Is it possible to have a range of column numbers across a site?

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I'm building a site that is largely based on a one column layout. Out of 8 pages, 7 have one content column. It's a basic design. However, I want to know if it is possible to add another column or two to the home page. I know how to do this in a static site (just code a separate html page) but I don't know how to do it on a PHP based CMS.

I'm confused because I'm using default.php as the framework for the entire site. If I make any changes t this (add columns, change dimensions, whatever) it will impact the 7 other pages.

I'm new to this, so apologies if it is a stupid question.

The site in question ishttp://www.tirzah.ie/concrete5

 
jordanlev replied on at Permalink Best Answer Reply
jordanlev
Not a stupid question at all! This is a very common situation, and Concrete5 has something called "Page Types" which you use to deal with this. Here's what you do:

1) Copy your "default.php" file and rename it to something else, for example "two_columns.php".

2) Make your modifications to that two_columns.php file

3) Log into your site and go to Dashboard -> Pages and Themes, then click the "Inspect" button next to your active theme -- you should see the new "page type" you created with that new file, and it should have a box checked next to it. Click the button in the lower-right of the screen (I can't remember what it's called off the top of my head, probably something like "Install Page Types").

4) Now when someone adds a new page to the site, they should see this new page type available to choose. When they do, they'll get the different layout for this page.

Good luck!

-Jordan
Squibs replied on at Permalink Reply
Thanks Jordan.

I'm wondering would it be wise to create a new css file for this new page or just add code to my "main.css" file?
jordanlev replied on at Permalink Reply
jordanlev
Generally you would just use the same CSS file for all page types (because even if some parts of the page are different, a lot of it should be the same to maintain a consistent "theme" across all pages of your site, so it doesn't make sense to duplicate those common layout and style rules).