Building on existing html - do I have to use several templates?

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Hello,
I started using C5 with an existing template.
I am using an original two column template (left nav, right content. But some pages might require a three column layout. What is the best way to handle this? I thought of editing the existing template with another three column layout stylesheet and upload it again so it appears in the theme dialog - would that make sense?
Best would be of course if I could assign a two or three column layout when I create a new page.


Thanks!

 
Adreco replied on at Permalink Reply
Adreco
If the 3-column layout is only needed in single (or at least very few) instances, it may be easiest to use the "Layout" option when adding to the main area (i.e. "add to main" and select "layout"). This will let you subdivide the the main section you are working on into additional columns that you can manually adjust for width and add blocks to.
The marketplace also has offered an add-on (area splitter?)to split blocks to multiple columns.
If you need to use the layout regularly throughout your site, it will be a lot less aggravation in the long run to either create a new page style or switch to a similar theme that already offers it.
Sumukha replied on at Permalink Reply
Hi Adreco,
Bare with me - just starting on C5. I am not sure if I understand you right. Which Layout option are you referring to, or which steps to go?
I am not sure how to add to the main area - when I try to edit one page, the 'add to main' option only opens the editor, there is no Layout option.

Thanks!
Adreco replied on at Permalink Best Answer Reply
Adreco
No Problem.... easy to spot and use after using it once.
1) Log into site
2) Select Edit from tool bar
3) Select "Add to main" ** (when you first select this option,the drop -down will show "Add Block", followed by "Paste from Scrapbook", followed by "Add Layout", and finally followed by "Design")
4)If you then choose "Add Layout", you can then specify how many columns and rows you wish to create in the main area.
5)Once you've done that, the page view while in Edit mode will show new adjustable width columns to add blocks to.


PS.
Your title just absorbed into my thick skull... I see you're using a theme you've converted to C5 ?? I know the Add layout functions on the default themes loaded with concrete and all Marketplace themes I've used, but I've obviously not seen yours. My apologies if I'm advising you to use a feature that may be missing on your install.
Sumukha replied on at Permalink Reply
Found it, but still battling. All cells I am adding are full width, below the existing cell.
I was intrigued by the simplicity of the tutorial on how to convert a html theme...
But it looks to me that's where the tutorials end.
Is there any tutorial around that shows how to build the editable areas and page types?

Thanks!
Sumukha replied on at Permalink Reply
Figured it out. Thanks.

But I am still wondering about how to make my left nav - right content style ready to apply Page Types.
pvernaglia replied on at Permalink Reply
pvernaglia
Say you have the Default theme active.

Copy the directory /concrete/themes/default to /themes and edit the files there, never edit things under the concrete directory,

Copy left_sidebar.php to a new file, three_column.php and make the changes to it so you have your new three column layout and upload it to your /themes/default (or whatever your theme name is) directory.

Go into Dashboard - Pages and Themes - Page Types and add the new page type. Now when you add a page to the website you will be able to select the Three Column page type.
Sumukha replied on at Permalink Reply
Hi pvernaglia,
thanks for posting. I converted a standard html theme, so your post does not apply to what I am working on - yet.
I just have a nav on the left and a main block on the right.

All my files are already in the root/themes folder.

Thanks
pvernaglia replied on at Permalink Reply
pvernaglia
Disregard the part about copying the directory, make a new page type for your 3 column layout and you should be all set.
Sumukha replied on at Permalink Reply
Do you have a hint where I can find a tutorial on how to do that?

Thanks