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Getting Started

 FAST TRACK GUIDE: (overview)

For access to detailed step by step instructions ( including video ) click on the button located on your members Home page.

 

** IMPORTANT NOTE ** The generation series of templates includes a ( Developer version - usually priced at $99 or more, and the standard Gen8 template usually priced starting at $69 ). The Developer versions include additional page layouts, a flash intro, flash buttons and the photo gallery.  Online instructions for these elements will not apply to this template.

 

Everyone's needs will vary somewhat when building a website from a template. Your site may required detailed modifications, ecommerce, a customized look and feel, or the inclusion of a few dozen pages. Or you may have found just what you need in this template, aside from your own content, and a a few pages. The FAST TRACK GUIDE is designed to take you from OPENING to PUBLISHING in the shortest time possible. Aside from adding your own content, you will need to make some updates to the included components prior to publishing your template. We're going to take you through those changes, and work through them in a time saving manner. The UPDATES are grouped into 2 sets of instructions.

  • REQUIRED UPDATED ( just what you need )
  • OPTIONAL UPDATED ( more than basic, but still quick and easy )

The instructions are short and simple. If you find you need more information, please refer to the online instructions ( with video ).

 

NEED TO KNOW: Library (components)

The web pages in this template include ( 8 ) Library components. A 'component' ( example: dropmenu ) is embedded into a page located in the 'Library' folder, and that page, is then embedded into your template pages. A Library component allows you to updated a 'component' such as a 'menu bar' from a single location, and that update will 'cascade' to all the web pages using that component. As an example, if you have 30 web pages all using the same Library component, you only need to update the component once, to update all 30 pages. Great time saver. You don't really need to grasp the concept as to how a Library component works, I do want you to know that you will be working with the Library pages, and that you can make site wide updates effectively.

The index page, includes additional 'flash' components which will require updating.

 

Here's the list of "required" and "optional" Library and Flash components you'll be updating in this guide.

Required Library components

  1. logo
  2. dropmenu
  3. slidemenu
  4. copyright / links
  5. search

Required Flash components

  1. image display

Optional Library components

  1. themed image

 

 

PREPARATIONS:

Before you begin, I would ask that you complete 3 tasks:

  1. secure your domain name, and web hosting
  2. organize the content for your web pages
  3. create a sitemap / storyboard (create a list of pages you will want for your site)

FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 1 (logo)

  1. log into your members page at www.luckymarble.com/members and click on the button next to your product license
  2. click on the  a 'Initiate Request' button:
  3. you will recieve notification in 1-3 business days, at which time you can log into your members page, and download the new logo from the "My Customization Requests" section of your home page.

Replace logo with your own image (best to use a transparent PNG image)

  1. expand the {Site / logo} folder
  2. import your replacement image into this folder
  3. expand the Library folder
  4. open the {logo} page
  5. delete the existing logo image
  6. drag the new image onto the page
  7. save to update

FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 2 (remove un-needed ages)

  1. delete the pages you will not be using
  2. select a page with your mouse, right click, select delete
  3. only delete pages in the 'root' of the web
  4. keep the following** ( $__GETTING_STARTED.htm / contact.htm / index.htm / privacy.htm / sitemap.htm )

** keep 5 of the includes pages. Delete this page when your site is complete. Keep the @blank-template-page.htm as you will be using this page to create your new pages. Keep the contact.htm, privacy.htm and sitemap.htm as all 3 of these pages are important additions to building visitor confidence and search engine optimization. Your web 'MUST' have one of the following pages ( index.htm  / index.html / default.htm or default.html ) this is required by your server. This is the landing page for your visitors, the first page displayed in the browser when someone accesses the site by the domain or address ( www.i3dthemes.com actaully takes visitors to www.i3dthemes.com/index.htm ).

 

FAST TRACK  GUIDE: Step 3 (add new pages)

  1. referring to the 'sitemap' created in the 'preparation' stage, we will now create the additional pages for our site.
  2. to create your 1st new page, double click on the (@blank-template-page.htm) page to open in the design window.
  3. click on the File Menu >> Select Save as >>
  4. in the File name: field, the existing page name will be highlighted in blue, type in a new page name
  5. click Save
  6. your new page will be added to the site and open in the design window
  7. the 'original' (@blank-template-page.htm) will be closed
  8. with your new page still open in the design window, switch to code view and change the " Untitled 1" title meta tag <title>Untitled 1</title>
  9. open the (@blank-template-page.htm) and repeat these steps for each new page in your site

** NOTE ** if saving a page to a sub folder, first save it to the root, then move it into the sub folder. Once you've moved a page into a sub folder, open the page, switch to code view, scroll to line #32 and change the
var rootFlashLocation = "./";  // read the instructions located on lines 29-31 in code view

