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Tweaking the Template

When you install a Joomla template, it comes with some images that usually look pretty good, but they don't include the name of your business, pictures of your building or your phone number... you knew all of this -- but we still figured that was a good way to start.

The next step: Replace the off-the-shelf images with ones that match your vision of you. If you want us to do this, here's how it works.

You Supply the Images

Why? Because you know what you want. If you want to send us a few images you found in Google, that's fine, but it might be a copyright violation to use them in your site without permission. Might want to check into that.

There are lots of royalty free images out there. For background or fillers, that's what we always recommend. If you're doing something high end, then find what you like and purchase it.

Getting Images to Us

We will give you an FTP address where you can send them. If this is for your own site, then upload them to the directory of your choosing. Do not email them to us because the person you send to is likely not the person doing the work.

If you put 100 images into one directory, that's fine, just make sure your specification file(s) refer to the ones you want to use.

The Specification File

Each request for template tweaking must include one txt file for each image needed. The file name should match the file name that's to be created. eg., If you want a header image called redball.jpg then the spec file should be redball.txt.

The txt file should contain the following information. (The order isn't important) 

Image width
Image height
Format (type of file)
Text (what words should appear)
Reference to Images

Here's an example of a specification file: 

W=400
H=100
F=JPG
Text=Acme Building Supply
(bold font, something beefy but not too big)

Refs:
image1.jpg (use this for the background)
image2.jpg
image8.jpg

This would mean you want an 400x100 JPG with the words Acme Building Supply on it. Reference images are image1,2 and 8. (located in the same directory)

Ideally, you should mock-up your vision IF you have one or if you are PICKY. (Sorry, but you know if you are) Here's the most simple mock-up that ANYONE can do:

Inside the .txt file you would make a note at the bottom that would give the graphic designer any info that's important to you. e.g., See my idea of the layout (sample.jpg) Note that I want the font to be blah blah and the background should using blah blah.

DO NOT give too much info unless you are a graphic designer -- because the person doing the work will likely know what looks better than you do. (They will, by default, match whatever theme your site already has.)

All graphic tweaks are interative and may require a few revisions. Expect that. It's normal. You are welcome to go with as many revisions as you feel are needed. Never feel like you will hurt the feelings of the person doing the work. We're here to help you create whatever it that you feel will best represent you.

It's ok to be picky! :)

Steps in a CMS conversion
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An Example

If you're not sure what all this means, here's a directory that was used to create a header. It contains one spec file (a .txt file) and the image that resulted from it.
{example}