Texty

Layout Flexibility

For every article, no matter which section, a variety of layouts is possible. It can look like a restful blog or a busy magazine if you like. This is done by using the custom fields which can be found under Advanced Options on the Write page.This page outlines the features of the Texty template for Textpattern

• Default 3 column layout. The Accessibility Statement is an example of this. It uses the metadesc and metakeyw custom fields for meta description and keywords which will be put in the head of the page. They won't affect the layout at all. It is recommended you use these fields as they help Google index.
• Default 3 column layout with extras. By using the headlines, topspot, lside1, lside2, two3col, rside1, rside2 or twocol custom fields you will see the text (or image) appear at the top or down the sides of the page. Use any number of these together. Check out the front page Advanced Options to see how headlines and the topspot are used. The Texty demo site shows more examples of how custom fields can be used. There's the Texty Full Article Template and other article templates.
• Two column layout. Simply put 'yes' in the twocol custom field and you will see a two column layout. The First Post article is an example.
• Two column layout with extras. Simply put something in the left side custom fields. Use the headlines too if you wish.
• Two 3 column layout. Simply put 'yes' in the two3col custom field and you will see a layout that is sort of two but also sort of three columns. This page is an example but with added custom fields used.
• Two 3 column layout with extras. You can use all the custom fields if you wish.

Headline Options

You need to wrap your headline text with h1 tags like so: <h1>your headline</h1>. You can also do things like so: <h1><span>your</span> <var>headline</var></h1>. Use these tags to get these results:Various headline options are available via the headlines custom field

• strong - gives pink text
• span - gives blue text
• var - gives slanted blue text
• no tag - gives purple text
• em - gives slanted purple text

Note that headlines grab the reader's attention and used wisely can be a strong promotional tool.

Top Spot Magnet

The eye is drawn to the topspot (front page top right below the search) so use it to link to or say something important within 4 lines maximum.

Side Bar Snippets

The side bar custom fields are set at fixed distances from the top, so you may want to select just one or two that fit well. If you type straight in these, your text will be wrapped in p tags. You can put photos in there or whatever you fancy that isn't too wide.

There is also another simple way to put things in the right sidebar. By putting your text, or an image, in a span with the class 'pullout' and including this within a paragraph, it will appear aligned with the top of the paragraph. To put your pull-quote or call-out in the left sidebar, just use class="pulloutleft" instead. (Don't expect perfection with Internet Explorer)This pullout uses another method. View the source to see how easy it is

Personalising Graphics

No graphics are used in the Texty design and the colours can be turned off with the style switcher. Although this still leaves a fully-functioning web site, it also effectively leaves you with a blank canvas on which you can paint your dreams. Personalise to your heart's content! You can add a new colour stylesheet, change the existing colours to your choice, and use whatever graphics you want.

To see how Texty looks with a header image, I have go into the default or archive page template, look for <txp:output_form form="texty_headwrap" /> and change 'headwrap' to 'headwrap2'. There is also a short tutorial on how to add graphics to Texty. If you need further help, feel free to contact me via the 01010 website. Note that the image is for demonstration only, so please do not use it on your site.

Texty Is Accessible

The access statement outlines accessibility aids of the Texty template. You can alter it and use it for your own purposes as you wish. If, through carelessness, ignorance or will, you prevent people from using your site, you can turn away 10% of your potential visitors which is a sizable chunk if you get popular. There are also laws now that say web sites should be accessible for all.

The measures taken with this template are not difficult, so hopefully you will keep them in place. Cut down on web frustration and increase the peace!

Texty Is Usable

Texty focuses on being usable and functioning as you would wish or expect. I find myself getting lost on many sites and I don't like it, so please tell me if you get lost or have problems with Texty. It seems fine to me but, of course, I am used to it. Perhaps you will use it differently. The neat navigation, by the way, owes a lot to Johan Nilsson and his glx_hl_current plugin.Visitors want easily navigable, simple to use, fully functional web sites. They will only be impressed by the artwork or fancy features if it works!

People like stylesheet switchers for their gimmick value but not everybody has good eyes or likes reading from a dazzling white screen all day. White text on a grey background is liked by many people. The large zoom may seem too big on one monitor but just right on another. So Texty has a few options. You can easily alter the color (b and c) and the size (s and l) stylesheets to your taste.