Save As as seen in FrontPage or Expression Web


Save As as seen in Dreamweaver

 

FAST TRACK  GUIDE: Step 4 (copyright and bottom text links)

  1. expand the Library folder
  2. open the {copyright_links} page
  3. edit the copy right information
  4. modify the text links*
  5. when complete, click SAVE then close the page

 

* the text links are standard HTML text, with a hyperlink. To learn more about hyper linking text, use the following tools in your web editor

  • FrontPage / Expression Web - in the top right corner of the program you will find the search 'HELP': Type a question for help

  • type in: How to Create or Modify a Hyperlink >> then select the ( How to Create or Modify a Hyperlink ) link to review


  • Dreamweaver - Press F1 on your keyboard, or click on the "Help menu >> Dreamweaver Help" to open the 'Adobe or Macromedia Help Viewer'. The Help Viewer will display an index of help topics. Select "Linking and Navigation" from the list, then select "Linking and Navigation >> Linking >> Link to documents using the Point-To-File icon. Or try one of the other subjects under LInking and Navigation.

FAST TRACK  GUIDE: Step 5 (search form)

  1. open the {search} page in the Library
  2. switch to code view
  3. on line #12 change the default web address "www.i3dthemes.com" to your own, keep the opening and closing quotes " " in place
  4. click SAVE then close the page

 

FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 5 (dropmenu)

 

** Designer Notes ** The dropmenu allows the horizontal menu buttons, to include sub menus or dropmenu's. The sub menu's are optional, and the horizontal buttons can include a sub menu as well as work as a normal button with a clickable link. There is a good deal going on behind the scene's and the 'software' that makes the menu work is all tucked away in the javascript folder. Admittedly, there is more work involved with updating a menu of this nature. Learn how, and I hope you'll find the long term rewards far out weight the short term learning curve. As your site grows you may want to add more and more pages. Having the tools in place to allow for this growth will save you from sourcing out flexible navigation in the months or years to come.

 

By removing the pages you won't be using and creating your new pages in the 2nd and 3rd steps, you will have a clear picture of what you will need to add and remove from the navigation and menu components. As the dropmenu and the vertical slide menu both allow for 'sub menu's' you can 'categorize or 'group' similar pages together. This will help control 'clutter' on your web pages, and help your visitors quickly find the web pages they are looking for.

 

** Preparation ** before starting your updates, grab a piece of paper and write down what pages you would want to be displayed as a 'menu group' and what pages required their own button. You may need to create a menu button for 'miscellaneous' or 'various' pages, depending on how many pages you'll have in your site. I would suggest no more than 8 horizontal buttons, if more, you may need to remove the 'search form' from the ( Templates / template.dwt ) master page, to allow the buttons to expand. ( varies with each template series )

 

For the following exercises:

  1. expand the Library folder
  2. open the {dropmenu} page
  3. switch to code view

Update a button link / title / name:

  • referring to the screenshots below, you can change the button link, title and name directly in the code view window.

screenshot of main buttons

 

screenshot of sub menu buttons

 

Remove a button / sub menu

  1. select the line of code for that button / sub menu and press delete on your keyboard

Add a sub menu

  • to add a sub menu, select a line of code for an existing sub menu and 'COPY'

  • create a blank space and 'PASTE' the copied code, then edit

Add a main button

  • add a button with NO sub menu, copy the code below and paste into the "1st section:"

    <li><a href="../XXXXX.htm" title="XXXXX"><span>XXXXX</span></a></li>

  • replace the XXXX in the copied code

 

Add a button with sub menu

  1. copy the code below and paste into the  "1st section" at the top of the page

    <li><a href="../XXXXX.htm" title="XXXXX" rel="dropmenuX_c"><span>XXXXX</span></a></li>

  2. copy this next block of code, and paste into the bottom of the "2nd section:" between: "<!-- copy new menu's below -->  and  <!-- copy new menu's above -->"

    <!--XXX sub menu -->
    <div id="dropmenuX_c" class="dropmenudiv_c" style="width:150px">

    <a href="../XXXXX.htm" title="XXXXX">XXXXX</a>
    <a href="../XXXXX.htm" title="XXXXX">XXXXX</a>
    <a href="../XXXXX.htm" title="XXXXX">XXXXX</a>
    </div>

  3. update the code pasted into the "1st section", replacing the XXXXX with new text

  4. update the code pasted into the "2nd section", replacing the XXXXX with new text

  5. ***VERY IMPORTANT*** code pasted into both the 1st and 2nd sections contain an ID tag for the submenu. This ID tag connects the menu button to the sub menu.

    for the main button, the ID is (rel="dropmenuX_c")
    for the submenu, the ID is       (id="dropmenuX_c")

  6. for both the main button, and the sub menu you need to change the "X" in "dropmenuX" to a number. You can use any number that is not in use by other buttons and submenu's. I suggest you start with number 4.

    example: change "dropmenuX_c" to "dropmenu4_c" for both the button and sub menu, for each additional button with sub menu, increase sequentially.

