How to have publishing site with custom master page and page with various web part zones

header

footer

left

right

middle

?

Thanks,

The following two articles are good starting places:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms543497(v=office.14).aspx

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint-designer-help/customize-a-master-page-to-brand-your-site-HA102449505.aspx

The number of webpart zones you need is depending on your design , for example if you your home page design contains 2 column rows then 1 column 

you will have 2 webpart zone vertically oriented each will span 50% of the page width 

then another webpart zone will span 100% 

so mainly the header,footer will be in the master page and number of webpart zones will depend on your design and the distinct templates you have