Review of PSD2HTML

Posted by Andrew Faulkner on June 3rd, 2008.

Andrew Faulkner is the admin at fadtastic. Andrew prides himself on standards-based, accessible web design in the city of Nottingham, UK. He believes in aesthetically pleasing accessible design and that 'standards compliant does not equal boring.'

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Disclosure: This is a paid review. Saying that, all our reviews are honest. It wouldn?t be fair otherwise.

What is it?

PSD to HTML by psd2html.com code W3C valid XHTML and CSS based websites based on designs that clients submit to them. Aimed mainly at designers, PSD2HTML professionally code any design given to them. So what do they have to say about themselves?

PSD2HTML.com provides fast, high quality conversion of graphic Web design into Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and its extensions. We accept source files in all common formats, including PSD, PNG, AI, and even HTML (existing markup). We support the following markup specifications:

W3C Valid XHTML 1.0 Strict

W3C Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional

W3C Valid HTML 4.01

So they are flexible with formats, and can code according to a variety of W3C Doctypes. And what about the end product - the code?

The following points summarize our strict guidelines:

The markup looks exactly the same as the original design

CSS classes and images are intuitively named to correspond to their sense / content

The code is correctly indented to correspond to the nesting level of each element

As an option, the code can be separated into templates represented by logical parts (files), such as navigation, content, header, footer, and so on

So it’s more than just looking like the submitted design. The code produced is thought through and semantic as a result. So is the service simply coding a single template?

PSD2HTML.com has launched a number of options to implement your design as WordPress, Movable Type, Drupal, Joomla!, Pligg, Blogger, Shopify, X-Cart, CMS Made Simple, and CubeCart.

Obviously, the service extends to more than simply coding a website. Themes/Templates for major blog, content management and e-commerce systems can be ordered.

How are they different?

There are a lot of similar services around, so let’s see what makes PSD2HTML different. Initially, three things set PSD2HTML apart from the (mass of) competition:

Firstly, they were the pioneers of this type of service, launching in March 2005. They have experience and have stood the test of time, in internet years. A sure sign of quality. Secondly, reviews on their service are positive, some exceptionally so. And finally, turnaround. Coding designs into websites in under 8 hours is no mean feat. And judging from reviews, it seems on the majority of occasions websites are delivered on time.

Ordering Process, Pricing and Support

The ordering process is painless. Essentially, a comprehensive ‘Order Now’ contains markup packages and a full set of all necessary markup options with detailed descriptions. The order form allows one to select from two preset packages. Both use modern coding techniques (Tableless HTML & CSS), but the ‘Hi-End Package’ is coded to a XHTML 1.0 Strict doctype instead of Transitional. Also, the upper package includes a more SEO friendly coding method and better page optimisation.

Once a package is selected, extra options are available. ‘Layout options’ cover the basics to do with site wrappers/containers - widths and alignments essentially. ‘Advanced markup’ considers more browser compatibility, fancy fonts and more thorough HTML/CSS coding. ‘Software implementation’ includes the aforementioned integration with popular web software.

Options are simple to pick and choose, with the price updating ‘on the fly .’ Prices start from $117 (no extras) to $800+ including integrating CMS software. The package, costing $153 and $211 are very fair given the short turnaround and offering a flexible, option-laden service makes them very competitive within their industry. The service includes one single page, but more pages can be added discounted by 50% of the cost. Once ordered, any issues are ironed out and queries resolved before work commences.

Support is available throughout the project via the client area or on the phone. Although untested by myself, I’m assured that the support is through a “Highly qualified support team, extremely attentive and scrupulous.”

The End Product

A review can’t be complete without reviewing the end product so lets take a look at some examples. I’m paying particular attention to the coding, both XHTML and CSS.

DotSchools ~ Visit

DotSchools looks near identical across browsers so plus points there. It suffers from a missing xlmns attribute so that breaks validation, but this can easily be put right. CSS is fine. Code is efficient and semantics have been followed throughout the HTML.

iQualifyNow ~ Visit

iQualifyNow also remains consistent across major browsers. I prefer the use of real text where possible in this design compared to DotSchools. It will highly benefit SEO. My only gripes are the menu could use real text although I assume the client has specified the font. XHTML suffers the same error as DotSchools but again, CSS is valid. Given the amount of time given to build the site, I’m very impressed with the well structured CSS and XHTML.

