Help with customization

[jdmsta12]

I want to use my own web layout and i dont know CSS that well since i do everything via splicing. Most of my layouts dont use CSS.

URL: http://genesis-auto.net/index.php

How can i add the ZEN cart modules to this layout, i already have it spliced up to where i can insert certain code in certain areas the website is simple its not hard at all. I wish zen cart used modules to plugin to an HTML website like most forums use. Like the LOGIN info is linked to the zen cart, but if you click ntohing happens.

I have read the tutorials but it sounds all gibberish to me, I even have the custom directory setup in the templates section for templates and currently have it applied but to no avail.

[gjh42]

You do not cut up Zen Cart and insert its functions into an HTML page - it can't work that way. If your layout is simple as you say, it should not be difficult to put the design into Zen Cart's template system. All I see at your link (aside from the ZC installation) is a landing page at the root with no real content or links to any other pages. If we can see your layout, we can advise on achieving your objective correctly.

[Maynards]

After reading your question I see that you are in the same boat I was in about 4 months ago. I am NOT a expert by no means but my advice to you would be to learn about CSS. You may want to go outside of the tutorials of this site to find some answers.

[gjh42]

Yes, at least basic knowledge of CSS and HTML is going to be important in tweaking your Zen Cart, and useful for any web design work anywhere. Check out www.w3schools.com; there are many other sources too.

[jdmsta12]

http://www.genesis-auto.net/web/index.php

This will give you the rough representation of how it looks.

I want to be able to wrap this around the cart system and at the moment i am having a tough time doing so.

This page can be converted to php by inserted the appropiate tags.

[afo]

You can achieve something very similar using Zen Cart alone. It'll be much simpler to maintain that way. I suggest you visit http://(sorry, site offline)/ and get one of the free templates that most closely matches the look you want and take it from there.

Zen Cart isn't just a cart. It's designed to run the entire site, so you don't need to design the rest of it yourself.

[schoolboy]

I think Glenn has summed it up.

Zencart IS your whole site... It cannot be carved up and "spliced" into an existing site. You will have to do the opposite (carve up your site, and use ZC functions, features and techniques to bring it into your zencart website.)

There are a number of methods you can use to bring in current content, including the DEFINED pages and EZPages - as well as editing the static text and labels.

This will require a basic understanding of some php, a little more css, and a working knowledge of html.

As I have often said on the forum - if an idiot like me can do it, then anyone can.

[gjh42]

That layout should be very practical to achieve in Zen Cart. Some admin settings, a few easy-to-install mods (not requiring database changes) and simple file edits, and a bunch of styling with CSS.

[schoolboy]

One of the things I commonly suggest to new ZC users (and you are at liberty to completely ignore me on this) is to get a basic store up-and-running, and trading. Use an easy template... just start doing business... get the cash in.

Then, over time, (and when you have more experience), look at re-styling the site to your more-specific preferences.

Some people spend MONTHS trying to get the "design" perfect - at the expense of MAKING MONEY.

Some sites that I developed many years ago are still based on the "classic" template and look really "amateur" - but they are turning over good bucks...

Start trading ASAP... worry about the cosmetics later...