Creating Custom Template

[maca2004]

Hi, bought the book read the faqs and am still having trouble creating a custom template. I've followed it to the letter in the faq section and all it does is mess up the formatting and colours.

I've called the custom template 'custom' and have selected it the admin panel. I've edited the file meta_tags.php to change the web site header from Zen Cart! The Art of Ecommerce but to no avail.

I must be missing something as the source code Zencart logo in the header is showing it is in the template_default and not custom.

The website is http://www.redjewellerybox.com

Any help would be greatly received as I am about to burn the bloody book.

Thanks in advance.

[afo]

First of all, the template in use is "rjb", not "custom", so if you're making changes to "custom", you won't see them.

This list is a bit outdated, but it'll give you a general idea of files you might want to tinker with when creating a custom template.

• includes/languages/YOUR_TEMPLATE/english.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/index.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/meta_tags.php
• includes/languages/english/YOUR_TEMPLATE/header.php (to change the logo)
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/template_info.php
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/common/tpl_header.php
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/common/tpl_footer.php
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/images/logo.gif
• includes/templates/YOUR_TEMPLATE/css/stylesheet.css

[maca2004]

Hi thanks for the prompt response. Kinda of getting there. In a nutshell the advice in the faqs is not comprehensive enough (sorry). It only tells half the story in creating a custom template.

The sylesheet even though copied to the custom template and the template.info updated was not being read - hence all the formatting was lost.

I uploaded a new stylesheet and everything was okay. I'm still battling away though. The stylesheet I was using which turned the classic green into red I've now lost but heyho.

I deleted the custom template and created a new one called rjb.

Neil

[maca2004]

Okay this is how I see it as a new zen carter hopefully these words of wisdom will be useful to someone else.

Firstly BUY the book (let's face it the money your saving it should be a no brainer) it truly is a godsend.

You will need a basic undertstanding of FTP (I'm using Core FTP, whilst not brilliant it is free).

You will need a basic understanding of html and how to edit the files using a text editor or something like Dreamweaver (or Nvu which is free). And to a lesser of extent css files and more importantly what they do.

If you don't you will struggle to customise zen cart so save your self hours of frustration and pay a zen cart developer. Try ebay it doen't cost a lot and you can get the colours and logos you require.

Use a zencart recommend web host as they will simply set the site up for you (save you messing).

You will need to get your head round the template override system.

Here's my understanding in not too technical terms (use the book and use and abuse the FAQ section).

Firsty there is the template_default (in templates) and english (in languages), which you don't need to mess with. People talk about creating a 'custom' template but there is already one installed.

This is called Classic Contemporary Green in the admin section of your site.

This is found in the ftp bit under templates as the folder Classic and in the language bit as folder Classic.

In effect this is your custom template and so there is no real need to create one.

Any changes you have to make make to these folders and not the template_default. This may mean copying files you need to edit into these folders before editing them.

Upload templates (css files) spend a good few hours playing to the point of destruction (you can always replace these files if you download zen cart from the main site). Free templates can be found in the download section on zen cart.

To change to the template you have uploaded go to the admin section and in tools select Template Selection and choose your template.

You must also reset Layout Boxes Controller in the tools section otherwise your boxes will be missing.

I hope this provides a modicum of help to someone.

Thanks MAca2004

[maca2004]

All of the above said I can not get the template override system to work. I am trying to change the header from Zen Cart! The Art of Ecommerce to my Store Name. I've copied the file meta_tags.php and changed the appropriate lines to my custom template folder, which I have called red.

Alas, it does not work - any advice greatly received.

Another curious thing - I've uploaded my logo to the images file in my custom template as a jpeg but Zen Cart still uses the logo.gif from the template_default images file. If I upload my image as a .gif no problem and zen cart uses it - why?

Cheers.

[maca2004]

Figured the logo bit out. You have to change the filename in the languages folder file header.php. You will notice that it says logo.gif change to logo.jpg and your Jpeg logo will load instead of the gif.

[TShooters]

If you're making changes to the Classic Green template, on upgrade
all your changes will be lost. You can create a custom template by copying
the folders/files from Classic Green to your custom template, and editing
the template_info.php file to rename to your custom template name.

Maybe this tutorial will help you visualize where you can place a custom
template folder, or there's a downloadable one in Downloads/Other Modules.

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=143

[maca2004]

Thanks for the warning about the Classic Contemporary Green template 'cos nothing I've read made that clear.

I have created (or downloaded the Classic Contemporary Red template and created the folders 'red' in the languages and template section. Zen cart seems to be reading the stylesheet.css as the cart is now red.

However, if I copy any other file to my custom folder and edit it these edits are ignored. Zencart keeps reading the filed from the template_default. I must be extremely thick (no comments please) or I'm missing something blindingly obvious.

Why can't you edit the files from the template_default, which works perfectly and then back them up. For future upgrades you can then re-load these files after comparing them with the new files and making the necessary changes?

Hope you can help.

Thanks.

[TShooters]

Once you've activated your custom template in Admin, the changes you make (to copies of original files) need to go in custom template folders (named exactly the same as the template you've activated). Zen Cart is now looking for your custom template files. If your template file is named classic_comtempory_red, your custom folders should be named the same.

Look at the chart referenced above, and the light bulb come on.

Example:
I want to rename Shipping to Shipping & Returns, so I copy includes/languages/english.php to my hard drive. After I customize it, I'll upload it to the server to includes/languages/classic_contemporary_red/english.php

Hope this helps!

[maca2004]

TShooters your a god dam genius and I'm not going to let anyone say anything bad against you. After much messing I could not see the woods from the trees.

Many thanks fro your help. To clarify use the file structure (print it and read it carefully) follow it and it works.

Maca