Although some use frames and other design techniques to accomplish this look, I'm going to show you a simple way to create look without "headaches" of complicated design techniques.

You'll be glad to hear that you can create a dimensional look for your website using only two simple tools.

1. Background Images 2. Tables

Go here to view a sample web page before we begin:

http://www.webmastercourse.com/web-design-weekly/background-table-combo.htm

How to Insert a Background Image:

When you open up a blank page in Composer, html, or any other design program, it's wise to insert your background image first - before beginning your design work.

This allows you to lay foundation for web page from start, and eliminates confusion as well.

A background image can be inserted same as any other graphic image.

In Netscape Composer, you would open a "blank" web page, click on "Insert" and then "Image".

On your image screen, you'll see a section near top labeled "Choose File". Here you'll select background image from your hard drive that you would like to use. It will probably be a ".gif" file such as bg001.gif or bg002.gif. Whatever you named background image on your hard drive, you'll find it, and insert it here.

Next, check box where it says "Use as Background". This will cause image you have selected to become background for your entire web page. Click "Apply" or "Okay", and your page's background should now be image you've selected.

Where Can You Get Background Images?

However, there are two simple ways to insert a vertical divider line...

1. Create a "Graphic" Vertical Divider Line

You may insert a graphic image (.gif) as your divider line and align it next to your paragraph. Although you'll be forced to use this method if you need a divider line that has an odd shape or color, this is not most efficient method.

By using a graphic as a divider line, you'll risk graphic line not being lined up correctly when others view your web pages. Also, it could slow loading time for your web page.

This method should only be used if necessary.

2. Create a "Thin" Table to Divide Your Columns

If you simply want a line to divide your web page sections, best way to do so is using a table.

Simply create a table between your sections (you may have three columns with middle column becoming divider line.)

You can make column as small as "1 pixel or percent of table" wide, or larger if needed.

Also, you can select different colors for this table to match your web page colors.