Override Troubles - I can't get my new template to show the changes

Hello, this is my first (new) post. I followed some HowTo's on here and I cannot get my site to change to them using the override method.

I've copied the template_default files (all of them) into my "custom folder" they copy fine. So, I wanted to change the color of the background to black by going into the stylesheet.css in my custom folder, just to try it out.

BUT...

The site stays the same color, the only time the background will change is if I go into Templates folder and change the stylesheet.css in there.

I thought, using this override method will recognize the changes I've made, without me changing the original folder files?

Can someone tell me what I am doing differently to why it's not working please?

thanks.

Well, I have tried and tried, pretty tough stuff this Zen Cart Override!

I made my customer folder includes/templates/XXXXX/ at the rigth level.

Wanted to change the "background colour" to "000000" from the default colour.

Copied just the: stylesheet.css file first into /XXXXX/css/stylesheet.css location and .... NOTHING:clap:

So, I tried to take the whole "lot" as Harry Potter would say and copy all the template_default files into my so called Over Ride location /XXXXX and changed the "stylesheet.css" in there and .... :clap: NOTHING changes!!

I give up... pretty tough for me to play with. I have copied a few posts. Such as:

How the template override system works
Template overrides
For example, if you want to modify the CSS for your store, you will copy the file includes/templates/template_default/css/stylesheet.css to includes/templates/your_custom_template/css/stylesheet.css, and modify this copy.

The Override System really simplified

Wherever you see a folder named "classic" you can safely add your own /CUSTOM folder.

includes
languages
classic
CUSTOM
english
classic
CUSTOM
extra_definitions
classic
CUSTOM
html_includes
classic
CUSTOM
images
modules
order_total
classic
CUSTOM
payment
classic
CUSTOM
shipping
classic
CUSTOM
modules
classic
CUSTOM
debug_blocks
order_total
pages
payment
shipping
sideboxes
classic
CUSTOM
templates
classic
CUSTOM
template_default

Replace CUSTOM with your own folder name.

An easy to install your Override System is to use this contribution
Custom template base file structure

Remember: only put files that you edit/change into your CUSTOM folder.

NOTHING seemed to work :clap:

Did you edit your customized template_info.php file?
And after doing that, did you select your new template in Admin->Tools->Template Select?

FAQ: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=142

Something to remember when switching to your custom Template for the first time.

Admin > Tools > Layout Boxes Controller - click the 'reset' button at page bottom

This will update your database to use your custom Template with correct settings.

Also, you should only copy directories / files from the "template_default" directory if you are going to edit / change them. If not then no need to copy them anywhere.

Hi guys! I've just read the part where I go now into my Admin and have to select the "custom template".

Not to be a rude dude but I kind of wish that one tip on the templates override included that info!!

I am about to choose my custom site.

I guess I was thinking, once a person changes the code in the custom it should right then and there change it, as if one was making the changes to the template_default folder.

Hey, at least I understand what and why it did not go. and I thank you guys for the replies. Thanks much:clap:

Thanks Website Rob, The rest answered my next question! I am wondering though why this template is as wide as the screen when the "classic green is not"!!?? Or is there something I might have done again?

I will tweak it to get it to the width I like but I just never saw this template have pink on one side and green on the other sidebox?:shocking:

Zook25:

I am wondering though why this template is as wide as the screen when the "classic green is not"!!?? Or is there something I might have done again?

I will tweak it to get it to the width I like but I just never saw this template have pink on one side and green on the other sidebox?
LOL ... that's the layout that comes from the stylesheet.css in the template_default folder.
If you use the stylesheet.css from the classic folder it'll be a little more friendly.

The bizarre colors are actually used for internal testing and proof-of-concept to show off how much individual sections can actually be controlled separately by the stylesheet.

Before you get too far along, I'd suggest copying the classic stylesheet.css into your custom template since it's a little easier to work from. You can stick with what you've got ... no harm done ... but classic just might feel a little more intuitive as a base to start from.

Oh, gosh, okay. What I will do it start all over, I was having a heck of a time with it LOL! I was trying to find my notes that I compiled to do the OverRide correctly and they are missing so, what I will do is start from scratch and copy the stylesheet.css from the Classic location.

Wish me luck. I will leave changing the banner til' the end, I am trying to get the colors of silver, black, orange or yellow and maybe red into the site.

Thank you Dr. Byte for the great posts and such, I will compile as much info. with out bothering you guys too much for some help if possible!

:yes:

Overtop of this I had a good page going and somehow I ended up copying the template_default back into my Custom/ folder and it put the "template)default" template back up!!! Practice practice, lots of work though.

I am wondering if I can cut and paste my Custom.css page into Notepad for keepsake in case I ruin my Custom page again, then just paste it back in, will this work?

Thank you Dr. Byte and Website...:yes:

I think your confusion is that when you first install Zen Cart you are seeing the "custom" template. What I ususlly do is copy the custom template folders to my new template name. I then edit those files. I only copy files from the default template folder as needed. That way I know that if a file is not in my custom template folder, then it is not modified.

This will make upgrading a lot easier because you will know which files were changed for your template.

Ya. I read somewhere to just put my Custom name at the same level if I am to make changes and just copy that file to the custom folder from the classic folder. Dr. Byte says getting the folders from classic is easier to understand or manipulate than the ones in template default, meaning in your homepage template, because it shows all the things that can be changed on it, and the classic just is basic green etc...

Yes. I think I am using the Classic sheet now!! LOL.