 


FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 6 (vertical slidemenu)

** Designer notes ** The slidemenu is a bit different from the dropmenu. The slidemenu will allow for a 'button' that uses are regular 'clickable' link, or a 'button' that opens a submenu. ( but not both ). The slidemenu is a bit easier to update though, so good news for you. As with the dropmenu, this is a 'long term' solution to your navigation requirements. You may not 'need' sub menu's, no problem, the slidemenu will act as a regular menu as well. Having the ability to display a sub menu may be something you'll need in time, and if the 'foundation' has already been laid, it will be very easy to add that functionality when the need calls for it.

For all exersices:

  1. expand the Library folder
  2. open the {vertical_slidemenu} page
  3. switch to code view

 

The {vertical_slidemenu} uses <div> containers and regular <a href> links. There is quite a bit going on behind the scenes using javascript to correctly render the menu, but the make up of the menu is pretty straight forward. Let's take a look at the vertical_slidemenu page, and break it down a bit so you can understand what to to.

  1. each button is displayed in a block of 'code' and each block of code starts with the button number
     example: <!-- button 1 -->, <!-- button 2 -->
  2. each block of code includes an 'ID' or identifier used by the javascript. If you remove or edit the ID the menu will not work
     example: <div class="collapsed"> (DON'T TOUCH)
  3. each block of code includes a button name, which is wrapped inside of the <span> </span> tags
     example: <span>Services</span>

    if the button includes a sub menu, the button name will be wrapped inside the <span> </span> tags AND the sub menus will be listed directly below the button name
    example: 
    <span>Services</span>
    <a href="../services.htm#Silver">Silver</a>
    <a href="../services.htm#Gold">Gold</a>

    if the button DOES NOT include a sub menu, the button will be still be wrapped inside the <span> </span> tags, AND it will include the <a href=".../page_name.htm"> on the left of the name, and the closing </a> on the right,
    example: <span><a href="../index.htm">Home</a></span>

Add a button (no sub menus)

  1. copy the code block below

    <!-- button X -->
    <div class="collapsed">
    <span><a href="../XXXXX.htm">XXXXX</a></span>
    </div>
  2. paste into the vertical_slidemenu page
    ** note ** paste it between 2 existing blocks of code if you want to display the buttons in a specific order
  3. change the XXXXX for the link and the name

Add a button (with sub menus)

  1. copy the code below

    <!-- button XXXXX -->
    <div class="collapsed">
    <span>XXXXX</span>
    <a href="../XXXXX">XXXXX </a>
    <a href="../XXXXX ">XXXXX </a>
    <a href="../XXXXX ">XXXXX </a>
    </div>

  2. paste into the vertical_slidemenu page
      ** note ** paste it between 2 existing blocks of code if you want to display the buttons in a specific order
  3. change the XXXXX for the button name, sub menu names and links

Change a button name

  1. names are displayed in black 'text'  (screenshot numbers  #2 and #4)
  2. replace the black text with your own to change the button name, or sub menu name

Change a button link

  1. hyperlinks are displayed in 'blue' and start with the <a href=" ">
  2. change the "page_name.htm" to a new page name, keep the ../ and the opening and closing " "

Change a main button with sub menu to a clickable main button with link

  1. delete all the "<a href...</a>" sub menus below the <span> button name </span>
  2. copy the code below

    <span><a href="../XXXXX.htm">XXXXX</a></span>
  3. delete the existing button name
  4. paste the copied code
  5. change the "XXXXX" 'link' and the "XXXXX" 'name'

Change a clickable main button to a main button with sub menu

  1. delete the existing 'block' of button code
  2. copy the code below

    <!-- button XXXXX -->
    <div class="collapsed">
    <span>XXXXX</span>
    <a href="../XXXXX">XXXXX </a>
    <a href="../XXXXX ">XXXXX </a>
    <a href="../XXXXX ">XXXXX </a>
    </div>

  3. paste into the empty space
  4. change the XXXXX for the button name, sub menu names and links

 


FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 6 (flash image display)

** Designer notes** the flash image display is a cross between a photo gallery, and a large editable banner add. Designed to blend in with the flash header / flash intro. Modify the 'Title' and 'Description' for each image, and you have an instant add window, for your own 'brand', products, services or what ever you would like to shine the spotlight on. The display window doubles as a gallery, put images of your own adventures, people, places etc and you have an instant gallery. No matter what your purpose, you have the ability to display as many images and messages as you like.

