Stylish Web Header

Posted on October 9th, 2008

In this tutorial we will design a Web Header with some style.

Step 1:

Let’s start out by creating a new file. I used a 950×170 pixels canvas set at 72dpi, and I filled my background with white color. Now make a new layer then draw a large rectangle with #E9E9E9 color shade and 950 px 150 px dimensions on your canvas, this will be the header background.

Now add different color shades of rectangle on the background header, color codes are provided on the image below. Try to match the size of each rectangle but not necessary.

Step 2:

Under Layer Style(Layer > Layer Style) add a Gradient Overlay blending option to your header background layer.

Result:

Step 3:

In a new layer draw a 1 px white line across your canvas on the same location circled on the image below. Then set the layer’s opacity level to 43%.

Step 4:

Here we add more line details on the rectangles, use the opacity level to blend the lines properly with the header background.

Step 5:

Now create a tab/button for your navigation links, in a new layer draw a white rectangle with 170 x 30 px dimensions. Then use the Polygonal Lasso Tool and cut the sides to form a long trapezium shape.

Step 6:

Under Layer Style(Layer > Layer Style) add an Inner Shadow, Inner Glow, Gradient Overlay and Stroke blending options to your white trapezium shape layer. Then set the layer’s blending mode to Darken.

Result:

Step 7:

Select the Horizontal Type Tool and set the font family to Arial, bold, 12 pt, none and #D7F9FF color shade. In a new text layer type your first navigation link on the tab design.

Step 8:

Now add the rest of your navigation links with its own tab design. Then add a tab for your website name stretched all the way to the left end of the header.

Step 9:

On the bottom gray space add your sub links using #0077A8 color shade.

Step 10:

On the other end of your sub links add a simple white search box.

Step 11:

In a new layer draw a gray rectangle with #C4C4C4 color shade and 26 x21 px dimensions next to your search box. Then under Layer Style(Layer > Layer Style) add a Gradient Overlay blending options.

Result:

Step 12:

Select the Horizontal Type Tool and set the font family to Arial, bold italic, 12 pt, crisp and black color shade. In a new text layer type ‘go’ on the small gradient rectangle.

Step 13:

NexT to your navigation buttons add your RSS Feed LINK with the logo next to it, download the rss logo here.

Results:

Stylish Web Header.