classic or default

Im getting confused on which template base should i go for.

I read the template override/customization from the Wiki and Zen Cart and one tells you to copy the stylesheet from classic and the other from template default.

I have tried both of them. The classic base uses two stylesheets but is easier (in my opinion) to get used to. I also liked the tabled look.

On the other, the default base only uses 1 stylesheet but is a lot confusing and harder to use and changing things around can be a pain. Some codes are also not in the stylesheet (centerBoxWrapper etc.). Also, since this is tableless, some things are overlapping each other. However, I read that is it much better to base your template from this.

So my question is...which one do you really have to use? Why include the classic template when you're not meant to use it?

Try future zen from free templates downloads section.. link at top of this page.
Loosely based on classic, but coded correctly for zencart 1.3*

Ahh. Your comment about Wiki and FAQ advising people to copy stylesheets from classic and template_default explains why so many people seem to end up with three competing stylessheets. This is useful to know.

You can use either classic or template_default. However, classic was included primarily as an upgrade path for people upgrading sites from previous versions of Zen Cart. Even then I have personally found it much easier to simply recreate the look and feel of sites from template_default, which also results in faster loading site that will be easier to upgrade in the future as much less code is overridden (and sometimes none at all).

I can understand your comment about classic being easier to get used to, though I found that this was an initial view that quickly turned to utter frustration as I tried to push beyond very basic changes. Indeed that frustration led to the future Zen template to which Misty refers above, as I wanted to help others to avoid going through what I did, but felt that the raw state of template_default was a bit much for new users to cope with.

That said, I wouldn't recommend future Zen for you. I've long admired the stunning graphics that you use on Animestrike, but they don't lend themselves to the curves of future Zen. Instead I recommend persistence with the path down which you've already started, as you're making good progress, and if you find your frustration level rising, post a question and remember that this is normal on this learning curve.

Best of luck

P.S. I have already answered your problem about things overlapping on another thread.

If anyone wants updated Classic template, Zen Cart has it on
for download at
downloads section
Kuroi makes some good points in his post above i.e. creating your own
from template_default is rewarding/worthwhile and you end up with your
own unique design:wink2:

Hi there,

Thanks for all the help and advice :)

I decided to merge both stylesheet new and stylesheet original together and work from there since i like the table look. I think it's much neater and organised. It still has the same old look as before but will be less in byte size since i will be deleting things that no longer needed.

Once again, thanks for all the help :)

Hello again,

Got the merging done. The whole template is mostly based on the template default stylesheet but has extra codes from classic. It's works quite well and less in byte size.

I can finally start adding products now :)