  1. expand the {Site / flash / config} folder
  2. open the {flash_gallery.xml} page

Change the Titles and Descriptions

  1. Title: update the black text between the <imageTitle>TITLE: Flash Gallery 1</imageTitle> tags
  2. Description: update the black text between the <imageDescription>DESCRIPTION: first image</imageDescription> tags
     ** note ** editable text is displayed in black, change just the black text

Replace the images in the display

  1. expand the {Site / flash / images / gallery} folder
  2. drag and drop, or import your replacement images into this folder
  3. open the {flash_gallery.xml} file
  4. replace the <image> name

      example: <image>../images/gallery/image_01.jpg</image>

    replace the "images_01.jpg" file name to your new file name

Remove an image

  1. delete the 'code block' starting with <image> to </image>

Add an image

  1. copy the following code, and paste between an existing block, or at the bottom

    <!-- XXX image -->
    <image>
    <imageTitle>XXXXX XXXXX</imageTitle>
    <image>../images/gallery/XXXXX.jpg</image>
    <imageDescription>XXXXX XXXXX</imageDescription>
    <imageTransition>Blinds</imageTransition>
    </image>
  2. replace all instances of XXXXX with your own title, description, picture name

 

FAST TRACK GUIDE: Step 7 (content and publish)

** Designer notes ** with the 'foundation for your website complete, just add content and publish. The FAST TRACK GUIDE does not cover editing the content on the existing pages, such as the photo-gallery, or the catalog page. The instructions are online. I did not include the instructions in this guide, as many of you will be removing these pages, at least for now. I did not want to include instructions in the FAST TRACK GUIDE that were not relevant to our members in general. Knowing you would be removing many of these pages, the instructions on how to change the menu's and navigation components was included...pretty good chance that you'll be removing a few icons from the ZOOOM menu.

Add the content to your pages

  1. each template page contains at least 3 areas for 'SEO text' ( search engine optimization = designed to help you with your search engine rankings )
    • Optimized key words for Page Title
    • Optimized key words and phrases for page description
    • Heading
  2. the Page Title should closely match the <title> meta tag
  3. the page description should include key words or phrases ( terms you think your visitors would use to search for the type on content that is on this page )
  4. the heading describes the type of information on the page
  5. you can use these areas for anything you like, but they can really help with your search engine optimization efforts
  6. add content to the pages in the manner you are most comfortable with
  7. when complete, publish the site for a test run

 

FAST TRACK GUIDE: Optional 1 (themed image)

** Designer notes ** the themed image is a transparent PNG image. you can replace the included image with any image that will display in a web browser, however I recommend you use a transparent PNG image, using the same relative size as the original to obtain the best results.

Replace the themed image

  1. expaned the {Library} folder
  2. open the {themed_image} page
  3. delete the existing image
  4. import your new image into the {Site / themed_image} folder ( or any folder that suits you )
  5. drag the new image from your folder, onto the {themed_image} page
  6. save to update

 FAST TRACK GUIDE: Optional 2 (flash ZOOOM menu)

** Designer notes ** You can add or remove icons from the flash zoom menu, no need for flash! To keep things moving along, let's focus on renaming / linking and removing icons in this exercise. To learn how to add icons, review the online instructions and video.

 

For all exersices:

  1. expand the {Site / flash / config} folder
  2. open the {icons.xml} page

Rename and icon

  1. replace the black text between the <iconTitle> and </iconTitle> tags

Change the link

  1. change the black "hyperlink" text between the <iconLink> and </iconLink> tags
      ** note do not remove the "../../" just change the "page_name.htm"

Remove an Icon button

  1. select the 'block' of code from <icon> to </icon>, and delete

 

 

Conclusion:

With the basic changes outlined in the FAST TRACK GUIDE you should be able to produce a website with a new logo, new pages, working navigation and menu's in a relatively short period of time. Everyone learns at a different pace, and I'm sure many of you have the experience to open the Library and XML pages and complete the required changes without any additional instructions from us. I'm also sure there are a few of you who may have felt this was over your current experience level.

Please keep these few thoughts in mind.

**For the folks that found it easy, they have already invested dozens of hours learning how to work with web sites and the bits and pieces that go inside. Or just naturally gifted with computers.

 

**For the folks that found it a bit beyond what they were expecting, I won't tell you this was actually an easy template to work with (just because I'm on the design team)... but what I will tell you is you have a very advanced web template, that uses many advanced components - try to compared the value of what's in the template package to the amount of time you may spend looking for these types of web features, or the cost of hiring a web designer.

 

I've presented the FAST TRACK GUIDE as a tool to help you build your website quickly and efficiently. This guide does not allow for the many many customizations or additional modifications that you may want for your website. To that end, we've posted detailed instructions online, many of these with video and commentary.

Thank you.