Background and transparency issues

[Blackhat]

First, I'd like to give a thanks to the people who helped me before. I've dealt with various programs before, and I have to absolutely say that the Zen peeps are some of the best. So, here's my problem. First, I'd like to know how to make certain boxes transparent. I'm trying to create a template from scratch, because I think that might be easier for what I need. I have a nice blue and white gradient background that I'd like to incorporate into the site. PHP isn't my thing (although I'm getting better to be fair) but I know in a regular index.html page, I could link to the image and stuff. What file would I need to modify and where would I have to plant the image so it could be utilized? I have other questions (of coarse) but I'll hold off on those. One problem at a time, ya know. Thanks a ton in advanced. BH

[clydejones]

Where do you plan to use this background image?

overall background color?

Header background image?

sidebox/centerbox headers?

[Blackhat]

First, anyone who has Dr. Light as their avatar is my friend, just so you know.

Second, thanks for the quick reply, it's appreciated.

What I want to do is heavily simplify the page so it looks very similar to this...

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/pages/aboutus.html

So, we're talking about making just about everything transparent, using the blue gradient as a background, and popping our logo on top.

The other question I'd like to know is how do I create buttons for a sidebox, so they link to a specific page? I've been messing around in the layout box controller area, but seem to be getting a bit confused. I would think that I'd have to modify one of the .css files so it shows the image I want for the button and to direct it as a link when people click on it, but I'm not sure how to go about that.

Otherwise, thanks a ton.

BH

[clydejones]

Use a graphic editing program and create .png images with a transparent background. .png can be viewed correctly in most browsers (even IE7 now).

First, I'd like to know how to make certain boxes transparent.

if your talking about the sideboxes used by zen cart, this can be done in the stylesheet by making the background-color: transparent

The other question I'd like to know is how do I create buttons for a sidebox, so they link to a specific page?

I'm guessing here that you mean i.e. the privacy page, contact us etc.
See the first paragraph above for creating your buttons.
As for linking, you'd have to re-define these with your button image.
(i.e. define('BOX_INFORMATION_PRIVACY', 'privacy.png ');) the link is already created in the information box so it will now show your button and not text.

[clydejones]

Take a look at my TESTSITE to see one of these buttons in action.

[Blackhat]

I use a program called Topstyle Lite. I think it's a macromedia thing. After a ton of fooling around with the css sheet, I was able to find out how to turn backgrounds transparent, and pretty much get the effect I needed.

The boxes I needed to control transparencies for in particular were navMainSearch, navColumnOne, and navColumnTwo. I'm only saying this for reference, because I'm sure someone along the line is going to be wondering how to do the same thing.

Now I have to figure out how to create a sidebox that just has regular buttons with a particular image, and treat them as regular links. Should be fun :)

Which actually brings up a new question. If I create a new page, say an About Us page, how would I handle that with .css? I know in html I would physically create another page and just use the buttons to link the two pages, but I'm not too sure about .css'.

Thanks a ton for the advice clyde, seriously. I'm sure you've had your share of people posting wondering what to do, you help them, and never get a thanks for it. Yet, your still willing to come back and help people like me. Means a lot to us noobs, ya know.

*edit*

I see that you gave advice for creating links, just don't fully understand it. I'm gonna be messing around with it tonight, hopefully it'll come to me.

[clydejones]

Topstyle is a great program for working with CSS.

Don't try to over-complicate things too much.

There are a lot of contributions in the downloads section that can enhance your cart.

As for creating extra pages thats what EZ-pages is for or you can download the about us contribution from the downloads section.

Check in the Tutorials/FAQ section. Its loaded with great information on Zen Cart in general and customizations in particular.

Again, take a look at at my Test Site (look at the stylesheet and the source). I set this up to test out different things (some of them from questions here in the forum) to see if the work or not.

[Blackhat]

I've never dealt with EZ Pages, so I wouldn't know where to start. I've always had a habit of doing things from pretty much scratch, so I guess that's what I'm used to. I'll look through the tutorials and give it a shot. And I'll have another look at your Test Site while I'm at it.

[clydejones]

I always feel "Why re-invent the wheel". If there resources I can use then why not use them.

[laplatakid]

EZ-Pages are extremely easy to use. I've even managed to completely rid myself of the Information and More Information boxes and am using EZ-Pages instead.

Just go to Admin -> Tools -> EZ-Pages and create a new page. Then just enter the page specific info you want. You can also just link to an already existing page or an external page if you want.

You'll have to edit the text for BOX_HEADING_EZPAGES in your languages/english/custom_template/extra_definitions/ez_pages_definitions.php file to give the box the heading you want.

Jim