For NHD contests, your website projects must be created using NHD’s website builder, NHDWebCentral®. Review the instructions, videos, and FAQs below. Website building for 2024-2025 is now open.
Instructions for Using Website Builder
Before you begin working on your website project, take some time to explore our NHDWebCentral® instructions and videos.
Website Builder Guides
- Starting a New Website in an Existing Account
- Registering as an Individual Website
- Registering as a Group Website
- Navigating the Website Builder
- Using Blocks to Build Your Website
- Adding and Linking Additional Pages
- Creating a Design Theme
- Using a Preset Design Theme
FAQs
Word Count
How Do I Count Words on My Website?
According to the NHD Contest Rule Book (page 34), “Website entries may contain no more than 1,200 visible words that you write.” Use the guide to help you figure out which words count and which do not count toward your total word count on your website.
Setting Up my Website
Do we have to use NHDWebCentral® to build our websites?
If you plan to compete in an NHD contest, websites must be created in NHDWebCentral® (NHD Contest Rule Book, 6.5, E2). Any websites built on other platforms will need to be rebuilt at NHDWebCentral® before the contest registration deadline.
I’m a teacher. Can I create a website?
Absolutely! We encourage teachers to create accounts on our website to practice, learn, and grow alongside their students. To get started, follow the same instructions as students for creating an account. After setting up your account, you have two options: you can either create your own website or link to an existing student’s website to monitor their progress from within the website builder. Note that you don’t need an account just to view your students’ projects; they can simply share the project links with you.
We are creating a group website. Can we use one login to all work on our website?
No, each group member must have their own account. Watch this video on registering as a group website. Using the same account for all group members can corrupt, overwrite, or delete your website progress.
How do I remove a group member?
If a group member is no longer part of your website, use the Contact Us form to request their removal. Make sure to include your NHD teacher’s or mentor’s name and email address. We will verify the request with your teacher before proceeding with the removal
How can my group members and I work on our website together?
To collaborate effectively on your website, follow these guidelines:
- Edit Different Pages: Each group member should work on different pages of the website. Editing the same page simultaneously can lead to overwritten work.
- Save Frequently: Make sure to save your changes regularly to avoid losing any updates.
- Refresh to View Changes: After saving, refresh your browser to see the latest changes made by other group members.
By coordinating which pages each person edits and saving your work regularly, you can ensure a smooth and collaborative editing process.
Editing my Website
I’ve reached the size limit; what can I do to free up space?
Images, videos, and documents often have large file sizes. Before uploading, check the file size and consider compressing, cropping, or reducing resolution. You can do this using free or paid software. If you’ve already uploaded large images, delete them from your file library and replace them with smaller versions on your page(s). Tip: To reduce file size without losing quality, take a screenshot of high-resolution images on your computer. Screenshots maintain quality while being much smaller in size.
My images were there, but now they are missing; what happened?
Did you clear your file library to free up space? Uploaded images must stay in the library for the website builder to display them; it can’t show the image without it in the library.
All of the elements in my container are aligned together, but I want everything aligned differently.
This is where you can use columns to help align elements differently. Find various column options in NHDWebCentral® under Easy Layout in the Toolbox. Watch this video to help you with aligning elements.
Can I embed videos from YouTube?
No, embedded YouTube videos violate the NHD rules. Because the videos are being hosted on YouTube, they are not being counted towards the NHDWebCentral® size limit. However, you can download videos using free tools and then upload them to your website using the Embed MP3, MP4, PDF block.
What coding languages can I use?
NHDWebCentral® only supports HTML/CSS, not JavaScript. If you use JavaScript in the editor, it won’t work and will be removed.
Publishing my Website
How do I publish my website?
In NHDWebCentral®, saving is the same as publishing. When you save work on your website, it is pushed to the published site.
How do I submit my website for a contest?
Enter your URL or site key during the contest registration form when prompted. Contact your affiliate coordinator for local website submission deadlines.
How can someone view my website?
To allow others (like teachers or parents) to view your website, share the URL directly. The URL typically looks like this: https://site.nhd.org/15262633, and the site key is something like: 15262633.
If you have more questions, reach out to your local affiliate or get help from NHD IT support.