User-bars are a simple thing to make, with basic steps. (Advanced people with knowledge of photo shop will be able to modify and customize their user-bars more, so for now you are limited too having just a background and the same text.)
Website Links:
http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/freeuserbars/http://cropp.me/http://tinypic.com/?t=postuploadAll these sites are free and easy to use with no spam or advertisements. (Please note: That when using cropp.me it will open a WinRar file with your cropped signature, so make sure to have that installed.)
Step 1 "Finding your image":Find an image/background which you would like to use, but remember only a small portion of it will actually be used in your userbar so just look for keen aspects of the picture. Also, try to use HD images so the picture won't be as blurry.
Examples of pictures and userbars after:Step 2 "Making the background":
Go to
http://cropp.me/ then "upload your image" and enter the specific size 350 width by 19 high. This will save a lot of measurements and trying to get the right size by just selecting and cropping.
Then select "Crop your Images". You will then notice this little selection on the right hand side. You can edit the selection it has automatically cut you by hovering your mouse over it and clicking the pen icon (edit). Once you're happy with your selection click "confirm". You will notice the magnifying glass next to to edit button to see what the user-bar background will look like.
After you have finished this click "Download all crops" this will download a WinRaR file with your cropped image. Which you can then extract to a folder or desktop by opening it and right clicking the image > Extract to specified folder > "Then choose folder/desktop"
Step 3 "Making the Userbar":Now you have your background it's time to start on the userbar. Open the website link
http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/freeuserbars/ from here it's a pretty simple and easy website to use. It's why i use it, for simplicity reasons.
Under "Enter Text" you can input the desired text of you what you wish the userbar to say (or none at all if you decide you don't want text. Note: Like i mentioned earlier the con of using this simple site instead of photoshop your limited too one text.)
Step 4 "Adding Background & Color":Now you have entered your text you can modify the colour of the user-bar or text. Simply go down too "Choose gradient" and click the colour pallet next to each item to pick your desired choice. For example; Click "Font color pallet" Change to let's say "purple" and then click "update" if you go back to "preview user-bar" you'll notice the changes. Feel free to mess around and try different color's and find what works for you. As-well as this you will be able to add just a plain design or colour as a background instead of an image.
As you can see in the image above i've edited the "Scanlines" and "color" or the background and text. You can also add this look called "Overlay glass shine" which gives a sort of shine along the top of the user-bar.
Too input your own background simply scroll down too "Base Image" > Browse > Select the cropped image you created earlier (Max size is 350x19 keep that in mind.) You'll notice on your preview user-bar your background is now there.
Now to save the user-bar simply right click the preview user-bar and click "Save image as" then save it somewhere you won't forget.
Step 5 "Adding your user-bar to forums and/or Signature":Most people tend to already know this step however, i will explain for those who don't. Open the website
http://tinypic.com/?t=postupload and click "Browse" select your user-bar and then upload this will give you four different links the one you want if posting on forums is the one with the code
[img]user-bar[/img]Example of image code:
[IMG]http://i39.tinypic.com/15zshub.jpg[/IMG]Copy & Paste your image code either onto a forum post or add it into your Signature whichever works for you. Too get to signature go to "Community > Profile > Forum Profile Information". Once there you'll notice at the bottom "Signature" copy and past the url code you got from Tinypic and save.
Examples of user-bars i've made using these steps:[IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/9s3p8y.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/2aalpx4.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/6hj04i.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/2ymxba9.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/2lbkh6t.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i42.tinypic.com/34sih6u.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/2z5vk29.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/oi9e6c.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/1zziefb.png[/img]
[IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/2nt8qqb.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/1zyaqmx.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/25tfb41.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/1588n15.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/1pypzb.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i40.tinypic.com/s1nqrt.png[/IMG]
Also please don't feel afraid to post CnC below on my guide. It's one of my first, so not expecting it too be useful to everyone nor it be perfect.
Enjoy making user-bars! Devilz~