visual elements to your web page. Here are some basic CSS rules you should know:

Basic CSS Rules

color: sets the text color.
font-size: sets the font size.
font-family: sets the font family.
background-color: sets the background color.
border: adds a border around an element.
padding: adds space between an element and its content.
margin: adds space between an element and surrounding elements.

Writing Clean CSS Code

Just like HTML, it’s important to write clean and well-structured CSS code. Here are some tips for writing clean CSS code:

Use a consistent naming convention

Use a consistent naming convention for your CSS classes and IDs. This will make it easier to find and edit your styles later on. Many developers use the BEM (block, element, modifier) naming convention, which separates each part of the CSS class with hyphens.

Use shorthand properties

CSS shorthand properties allow you to set multiple styles with a single line of code. For example, instead of writing margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 40px;, you can write margin: 10px 20px 30px 40px;.

Use comments

Comments can also be used in CSS code to explain what each section does and why it’s necessary. Use comments to add context to your code and explain your reasoning.

Designing and Layout

Once you’ve got the basics of HTML and CSS down, it’s time to start designing your website. The design and layout of your website can have a huge impact on its success, so it’s important to put some thought into it. Here are some tips for designing and laying out your website:

Start with wireframes

Wireframes are a simple and effective way to plan the layout and structure of your website. They are essentially rough sketches that show the basic structure of your web pages, without any style or content. Wireframes can be drawn by hand, or created using online tools like Figma or Sketch.

Use a grid system

Grid systems are a useful way to keep your website layout consistent and organized. They divide your web page into columns and rows, which can then be used to align and position elements. Popular grid systems include Bootstrap and Foundation.

Choose a color scheme

Choosing a color scheme that fits your brand and appeals to your users is an important part of website design. Use a color palette generator like Coolors or Adobe Color to select a group of complementary colors.

Pick the right fonts

Fonts play a big role in website design, as they can make your content more readable and engaging. Choose a font that matches your brand, and be mindful of the size and spacing.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of how to make a website using HTML and CSS. Remember to keep your code clean and well-structured, and put some thought into your website design and layout. With the right combination of HTML and CSS, you can create a website that both looks great and performs well. Happy coding!

📕 Related articles about HTML

Was this article helpful?

YesNo

How to make website with HTML and CSS

How to Make Your Website Stand Out with HTML and CSS