Blogging Help @ UVM

Configuring StyleCatcher

Before we begin, we need to configure StyleCatcher to use the appropriate paths when it downloads and displays themes. To do this:

1. Log into your blog admin space. After logging in, click on the "Plugins" link from the menu on the right.
2. to the right of where the "StyleCatcher" plugin is described, click the "Show Settings" link.
3. Set the Theme Root URL to /mt/mt-static/themes/
4. Click "Save Changes".

The plugin should now be ready. Next we need to go set up your blog.

"Freshening" up your template files

If you got your blog before January of this year or have modified your template files, then you may need to reset your templates. This isn't necessarily a requirement, but I've found during my tests that things go smoothly with clean templates. Your mileage may vary.

Doing this makes backup copies of your templates and replaces the current files with the default files that come with MT 3.2. So if there are customizations that you would like to preserve, you'll have to go back in after and re-edit your templates.

To refresh your templates:

1. Log into your blog's admin space and proceed to the blog you are refreshing.
2. Click on the "Templates" button from the menu on the left.
3. Select all the Templates by checking the box next to "Template Name" at the top of the list of template files.
4. From the dropdown box labeled "More actions..." (located above and to the right of the list of template files), select "Refresh Templates", and hit "Go".

Using the plugin

Now it's time for the fun part.

1. If you're not already there, log into your blog's administrative interface, and proceed to the templates area of the blog you would like to style.
2. Scroll down to below the list of templates, and click on the "Select a Design using StyleCatcher" link.
3. Click on the "Find Style" button to browse the style library.
4. Pick a design by clicking on one of the squares.
5. Click the "Choose This Design" button.
6. Return to the templates area and rebuild your blog.

Now when you go look at your blog (remember to reload your browser if it looks odd or hasn't seemed to change), you should see the style you picked out.