Web Design Glossary for Non-Designers

Website Design

Oct 21

10 Common Web Design Terms Explained

So you’ve started to look for a web designer to create your new website, you’re already working with a designer or your DIY’ing your site, and now you’re having jargon and tech terms thrown at you left and right.

So what do they all mean?

New tech terms come out all the time, and even as a web designer it’s hard to keep up. So I created a small, but important list of terms (web design glossary) to help you to understand your web design process.

1. HTML

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. In basic terms, HTML is the language used to create web pages.

HTML tells your browser about the structure and meaning of your content through the use of HyperText, the links to connect web pages to one another and Markup Language, the use of tags (like paragraph or table) to “mark up” or define the elements or layout of the page.

2. CSS

CSS or Cascading Style Sheet is a language used to format or “style” your web page. Using CSS, you can control the color of the text, the style of fonts, the background, and other layout elements. CSS also allows us to change the styling for different devices & screen sizes (like tablets and phones) and add effects.

3. Responsive design

Responsive design is a phrase you’ve probably heard thrown around a lot! What is it?

Responsive design means that the design adapts to the screen size of the user, to give the user the same ease of use no matter what device they’re using. For instance, font sizes change to be easily read on smartphones, or a design can be displayed in 2 columns on desktop, then switch to 1 on mobile.

4. Domain

A Domain name is the address where a website can be found on the internet (such as mdc-designs.com). It’s the address that you type into the browser bar to visit a website. Each website also has an IP address (a series of numbers), and the domain name is just a more user-friendly label.

5. Hosting

Hosting can be a little confusing because there are actually 2 types of hosting that you need for your website, Web Hosting & Domain hosting. Sometime you purchase these from the same provider, but they can also be purchased separately.

When you buy Web Hosting, you are buying space on a web server for your website files to be stored. It’s the storage location for all your website content files. It’s the home of your website.

Domain Hosting provides the domain name, so that visitors find you, and get to your website. A domain name is like a street address that directs people to your website's location, but it's not the content on your website.

6. HEX Code

A Hex Code or Hex Colour is a 6 digit code, made up of numbers and/or letters (usually following a pound sign #) used in web design to represent a mix of red, green & blue (RGB).

Hex colour scheme by www.schemecolor.com

7. Hero Image

The hero image is the main image on the home page. It can be single static image or banner, a rotating slider or even a video. The goal of the hero image is to draw viewers into your website right away by giving them an idea about the content of your website.

8. Navigation

Navigation on a website is a list of links that allow users to explore other pages of your website, points on the same page or external websites. Your primary navigation, also called the navigation bar or main menu, is generally located near the top of a web page, allowing visitors to quickly find the most important pages. A secondary menu is often located in the footer or side.

9. Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS or Content Management System is a tool that helps you create and manage a website without having to start from scratch and code the entire site (or even code at all). So, instead of starting with a blank HTML document, users use a content editor to add text & images.

Both Squarespace and WordPress have a CMS and more than half of all websites are built with one. So, even though I do add custom code to all the websites I create, my clients are able to manage their websites (add and change content) after they’re built.

10. Call to Action (CTA)

A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt on a website that encourages a visitor to perform an action like sign up for a newsletter, make a call, or buy a product. They’re often in the form of a button or clickable text link. “Buy Now” and “Sign Up” are common CTAs.

Want to learn more web terms? Check out these SEO terms.

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Marni Cleiman

Marni is a Canadian web designer based in Burlington, Ontario (Greater Toronto Area). She specializes in creating Squarespace websites for serviced based small businesses & creative entrepreneurs. She works one on one with her clients, creating websites that are not only strategic, beautiful and professional, but also easy to use and maintain.