Use XHeader to Make Professional Looking Headers the Easy Way

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XHeader - Free Website Header Graphics Software

As I have mentioned on my blog, I received an email from the creator of XSitePro, Paul Smithson offering me this great free header graphics software tool XHeader that may just solve the challenge I have with creating header graphics.

Lately I have been building a few web sites without page header graphics. I didn't like the idea of wasting the valuable real estate of my website above the fold with unsuitable web header graphics.

I have also been struggling with the challenge of sitting down with relatively expensive software like Photoshop, Fireworks or Paintshop Pro and experiencing that long, steep learning curve to produce these headers.

If you have you ever struggled trying to create professional header graphics for your XSitePro site, your blog or any other website or utility for that matter, then the FREE XHeader software may be just the thing you need.

With XHeader You Do Not Need To Be A Graphics Whiz 

XHeader is Easy to Use

xheader website header image



The beauty of this free website header graphics tool XHeader is that it is quick and easy to use.
Hallelujah I hear!
I have not had much to do with other graphics design packages. I have dabbled with Photoshop. I went through a tutorial and created a logo and header for a project I was working on but by the time I had finished I had trouble reproducing the steps.

One thing is for certain with XHeader and that is you do not need to be a graphics whiz to use this header graphics software. I am able to use it and believe me when I say that I am no graphics expert.

XHeader comes with a detailed manual with step-by-step instructions and screen shots showing you exactly how to go about creating your header graphics. You can access this manual from the 'Help' item on the menu bar of the software.

If you are one of those people who learn best from watching rather than reading, there is an easy-to-follow training video tutorials that covers all of the key features of the software. These videos are featured in the video modules that follow.

Initially XHeader comes with 50 different styles of graphical header templates. However, once you register the software you have over 1000 headers to choose from. These are arranged into 46 categories that make it easy to locate one that matches your desired header theme. When you have selected the header design you want to use you can add your own text, shapes, shadows, transparencies and additional graphics as you wish.

Suppose that you cannot find anything you like from the templates! There is the option to create a blank header graphic whereby you can also load your own graphic image into the software. You can then access any fonts that are installed on your computer using the font control.

When you are finally happy with your new header creation you can save the file. You will then be presented with a file optimization page featuring ten different versions of your new header graphic. You may then select the one you feel is the best match between high quality and small file size. This is something to think about when you are considering loading speed of the graphic.

xheader optimization image



Adobe Photoshop have a similar feature which reveals itself when you save your files. I do not know the technical name for it but it is like an image quality option. The better the quality of the image the larger the file size.

I believe that XHeader will be updated regularly and that registered users notified each time there is a new update to download. There is also word that more templates under the varying themes will be made available at some stage in the future.

Header Themes Available 

XHeader comes with 50 different styles to give you a feel for the software.

Once you give up your email address and register the XHeader header graphics software you have access to over 1000 headers.



These graphical header templates are arranged in the 46 themes listed below:

* Adventure
* Animals
* Arts & Drama
* Audio
* Business
* Business & Finance
* Cars
* Children & Babies
* Comedy
* Countries
* Creative
* Crime
* Education
* Family
* Fashion & Beauty
* Film, Cinema & TV
* Finance & Investment
* Food
* Health & Fitness
* History
* Hobbies & Games
* Horoscopes
* Literature
* Magic
* Medical
* Military
* Miscellaneous
* Music
* News & Current Affairs
* People - General
* Phones
* Real Estate
* Real Estate & Homes
* Religion
* Romance
* Sales & Marketing
* Scenery & Landscapes
* Self Help & Success
* Shopping
* Sports
* Technology
* Telephones
* Travel & Geography
* Women
* Work & Jobs
* World

XHeader Video Tutorial - Part One 

The first in a two-part tutorial that looks at how to use the FREE XHeader software. The software is perfect for designing great-looking header graphics for your web site. This frst video runs through why headers are important, and introduces the features and functionality of the XHeader software.
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XHeader Video Tutorial - Part Two 

This second video in a two-part tutorial looks at how to use the FREE XHeader software.This second part runs through a step-by-step illustration of creating a header using the XHeader software.
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Another XHeader Graphics Video 

You can do much more with XHeader as is shown in this video. Here two header templates are used to make a combined template.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
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Summary of the Features Of XHeader 

As outlined by the maker of XSitePro, Paul Smithson


  • You can create headers from scratch or use the built in templates.

  • You can choose from over 40 categories of header templates.

  • You can resize header graphics to suit your site design.

  • You can optimize your headers with the in-built image optimizer.

  • You can also select, move and re-order layers within your designs.

  • You can save your design as a .XHF file and reopen it in the future.

  • You can preview your designs in your default browser.

  • You can create shapes such as squares, rectangles, ovals and circles.

  • You can apply special effects like 'glows', 'shadows' and 'transparencies'.

  • You may import your own graphical elements to make your headers unique.

