HTML 3.2 - Other Considerations

Other Considerations

It is important to write HTML documents that look good on any combination of browsers and computers, not just the ones you use. Here are some basic guidelines as to what constitutes good form :

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid!) : Emphasise content. Remember, you have little control over how a particular browser/computer combination is going to display your documents.
If you use advanced HTML formatting, offer the user a plain version too. Their browser may not be able to interpret the newer tags.
Keep in mind that not all browsers can display fancy graphics.
Images are wonderful but the source files are often very large. This means that they will take a long time to load. If you have a particularly large document or image in your web pages, it is good practice to warn the user about the size before they try to access it.
Avoid the phrase Click Here. Not all browsers activate hyperlinks by clicking with a mouse.
Try not to use too many different type fonts. This leads to a cluttered, messy look and is tiring to view.
Be careful in your choice of colours. If you change the background colour, it may be necessary to change the link and text colours as well. Insure sufficient contrast and be aware that many printers are unable to print light-coloured text on a dark background.
Don't try to fill the screen. Judicious use of white space adds to the readability and attractiveness of a document.
It is considered good etiquette to sign and date your pages.
<BLINK> is an abomination.
Don't expect to ever complete your web pages to your satisfaction. You will always be diddling with them!

Most importantly, have fun!

There are a number of HTML tutorials available on line. The following links have HTML tutorials (or pointers to them) of varying degrees of complexity :

Is accessibility important to you? These pages discuss various aspects of web design :

Further information and various web goodies may be found here :

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