PSD2HTML ~ Visit

I couldn’t resist peeking at their own code and I’m happy to report that XHTML and CSS are both valid. Code is semantic in most parts as advertised in their service and doesn’t suffer from code bloat. It’s succinct, only using necessary tags. A few extra divs are present but I can’t really complain here. Great stuff.

Conclusion

Whilst I was unable to put a site through the whole process, I’ve reviewed all the constituent parts of the PSD2HTML service bar their support. The website explains the service fully and sets the expectations of the designer as to what quality of code they will get. The order process is simple and options are abundant and flexible. The end result is a web-page/website with clean, semantic code and well-structured CSS that behaves consistently across specified browsers.

If you were a designer needing a very quick turnaround on a budget, I would point you in the way of PSD2HTML.

Last Word

I?ve said the following far too many times before about these types of service, but it?s worth mentioning yet again.

To get the most out of this service, a good design talent is needed to create the design in the first place. If you?re a designer without coding knowledge then this service (or a competitor?s - they happily list them on their site) could be for you. It?s also worth me pointing out that these types of services span two categories; the professional, code-loving type in this review and the slicing monkeys that don?t help anyone (read my comment to find the difference). If you?re a designer looking for this type of service then ask someone to look over code samples - it?s worth it. It?s also better than buying a template from Templates R Us. It?s the difference between buying mass produced cheap food and the organic stuff. Don?t expect the moon on a stick given time and budget constraints, but do expect good code and a site that looks almost identical to your design.

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I’ve seen several reviews of PSD2HTML lately (all paid)… I’m curious as to why nobody seems to actually test their service, instead only recapping the information which is publicly available on their website — unless I’ve missed something or somehow mis-read this and other reviews. As I don’t know the details of what comes with the review P2H is paying for, I know there’s a good chance I’m making this comment while not knowing the full story. Still, I would imagine that reviews would benefit both the readers (and PSD2HTML) even more if you were to actually use the service — submit a design, let them create it, and then judge the result relative to what you submitted, etc.I imagine P2H would even cover the cost, as they’re already paying for the review.Thoughts? Am I way of base here and just don’t know it? :)

Ryan Christensen
June 3rd, 2008
#

@Ryan ChristensenThank you for your comment. We have a number of reviews which actually test our service. Here are a couple, for example:http://designshack.co.uk/news/psd-to-html-by-psd2htmlhttp://snook.ca/archives/business/review_psd2html/

PSD to HTML Service
June 3rd, 2008
#

As a designer - I have used this service several times and have been VERY pleased with the results. The sites I have used it for are small, relatively simple sites - but it was well worth the price for being able to do what I feel I do best (Design) and let someone else do the code. Being in a perpetual state of overbooked, the service enabled me to maintain a heavier client load but still meet deadlines. I was returned a one-page html file with cross-browser compatible CSS complete with rollovers so that all that needed to be added was content within a day or two. The 8 hour turn-around did not happen on my first design, but the feedback they provided me in questions re: my designs enabled me to make sure the questions didn’t arise a second time. For all it’s worth, I would recommend the service - especially when overbooked.

Lizbeth
June 5th, 2008
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There are also several providers offering similar services.The one I prefer is call Web Outsourcing Services Group. They have a dedicated XHTML/CSS/JS programing department for web design conversion service. They have real XHTML/CSS/JS gurus ! Excellent quality at bargain price.Check it out http:/xhtml.WebOutsourcingServices.com

John
June 5th, 2008
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I have a little bit of a beef with all the paid reviews you’ve been doing on this site. While I have no problem with you doing it from time to time, and sometimes they are helpful, the paid reviews seem to vastly outnumber the real content articles. What’s up with that? Fadtastic used to be a really fun, useful blog. Now all I see are these noncommittal paid reviews for services I’d barely consider using. Keep the reviews, but please bring back the good stuff!

Rachel
July 1st, 2008
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Thax for the article!!! it was really interesting to read it!

Матата
July 10th, 2008
#

gossard
July 12th, 2008
#

Thousands and look closer buy cytotec meat steamed estivities.

Pwhndvve
August 9th, 2008
#

very important and butifulthanx

zaid
August 9th, 2008
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MyPsdtoHTML.com convert my design from a PSD  to a high-quality XHTML-CSS page.The page was custom hand-coded professionally in 24 hours.I recommend them because the cost/benefitwww.mypsdtohtml.com

gustav ceratt
August 12th, 2008
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Thanks for your article!I use http://www.htmlmarkup.com and they send me a W3C Valid Semantic Code, well formatted when I convert my PSD to XHTML /CSSRichard G.

