Requirements

The SnapAds system optimizes the design of an advertisement by trying out a multitude of variations on a basic design. To do this, it needs a basic design that contains variables and possible values. These can be as simple as color: white, green or pink.

Using Photoshop

The easiest way to create your basic design is to use Adobe Photoshop. We can convert one of these files into a dynamic SnapAd in one step when it is organized into variables and values.

The way to create a variable for SnapAds in a Photoshop file (PSD) is to create a layer folder. The way to create possible values for a variable is to create a layer for each value inside of a folder. Try to give names that are descriptive and meaningful. These names will be used by SnapAds in its reports back to you. Names within a layer folder must be unique.

Using Fireworks

To use Fireworks, follow all the same steps as when using Photoshop. Then, at the end, export your file as a Photoshop PSD.

Layers

The layers across different layer folders should be stackable. That means that you could take any one layer from each layer folder, stack them all on top of each other, and together they would form a sensible picture.

For instance, in the designs below, the button is a variable. One is yellow and the other is red. Those two possible values are stored as distinct layers in a folder called "button". SnapAds will only show one of those layer at a time. If they had been incorrectly stored in two different folders, both could be shown on top of one another.

There is no limit to the number of variables and possible values that SnapAds can deal with. We recommend that you create as many as you think might have a positive effect on viewers. Whatever values are not effective will be quickly weeded out. Typically, we've dealt with basic designs that have 3–6 variables and 2–8 values each.

Optional Features

You can create animations in Photoshop that will be displayed by SnapAds.

If you want to test a large range of background colors (most devices will display 16.7 million shades), you can make use of a special SnapAds feature. Just tell us the range and we will put it into the system so you don't have to create a million layers!

If you have any more ideas for variables that are difficult to represent as layers, let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Finished?

Just email us your PSD or Fireworks file and we'll convert it into a SnapAd. Then we'll give you some HTML code that will display the dynamic ad on your site. Let the best design win!

If you have any doubts, you can always compare your PSD to our example, or else email us your questions.