Template Layout

If this question has been asked before and answered, please direct me to its location.

I want to attempt making basic css changes or html, not sure which as I'm not a coder but willing to backup a file first, then go after it. I wish to try this instead of hiring out the job. I need help, please.

I'd like to know:

• Is there an illustration/schematic of what the different areas of a template are called i.e., header/footer/right module or position; so that I can locate the file to make changes?

I wish to increase the size of the header for my logo.

I wish to change the colours. I made a change to something and noted the tags are a different colour. *giggle* Not quite what I was after but I like the colour. I wish to change the overall template background colour on ALL pages, perhaps use an image. Things like this.

Where are the files? I see in Admin Panel the CSS for lots but what I wish to know is there a post in the forum which identifies and explains what these are and what they do? Some are no doubt self-explanatory but I'd like to change them on a trial basis with a backup copy before doing it in Admin Panel.

If this doesn't make sense, it proves I need the help. Thanks! *smile*

Cheers!

Best regards,

Jhazzzi

Well, im not a coder and using simple methods i changed the basic template uni into a more colourful design.

The files you are aiming for can be found on your server

templates>tpl_uni>images...

the files that you can change safely (but please back them up first) are things like head_cuttings or body_background to change the basic colouring. you will need something like paintshop or photoshop though to make yourself replacement grafics that are in the files already, if you look at the original files you will see what you are aiming for.

You can also right click on the various pages and choose "View Source". That will show you the html for that page and it can help to identify the style sheets, along with the names and locations of other elements (such as images, div names, etc). 

It would be nice if there were a templating guide, but I don't know of one. I don't think anyone will make one anytime soon either - since Dolphin 7 is due out in the next couple of months and a lot of things are changing.

You can edit the logo background & the height of that area by editing the file below...

./templates/tmpl_uni/general.css

Look for the entry called  ".topBlock"

It is set to 73px height. Change that to whatever you require and that should help you out!  =D

Tyke,

Thank you. And I agree you've done very nice things to your site. I visited it. I almost sent you an IM because you responded quickly to another post with multiple questions. I thought that was kind.

I will attempt what you've suggested and see how it goes. I sincerely appreciate the quick response.

I have Gimp and will play around with it.

RuralMn,

Thanks! This is what I've been after! I also used the "view page source" and Firebug "inspect element" .  It becomes overwhelming with Dolphin. I'm pretty good using it with Joomla.

I sincerely appreciate the quick reply and help. I'm rather bothered by explaining my newbie/illiterate status, which should be obvious but not everyone has patience for us. *grin* Thanks for the guidance. :)

Be well,

Jhazzzi