Richard G
October 10th, 2008
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The best service so far because is less expensive and because the high-quality of the hand coded PSD to XHTML is http://www.mypsdtohtml.com. As I read in previous reviews they are an startup that now has a great alexa ranking also google position.The things i found in this service:- Hand coded HTML / XHTML in 24 hours.- The Best Price in the market- PSD, JPG, PNG and even old HTML formats- WordPress Integration

james perkins
November 4th, 2008
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I had experienced the services of PSD2HTML, it is ok (however I was expecting a little bit more)….. Then, I tried some other service providers, but my search came to an end, when I experienced the services of xhtml.pixelcrayons.com, these guys are really kewl and always make me happy with their work…cheers pixel

Andy
November 7th, 2008
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http://www.xhtmlweaver.com provides me rockstar service with afforable price. Strong recommended!

Marc Winson
November 19th, 2008
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Andrew,Your review of PSD2HTML is simply awesome.I thought it was great you took the time to write this simple but well researched material. Although, it’s almost a year old, I still believe some of our readers may still find it informative and educational - so, I will attempt to repost a version of it on our blog (linking back to this blog of course).

Book Reviews Online
March 20th, 2009
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i use services of <a href="http://xhtmlcandy.com/">XHTML Candy</a> and really recommend them They are fast result oriented. They don’t charge extra for load time optimization or commented markup.

Alex
April 25th, 2009
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I recommend CodeMyDesigns.com for advanced websites; they use a pretty powerful (and easy to use) content management system with tons of features: forums, blogs, e-commerce, more. You or your clients can login and manage the site from a web browser (ie: NO MORE DREAMWEAVER!!!). They help you build websites for which your clients are willing to pay top-dollar.

cultiv8
May 30th, 2009
#

I can’t agree about mypsdtohtml.com

I can not comment on the actual code produced but the customer service is appalling. I had an 18 page site that I wanted a custom quote on (Many of the pages were very similar). I sent them the details and a ZIP of the PSDs and asked for a custom quote. They just cut and pasted the prices from the site and hinted that a further discount was possible. I then had to ask again 3 times to just get a number with a dollar sign on the front. Finally they gave a number (just multiplying their standard rate) which was at least 50% more than other quotes I had had. I thanked them for their time and declined on the basis of it being too high.

They then sent me a slightly abusive/cranky email telling me to use a calculator and not waste their time (2 to 3 minutes tops).

I can only imagine how they would respond to any round trip CSS tweaks on their work.

Good service and communication costs nothing people.

steve
June 11th, 2009
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I found http://psdtohtmlcompanies.com/they provide detailed listing of psd to html service providers. You can refine, compare and contact HTML coders. The best part is you can send inquiries to up to 10 providers by using their form. I found it pretty impresive.

Michael
July 6th, 2009
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I got a 70 page website developed from http://www.xhmldevelopers.com. They delivered them in 2 weeks with excellent results. Not a single major iteration was needed. I would really like to thank the owner for having such a wonderful team

David Cunliffe
July 18th, 2009
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Thanks for this great review. we have also collected a resource of 20 best PSD to HTML service providers on the basis of basic industry fundamentals like market reputation, brand popularity, quality of work, turnaround time and pricing. You can check the list at http://www.bestpsdtohtml.com/20-best-psd-to-html-service-providers/

Andrew Jhonson
August 24th, 2009
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ButterflyHTML’s PSD to HTML service provides PSD to HTML conversion at a much lesser price point while maintaining high levels of quality. With a wide array of customization options and personal attention on each conversion, designers can get value for thier money and high profitablity for their work.

ButterflyHTML - PSD to HTML
September 25th, 2009
#

Hi,I am Moniya, Marketing Manager. I have been through your site and can see that you are offering Web Design services to your clients. In these tough times, where it is hard to maintain the topline, we can help share the bottom line for you. We have a large team for both Web Design and Development which can execute the campaigns at a much lower cost than what you have in house. Do let me know if you are interested and I would be happy to send in more details. I look forward to your mail. Kind Regards,MoniyaOnline Marketing ManagerEmail ID:- moniya@rnsinformatics.com

Moniya
January 5th, 2010
#

We are also psd to html service providers, our website url is: http://www.designingstudios.comThanks & Regards,DesigningStudios

Sandeep
January 15th, 2010
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