I’m pleased to announce that version 1.1 of the only responsive template for Freeway has been released and is ready for download! What has changed since 1.0? By popular demand, there is now a new header module that will display the CSS navigation inline instead of replacing it with a drop-down box. Also, we’ve fixed a Google Chrome bug that would mess up the layouts, and have really cleaned up the CSS code. There are many small fixes and optimizations that we won’t bother you with, but let’s just say that 1.1 is much more usable.
Now, are you ready for the big shock? As of Freeway 6.0.8, both versions of Backdraft are master-page compatible! Softpress fixed the bug, so thanks for your many emails that were sent to Softpress!
Because many of the fundamentals have changed, the only way to update is to create a new version of your website using 1.1 as your starter template. Because of master page support, this is much easier now!
I’ve sent out emails to all existing customers with updating instructions, but if you didn’t get it, let me know!
For anyone undecided about in-line responsive sites, give Backdraft a try. I’ve been using V1.0 for a couple of weeks now. It’s also a great learning tool, as there are certainly some extra steps involved in building responsive sites. Be prepared for a failure/frustration or two, but that’s how we learn.
I’m not the ‘sharpest tool in the shed’ when it comes to anything to do with code, adding code etc, but Caleb’s excellent support and feedback have enabled/encouraged me to successfully experiment a bit.
The good news is the Master Pages. This should make the process much easier and ‘safer’.
Cheers
Paul
On 12/04/2013, at 12:42 PM, “Caleb Grove” email@hidden wrote:
Oh, I forgot to mention: you can now download a FREE demo version of Backdraft to try before you buy! Snag it at http://backdraft.onrampwebdesign.com
This looks very good and what I’m after as well, does it work with FW5.5 - I am not chaining to 6 yet as there are still so many people having problems with it.
On 12/04/2013, at 1:39 PM, Swan Photographics email@hidden wrote:
Thanks Caleb:-)
For anyone undecided about in-line responsive sites, give Backdraft a try. I’ve been using V1.0 for a couple of weeks now. It’s also a great learning tool, as there are certainly some extra steps involved in building responsive sites. Be prepared for a failure/frustration or two, but that’s how we learn.
I’m not the ‘sharpest tool in the shed’ when it comes to anything to do with code, adding code etc, but Caleb’s excellent support and feedback have enabled/encouraged me to successfully experiment a bit.
The good news is the Master Pages. This should make the process much easier and ‘safer’.
Cheers
Paul
On 12/04/2013, at 12:42 PM, “Caleb Grove” email@hidden wrote:
Oh, I forgot to mention: you can now download a FREE demo version of Backdraft to try before you buy! Snag it at http://backdraft.onrampwebdesign.com
This looks very good and what I’m after as well, does it work with FW5.5 - I am not chaining to 6 yet as there are still so many people having problems with it.
Sorry, it’s FW6 only. I, for one, have not had any issues with FW6 lately and have begun to use it for client work. Softpress has been doing an excellent job with the updates.
ok, thanks, once I’ve completed the books I’m publishing and have to create a new websites for them, I may go to 6 then try Backdraft and if all goes well I’ll change all the other sites. It looks like it is what I’ve been wanting.
On 12/04/2013, at 1:48 PM, Caleb Grove email@hidden wrote:
This looks very good and what I’m after as well, does it work with FW5.5 - I am not chaining to 6 yet as there are still so many people having problems with it.
Sorry, it’s FW6 only. I, for one, have not had any issues with FW6 lately and have begun to use it for client work. Softpress has been doing an excellent job with the updates.
Caleb, my understanding is Carousel doesn’t work with responsive websites. Have you found anything similar that does? Also, what happens with Showcase or Exhibeo when used with your template?
I have used the latest version of WOW Slider in a couple of responsve projects. It is responsive and behaves nicely, scaling as it resizes.
It may not be what you are looking for, but it is worth bearing in mind that it is something you can add to your responsive arsenal.
Always keen to hear what others are using in their responsive sites.
I’m just reading Ethan Marcotte’s ‘Responsive Web Design’. Well written and humerous.
I bought the set of books from A List Apart and am slowly working my way through them.
Re: the CSS Menus, I’ve challenged myself to write the menu myself on my current project, changing it into a drop down on smaller screens. I’m determind not to have duplicate code in the page this time so I’ve just added a list using Walters Crowbar action and am styling it with my own style sheet.
You can always use css menus to create the look of your menu, publish the site then copy the styles from the page and add then to your own stylesheet (or header) manually. Then re-add the customised html list (produced by the action) back into your page as code. You can then use media queries to adapt the menu as the page changes.
It might seem a lot of work, but it’s the easiest way to learn how this stuff happens.
Caleb, I purchased your excellent template and I can recommend it to anyone who wants to see a great example of crowbarring FW into create a convincing responsive layout. It is also a great tool for making responsive site layouts with just cut and paste and was a great idea.
And no I am not a personal friend or on commission. This really is a great tool.
Caleb, my understanding is Carousel doesn’t work with responsive websites. Have you found anything similar that does? Also, what happens with Showcase or Exhibeo when used with your template?
You are right about Carousel. It requires a fixed pixel “window” to work, which obviously isn’t compatible with Backdraft. The best alternative out there at this time is WOWslider.
With the exception of the “Slide” theme, Exhibeo outputs responsive-friendly galleries that work splendidly.
Also, what about CSS drop down menus?
The CSS menu is what Backdraft uses for the header modules, and it is very sub-menu friendly. It only took a little bit of additional CSS to make it responsive. Unfortunately, I’m away from my work computer (and will be until the 29th), so I can’t suppy you with and example right now.
It might seem a lot of work, but it’s the easiest way to learn how this stuff happens.
Thanks for the insight Alan! I completely agree. Sometimes you have to accept a slower workflow in order to grow. The first step is always the hardest, so start small! Try and make a 2 column flexible-width layout, then attempt to write the CSS that makes it change at a certain breakpoint. It’s much easier than it appears.
Thanks Glynster for your compliment! I really look forward to seeing your websites.
I will be out of touch (for the most part) until the 29th, so take care!
Hi Caleb,
Part of the Backdraft 1.1 zip is the Navigation Popup Default action but not the above mentioned auto-clearfix action. Is it no longer required?
Best,
Ace
This is what you are looking for: Auto Clearfix - ActionsForge. At the release of 1.1, this marvelous action didn’t exist, so it was not baked in to the template. It’s a no-think action, so if you are having weird display issues apply it to each page of your Backdraft website and let it do it’s thing.
Caleb, when will Backdraft 1.2 be out and what new features are you thinking about adding?
Soonish! The next version of Backdraft is currently in closed beta. I’m afraid that I can’t hint at the features, as I don’t want to promise something that ends up not making the cut due to bugs. I know, I hate it when developers answer my questions this way too, but I’ve been bitten in the past for over-promising.
However, I do need help from Backdraft users to make it better.
I keep getting emails from my customers asking why they didn’t receive an update email, so I should mention this. This thread is from April 2013, and the next version of Backdraft has not been released yet. When it is released, I’ll email everyone their new download links and create a new thread here on Freewaytalk.
