Mobile Friendly

[Johnnycopilot]

Please tell me if this will work. Install new Zen Cart with a mobile-friendly Zen Template into a {new} folder in my main directory, and use my current Database as the Database for that new template. Then put code on my current site {in hedder text?} to re-direct small-device traffic to that other site with mobile template. Is that how it's done? Will that work? (I have Zen 1.5.0 ... will I have to upgrade to 1.5.4 if my new mobile-friendly version is to share the same database (assuming I use 1.5.4 on my new mobile version)?

[gilby]

Please tell me if this will work. Install new Zen Cart with a mobile-friendly Zen Template into a {new} folder in my main directory, and use my current Database as the Database for that new template. Then put code on my current site {in hedder text?} to re-direct small-device traffic to that other site with mobile template. Is that how it's done? Will that work? (I have Zen 1.5.0 ... will I have to upgrade to 1.5.4 if my new mobile-friendly version is to share the same database (assuming I use 1.5.4 on my new mobile version)?

I personally hate it when sites force you to a "mobile" site.

imo: Much better to have a "responsive" site instead

[Johnnycopilot]

I personally hate it when sites force you to a "mobile" site.

imo: Much better to have a "responsive" site instead

I don't like it when that happens either, but making my site mobile responsive isn't an option for me at this time. Perhaps in the near future I can make my site responsive, but I need to do this now. Do you know if the way I was thinking about doing it will work? Thanks :)

[jeking]

Please tell me if this will work. Install new Zen Cart with a mobile-friendly Zen Template into a {new} folder in my main directory, and use my current Database as the Database for that new template. Then put code on my current site {in hedder text?} to re-direct small-device traffic to that other site with mobile template. Is that how it's done? Will that work? (I have Zen 1.5.0 ... will I have to upgrade to 1.5.4 if my new mobile-friendly version is to share the same database (assuming I use 1.5.4 on my new mobile version)?

This is not generally how it's done, no. A 'mobile-friendly Zen Template', ie a responsive template is all you need. Install the new template on your current site, make the necessary edits to carry over any customization made to your current template into the new one. Done.

Now your single Zen Cart installation will work on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

[Johnnycopilot]

This is not generally how it's done, no. A 'mobile-friendly Zen Template', ie a responsive template is all you need. Install the new template on your current site, make the necessary edits to carry over any customization made to your current template into the new one. Done.

Now your single Zen Cart installation will work on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

Thanks, I understand exactly what you are saying, and why you are saying it, but at the same time I'm slightly confused. What's going on when I go to a website on my mobile device, and when I type in anywebsite.com , my phone is redirected to m.anywebsite.com? I don't want to change my website (for home computers) if I don't have to. I have worked many hours to get it like I want. I mean, how are the other sites doing that? Thanks!!

[jeking]

Thanks, I understand exactly what you are saying, and why you are saying it, but at the same time I'm slightly confused. What's going on when I go to a website on my mobile device, and when I type in anywebsite.com , my phone is redirected to m.anywebsite.com? I don't want to change my website (for home computers) if I don't have to. I have worked many hours to get it like I want. I mean, how are the other sites doing that? Thanks!!

There are a few different ways your site may be redirecting mobile devices to m.anywebsite.com You'll need to figure out what method your site is using and disable it. A responsive template does not redirect to a different url. Start with the author of your mobile template. They should be able to tell you how they set-up for the redirect to occur.

[Johnnycopilot]

There are a few different ways your site may be redirecting mobile devices to m.anywebsite.com You'll need to figure out what method your site is using and disable it. A responsive template does not redirect to a different url. Start with the author of your mobile template. They should be able to tell you how they set-up for the redirect to occur.

Thanks. I can figure out the redirect part, I just want to know if the way I mentioned above will work. I want to know how to build a completely different mobile site; or more specifically, the best way to do it.

[jeking]

Thanks. I can figure out the redirect part, I just want to know if the way I mentioned above will work. I want to know how to build a completely different mobile site; or more specifically, the best way to do it.

a dedicated responsive template is necessary.

This is not generally how it's done, no.

As stated above, no. The 'best way' is to use a responsive template.

[Johnnycopilot]

Thanks, I really do appreciate your advice; I'm sure it's good advice, but as stated above, that's not an option for me. Anybody know how I can make a separate site (with a dedicated mobile responsive template) using my current database, but leave my current website alone? Is that possible?

[kevinmc3]

So , in summary, converting an existing 1.5.1. Zen template to a responsive theme (for mobile ready) is the recommended and easier solution , than a separate mobile template that mobile visitors are redirected to? Is the Responsive conversion fairly simple, withotu needing a complete template redesign?