For the most part I use PhotoShop to create or edit headers, as well as buttons and most of my other art. However, PhotoShop is expensive (I'm still using an older version - 6.0 - because I can't afford a newer one, and don't really feel like I need it). If you don't have PhotoShop, it can be ordered from Adobe at:

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html (Opens in a new window)

Or you can get a 30-day free tryout at:
http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/main.jsp#product=39 (Opens in a new window)

There are other programs, though, that you can get for free, like Gimp or Open Office, which contains its own graphics program. A lot of people like PaintShop Pro - but it, too, runs into some money, but not as much as PhotoShop.

PhotoShop files have a .psd extension - not the .jpg or .gif you'll see on websites. This is because a .psd file works only in PhotoShop or a compatible program.

You can buy pre-made header graphics in .psd format and very easily alter them, as I did with the one above. We are offering a fantastic package of 30 headers for only $14.95, including the one you see here.

It's actually very easy to make changes. You just highlight the text you want to change and type what you want. Of course, you can make even more complex changes as the video tutorial below illustrates.

Check out this video tutorial, using a pre-made header and PhotoShop (does not work in Firefox browser, at least not in mine.) The video comes from TechSmiths at www.techsmith.com. You may notice that they have used Camtasia Studio to create this video. In future lessons we'll introduce you to a much cheaper version (this one costs $300!), and show you how to create your own videos.