[Pro] New at it.

Freeway
#1

Hi everyone, I am new to web design. Been a graphic designer for print, but never got into web design. I have chosen Freeway Pro as my software of choice. In the past, I have had friends that would do the web stuff for me and I would pay them. Now I need to learn it myself. I am working on a site called atnocost.com. I have built a week site and put it up as a guide to what it needs to do. But its very 2000ish… need to bring it up to date. I liked and downloaded the template “Second Sight” and wanted to use it as a way to bring the site more current. I think I jumped in over my head. I can’t seem to get anything to work right. Is there someone out there that can give a guy a break and explain why standard drag and drop stuff is driving this layout crazy?

Thanks for any help.
Dr. Love

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#2

So is atnocost.com your WIP?

What are your specific problems?

I see these pages were created with Pro 5.4.2 - are staying with V5 (there is an update to 5.4.3 if you are)?

If you can tell us a bit more about your issues we can offer some advice.

David

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#3

I know its boring (and uses precious time) but you’re best starting with the tutorials before diving in to edit a template. Have a look at these first:

http://www.softpress.com/help/tutorials/

Then read through the manuals here: http://download.softpress.com/downloads/Using_Freeway_2013.pdf?_ga=1.17866041.1481128144.1380795306

And download the simple tutorial media files: http://download.softpress.com/downloads/Tutorial_media_final.zip?_ga=1.207859218.1481128144.1380795306

I know its a drag but its time well spent.

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#4

What you could do is slightly seek this list for expressions like “inflow construction” or “box-in-box model (aka Box-Model)”.
I’m used to call this relative positioned DIVs.

It is a matter of fact, that there are in total two (no - three) different methods to place a DIV (HTML item):

Absolute, Relative (and Fixed as a special absolute positioned one).

Absolute is drag’n drop - easy to use but limited.

“Relative positioning” is “double click into workspace or item so you see the flushing cursor” and “insert” HTML-item from menu context. This method offers a way wider range of opportunities (to be honest nearby all), requires a strategy and plan, though. And exactly your chosen template is “relative constructed” - that’s what 99% of the web is doing today.

There are some instructions out there (even for free). The way I do stuff is unfortunately not free, so I neither recommend it or declare it as the holy grail.

Feel free to seek my page for further infos:

http://www.kimmich-digitalmedia.com

Freeway is GREAT doing Box-in-Box Model, the door is an entrance portal - just do it - you won’t regret it (and if you really plan to do client projects - you can’t go without anyway)

Cheers

Thomas

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#5

I have looked at some of the tutorials and can edit and work with the older temps . But this “Second Sight” one is on version 6. I downloaded the 30 day trial to see if it was something I wanted to pursue but after playing with the “Second Sight” templet I am not sure I want to move up. But it is the style that I am attracted to. I will look over the manuals. Thanks Neal

DeltaDave, Yes I did it in 5.42 and it works fine. I was able to do everything in that version without the layout going nuts on me. When I tried to change the Large photos in the slide show thingy it put a grey box over everything or extends the layout way passed the bottom of where I thing the page is at. I am sure there is a very simple explanation to what it is doing, but I am just to new at this to know the terminology to explain it. I created the site that is up in about 3 hrs using the old version of the software. I have spent about 12 hrs in the new software and can’t even get it to preview in a browser without a warning.

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#6

I have spent about 12 hrs in the new software and can’t even get it to preview in a browser without a warning.

And if you share that warning with us we can point you in the correct direction.

My point was that there were bug fixes in the 5.4.3 update that should be applied if you are going to continue to use V5

I am not familiar with the Second Sight template - does it use the RPL (Relative Page Layout) action - if so you really need to read up on its use and possible issues.

David

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#7

David,

Second Sight is one of those new templates that are entirely built on position:relative; (as already mentioned above):

http://template.softpress.com/secondsight/?_ga=1.56635882.1730318123.1382971721

Cheers

Thomas

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#8

I see Thomas - thats why I wasn’t aware of it at $25

D

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#9

Personally, I think that template is a little troublesome to start with - it doesn’t play great when the browser window is reduced in size and I certainly wouldn’t be happy giving that to a client in its current form. Just my two pence worth…

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#10

Thanks Everyone that got me the answer,Relative Page Layout. I will go read up on it and see of I can fix the darn page to do what I need it to do. I know right, 25 bucks and its not even useable.

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#11

… and while I’m permanently ignored once again:

This construction DOESN’T use any Relative Page Layout Action blabla - the items are positioned relative and therefor no action required.

Cheers

Thomas

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#12

Thanks Thomas, sorry not ignoring anyone just over my head most of the time.

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#13

OK - Dennis.

Do the following, just as a test:

New blank page.

  1. Choose from menu Insert → HTML item. Make it blue and drag it anywhere you want.

You can place this item wherever you want. It is absolute positioned and has a unique layer - right?

Conclusion:

Absolute positioning!

  1. DOUBLE-CLICK into your workspace so you see a flushing cursor (such as you would do to type text in. Choose (with this flushing cursor still blinking) Insert → HTML-item (again). Make it red. It should stick top, left.

Try to drag this item to another position. This fails? Yes, cause it doesn’t have those top, left, bottom right positioning opportunities anymore. It is “relative” to his parent item (in this case your workspace or PageDIV).

Conclusion:

Your template is built on the second method. Your basic page-orientation is set to “none”. This will mean that all items placed with METHOD 1 are “off-float”.

I am very critical if it comes to “templates” built on methods a user even can’t estimate or spell. Months ago, I called creating templates kind of masochism - cause support is required by nearby every bit and byte.

Those that started to work with my screencasts (usually) know how to handle them (so they even do not need a template in theory :slight_smile: except of some inspiration).

So using your template, start with CONTENT, not with items and stuff like images - just pure text and see how it could fit into your world.

After a bit more in theme, go on with Font styling stuff. Once you’re in, add then slightly the colors used to yours. Finally do the image stuff always “inspector” in view how they’re added.

That’s all for the moment to say.

I can’t help you further cause it’s a payed template (yours) and I’m not allowed to have it (until I purchase it).

If it is still lightyears over your head, start with something more basic.

Content IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT than any make-me-pretty orgy.

Cheers

Thomas

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#14

That’s a really good explanation Thomas, thanks for taking the time to explain it so well.

Neil.

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#15

Still a bit over my head but that does make it understandable. Your advise is what I started doing yesterday. It is working out much better than the templet. You are right that it is best used for inspiration. I am not yet a fan of 6. I like working in the old version better. Maybe after I get my wings I will like it.

Thanks
Thomas

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