CSS alterations? Also WYSIWYG for text widgets?

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    Hello:

    I just got set up with the CSS feature in WordPress.

    However, when I try to modify the CSS of our bolg (Digg theme), Dreamweaver is called to display the code. While changes can be made, there are no provisions to preview and procedures for saving the canges are not clear. The “Preview in Browser” function is not active. Additionally,only the code view is functional.

    Therefore I am kind of stuck.

    I also was wanting to put in a feature request for a WYSIWYG editor for text wigets in the sidebars. Since so many HTML tags have been deprecated, I have to search around for code to use just to get centering, font color etc. We intend to use a variety of text sizes, colors etc for text widgets.

    All in all, I really like using WordPress, I am new to it but like what I see so far. Just need to resolve a few lingering issues.

    Thanks.

    Jeff in Palmetto, FL

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • Unknown's avatar
    duto · Member ·

    Maybe you can get answers here.

  • Unknown's avatar
    timethief · Member ·

    Dreamweaver is called to display the code.

    Have you read this sticky post at the head of the forum? https://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/please-read-me-first-before-posting?replies=1

  • Unknown's avatar
    duto · Member ·

    tt, You are right. I just assume that Srqweek already upgrade css and he is trying to change the css through the dreamweaver’s assistance.

  • Unknown's avatar
    timethief · Member ·

    @srqweek
    May we please confirm with you whether or not the blog in question the one linked to your username?

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    Dear Timetheif:

    Yes, it is the one kinked to my username. The domain is srqweek.wordpress.com. it is the only one I am operating.

    Also, I think you are right about Dreamweaver being called up by default. However the disabled functions (browser previews grayed out etc) made me wonder.

    Is this the normal way to alter the CSS, or is there an online utility within the WordPress system for making actual adjustments to the CSS code. Sorry about the ignorance, I understand basic HTML and CSS, but am not an authority by any means.

    Thanks everyone for your assistance.

    Jeff in Palmetto ,FL

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    To Timethief:

    Sorry about misspelling your name in the last post.

    Also, RE: the sticky you referred to, I am aware of the terms and limitations of WordPress.com. However, the CSS alteration feature is a paid function which I have purchased. Even without purchase, you are supposed to be able to make changes to the CSS code and preview, but not publish. I cannot seem to do either when Dreamweaver is called even though I have purchased the upgrade.

    I guess that I am asking how one goes about making the CSS changes. I am under the impression that the opening of Dreamweaver is not what is supposed to happen, but I just do not know for sure.

    Thanks again for your help.

    Jeff

  • Unknown's avatar
    thesacredpath · Member ·

    @srqweek, the reason Dreamweaver can’t do the full thing with preview and such is that it does not have access to the PHP script files here. We are not allowed that access. Dreamweaver will never work well here for doing CSS.

    When customizing the CSS at wordpress.COM what you want to do is to keep “add to existing…” checked in the CSS editor window here and then add ONLY the specific selectors and ONLY the specific declarations you are editing or adding. Your CSS changes are then added to the original and override the original. Typically editing the complete CSS file and then putting the whole thing into the CSS edit window here will mess things up. CSS uses relative URLs and since your custom CSS is stored in a diffferent location from the original CSS file that means any relative URLs in the CSS would be broken. In some cases with some themes that can be a huge mess and a lot of extra work.

  • Unknown's avatar
    raincoaster · Member ·

    A shortcut I made for formatting text widgets is to simply compose them in the Visual editor as if they were draft posts. As long as you keep in mind that text widgets are as narrow as your sidebar, you can rough out a decent design this way.

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    Dear Raincoaster: Greate idea. I assume you then copy and paste the code into the test widget entry window then publish. I guess that is kind of a no brainer and a du-uh moment for me. Sometimes the obvious things are the hardest to see-for me atleast.

    Dear thesacredpath: Thanks for clearing that up. For the record, I was not deliberately using Dreamweaver. When I clicked on the Edit CSS button in the WordPress dashboard, Dreamweaver came up by itself with the CSS displayed. I was not sure if this was built into the WordPress dashboard or was being called up as a default editor by my computer. I guess it was the later.

    Anyhow, thanks for the clarification. I will try that.

    Regards.

    Jeff

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    Sorry to all about my typos. I do not see a spell check utility in this forum. Spelling and proofreading are my weaknesses. I will try to be more careful in the future.

    Jeff

  • Unknown's avatar
    thesacredpath · Member ·

    It was likely just being called up by your computer. Mine does the same thing.

  • Unknown's avatar
    srqweek · Member ·

    Hello thesacredpath:

    When I went back to the CSS Editor to follow your instructions, I noticed that the “add to” was selcted by default.

    I clicked on the “View original stylesheet” link and this is when Dreamweaver comes up. I see no other options for accessing the CSS. Is there another way to access the CSS so it can be modified?

    I am afraid that I am stuck

    Thanks.

    Jeff

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