A quick tip on customizing a Joomla! template to get you cracking...
The 1.0.xx series of Joomla! versions were much easier for Joomla! beginners to design or alter themselves. The latest versions (1.5.xx >> the coming 1.6) are more difficult.
Here's a quick way that you can get a Joomla! template that comes with your base installation personalised ready to go...
After you've installed Joomla! successfully, login to the administrator panel and select "extensions >> template manager" in the top menu. Choose the left radio button for the "Ja Purity" template, then click "default" on the top right menu. Now go to the home page of your site. All you really need to do is replace the top left site name image, turn off any sample data you may have installed, and you can start building your site content.
Here's how to replace that top Joomla! Ja Purity name image :
- The image you currently see can be found in your "images" folder in your main Joomla! directory. It is called "logo.png" and has the dimensions "208 pixels wide x 80 high"
- Create an image with your site's name using the same dimensions for the file, and save it as the same type ".png". You will need to tell your image manipulator program that your image's background is black, so that you blend with the rest of the left side of the header. Do not make a background for your image, leave it transparent.
- If you are unable to create a .png file (if your image program doesn't support this) then make it as a .jpg or .gif and using your ftp program, navigate to the following >> templates >> ja_purity >> css >> template.css - open the css file, go to this line "background: url(../images/logo.png) no-repeat;" (around line 959 in the file) and change the file name to whatever you are going to call it, example "logo.gif".
- Whether you are able to just make a .png picture or have to make another file type (and change the stylesheet reference), then you just need to place that file via ftp into your main "images" directory.
- Now go to the home page, and if you've followed the instructions correctly, a refresh should show you your new site image. (You may need to clear your browser cache if it doesn't appear)
Now start customizing your content...