  • You can stay up-to-date with automatic version checker.

  • You can use the simple-to-follow help manual to master XHeader quickly.

Great Books on Website Graphic Design  

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

by: Jason Beaird

This book will lead you through the process of creating great designs from start to finish. It is a simple, easy-to-follow guide and illustrated with plenty of full-color examples.Good design principles are not rocket science, and using the information contained in this book will help you create stunning web sites.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Website Graphics: The Best of Global Site Design

Website Graphics: The Best of Global Site Design

An international source book of the world's best-designed web pages and a valuable tool for successful electronic marketing. Forty of the most exciting Internet sites are showcased, illustrated, and analyzed in a range of categories, including art and culture, individual portfolios, magazines, institutions and companies, shopping, and more. Over 400 color illustrations.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Color for Websites (Graphic Design)

Color for Websites (Graphic Design)

by: Molly E. Holzschlag

Color is a crucial ingredient in any website and can make or break a website. This book examines in depth the differences in value between color on screen and on printed material. Through outstanding examples of good color use in websites this book provides the reader with a useful reference tool for those who commission Web design.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Website Graphics Now

Website Graphics Now

by: Geert-Jan Strengholt, Willem Velthoven, Geert J. Strengholt, Liesbeth den Boer

Website Graphics Now offers an inside look at the present and future of digital communication. This book features thirty of today's most visually attractive and innovative sites, accompanied by hundreds of full-color illustrations and provocative articles on the future of web design. The articles explore the process of designing and creating a site, and getting it to work effectively.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Graphic Design Foundation Course

Graphic Design Foundation Course

by: Curtis Tappenden

This book brings artists the best possible practical instruction on the practice and application of the popular art based graphic design. This visually striking handbook covers fundamental techniques to business procedures. Novices will learn how to choose the right tools for the job, develop concepts, create logos, choose effective typefaces, develop their drawing skills and produce a good layout.

Amazon Price: $16.15 (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Great Stuff on eBay 

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Website Graphics Design Software 

Adobe Fireworks CS4

Adobe Fireworks CS4

Create and optimize images for the web more quickly and accurately, rapidly prototype websites and application interfaces and utilise Adobe PDF file support and integrate with the Adobe ConnectNow service.

Release Date: 10/27/2008

Amazon Price: $291.49 (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

SWiSH Max2: Flash Creation Software

SWiSH Max2: Flash Creation Software

SWiSHmax is the latest generation of the famous and award-winning SWiSH software line of easy-to-use Flash editors. It has everything you need to create stunning, fully interactive Flash animations.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Adobe Photoshop CS4

Adobe Photoshop CS4

Access the unrivaled power of Adobe Photoshop CS4 software through a more intuitive user experience, greater editing freedom, and significant productivity enhancements. Photoshop CS4 features new ways to make image adjustments and create masks, more powerful compositing, improved color correction, accelerated graphics handling, and enhanced raw image processing

Release Date: 10/31/2008

Amazon Price: $632.99 (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Paint Shop Pro 7

Paint Shop Pro 7

Use automatic features or customize Paint Shop Pro to work the way you like to. Create graphics & animations for the web. Add custom images to documents and presentations.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 [DVD]

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 [DVD]

Professional and aspiring designers along with anyone who needs to express creative ideas will be able to turn their ideas into professional results: from distinctive logos and signs, to striking marketing materials and eye-catching web graphics.

Release Date: 02/22/2008

Amazon Price: $324.49 (as of 07/14/2009) Buy Now

Poll on Preferred Software to Create Header Graphics 

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XHeader News 

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User Testimonials 

"I can't believe that XHeader is free, this program is an outright winner and will level the playing fields for people who had to pay over-the-top prices for their graphics."
Pete Nicho- Derby, UK

"A very easy way to make unique headers, that adds great functionality to the XSitePro toolkit."
David Pritchard- Loughborough, UK

"This software is extremely easy to use. I created the perfect header for my website within 5 minutes the first time I used it and I'm a rookie with limited website building experience!"
Marilyn Dwyer- West Chazy, NY, USA

"For a free tool, I am amazed at how much you can do with this program. You have simplified some of the tasks normally only found in expensive graphics design programs. I can see myself creating some very professional header graphics quickly and so easily with XHeader. There are enough options for text and graphics to make truly unique headers without them ending up looking 'homemade'! This is definitely a keeper and will be added to my web design 'essentials toolbox'. Congrats on a great job with XHeader - (and I can't believe the extraordinary price!!)"
Sharon Fleming- Bundaberg, Australia

"Absolute Wonder Machine. This has solved so much of problems for me. I run the domain and web hosting business and I have to often give out the work of creating headers, since other softwares are expensive and who the hell has time to learn them. XHeader is absolute blessing for me. I can now save my money, instead of outsourcing, I can create the headers myself. Thank you Paul."
Emzi- Singapore

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